MINERAL ASSESSMENT OF FORAGE IN MEXICAN HUMID TROPICS

In order to assess the mineral status of the components of the dual-purpose production system in the humid tropics; forage samples were taken in five ranches in the rainy, windy and dry seasons in the state of Chiapas, Mexico. The effects of species and season were considered en the statistical model. Statistical analysis was performed with the GLM procedure of SAS. There were differences (p<0.0001) between the species studied in the concentrations of all minerals analyzed. The B. humidicola presents the lowest Cu concentrations but higher concentrations of Fe. There was also effect (p<0.0001) of Season in Cu, Fe, Zn, Ca, Mg, Na, K and P concentrations. There was also the effect (p<0.0001) in interaction of Species*Season in all minerals studied.