The objective of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition of leaves of maniçoba (Manihot sp.) according to their development stage and their relationship with the soil characteristics. For this purpose, plants in their natural growth areas in the semiarid region of Paraíba State, Brazil, were sampled. Leaves of maniçoba collected in five different locations at four different development stages were harvested and characterized: expanding leaf, completely expanded leaf, leaf at the beginning of senescence and a pool (mixture of all leaves). The evaluated traits were: dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent insoluble protein, acid detergent insoluble protein, ash, lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose,... |