The purpose of this investigation was to gain information on the rate of dry matter production and nutrient absorption by the following grasses: colonião (Panicum maximum, Jacq.), gordura (Melinis minutiflora, Beauv), jaraguá (Hyparrehenia rufa, Stapf), pangola (Digitaria Decumbens, Stent) e napier (Pennisetum purpureum, Schum). The test was carried out under field conditions in pots containing fertilized soil. Every 28 days plantas were harvested and analysed N, P, K, Ca, Mg and S. Data obtained allowed for the following main conclusions: a) the initial rate of growth of the grasses is rather slow until 28 days. Napier present the highest dry matter production, followed by colonião, jaraguá, gordura and pangola. b) the maxium absorption according to the element was: K, N, Ca, P, Mg and S. c) the following amounts of element absorbed in g per 1 kg of dry matter by the plants 84 days old were: