ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the productive and qualitative characteristics of Brachiaria decumbens and Brachiaria ruziziensis subjected to three levels of artificial shading (0, 36 and 54%) and four nitrogen (N) doses (0; 50; 100 and 150 mg dm-3 soil), using completely randomized design with a factorial scheme 2 x 3 x 4, with three replications. The dry matter production (DMP), the number of tillers per pot, root weight and crude protein (CP) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) contents were evaluated. Both grasses responded quadractly to N, but B. ruziziensis presented greater production under the two highest N doses. The tillers density increased with N dose and was reduced under shading. The root weight increased with N dose, linearly in the... |