Influence of seasonal weather on the growth and productivity of Brachiaria humidicola

Abstract

This study examines the impact of seasonal climate variations on the growth and productivity of Brachiaria humidicola in Thua Thien Hue Province (renamed Hue City as of January 1, 2025), Vietnam. Field experiments assessed key growth parameters: plant height, canopy height, shoot density, and biomass yield, across two distinct seasons: the spring-summer dry season and the autumn-winter rainy season. The plant’s adaptation to waterlogging was also analyzed through morphological and physiological assessments. Results show that B. humidicola maintains high productivity across both seasons, with significantly greater biomass yields during the spring-summer period (P < 0.05). The species exhibited strong waterlogging tolerance, supported by aerenchyma formation in its roots and leaf sheaths, as well as effective oxygen release mechanisms. These traits highlight B. humidicola’s potential as a climate-resilient forage crop, capable of adapting to extreme weather patterns associated with climate change, such as prolonged flooding and seasonal droughts. These findings establish B. humidicola as a reliable forage crop for sustainable livestock production in flood-prone and drought regions, ensuring a consistent feed supply for ruminants year-round while supporting agricultural resilience in the face of changing climatic conditions.