Litter decomposition of Xaraés grass pasture subjected to different post-grazing residuals

Since fertilizers are used less extensively on Xaraes grass (Brachiaria brizantha cv. Xaraes) pastures in Brazil because of costs, the main route of nitrogen (N) supply to plants is through nutrient recycling via litter decomposition. One of the strategies used to maintain the supply of N to the pasture is to manipulate the grazing pressure so that the amount of recycled nutrients in the residue is sufficient to meet the pasture requirements (Jantalia et al. 2006). Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate different residual leaf area indices (RLAIs), to determine which one provides the best restoration considering the decomposition and mineralization of organic matter.