Leaf anatomy of Urochloa brizantha and Urochloa ruziziensis (Poaceae) plants subjected to different fertilization management practices

Brazilian agribusiness is heavily influenced by beef export. Thus, it important to evaluate the quality and growth rate of forage species used as cattle food. Given that structural organization leaf cells tissues directly related forage-plant growth, we aimed analyze foliar anatomy Urochloa brizantha U. ruziziensis subjected different fertilization management practices. Experimental design was completely randomized split-split-plots. Plots were allocated strategies, namely single split fertilizer application. Subplots two doses for carrying capacities 7 10 head per hectare (AU ha-1). Sub-subplots distributed plant ruziziensis. Three leaves collected from each treatment anatomical processing cross-sections, epidermal imprints diaphanizations. Based on a parsimonious model, showed thicker than Split application increased thickness adaxial abaxial cuticle bulliform cells. Fertilizer dose higher capacity determined blade, cells, regular homogeneous parenchyma both studied species. We concluded interfere with ruziziensis, providing enhanced yield.