Possible effects of brightness restriction, obtained by different Pinnus taeda tree densities, on the production and quality of black oat (Avena strigosa Schreb) cv. Common, white oat (Avena sativa L.) cv. FAPA 2, annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L.) cv. Common, hairy vetch (Vicia villosa), wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cv. dual purpose BRS Tarumã were studied. It was evaluated three brightness levels: 1 - full sunlight with no trees; 2 - 30% of radiation restriction, using 15 × 3 m spacing between trees (222 trees/ha), and; 3 - 60% of radiation restriction, using 9 × 3 m between trees (370 trees/ha). It was performed evaluations of forage production, chemical composition and structural component of plants, water potential of the plants, soil moisture, microclimate variables and production of needles. The experimental design was completely randomized blocks, in split-plots and three replicates. Ryegrass was the most productive species at all brightness levels, although hairy vetch showed the lowest reduction on production under shading. There was higher water potential in the plants and higher soil moisture under shading, however, forage production was significantly reduced in the most intense shading (81%). Chemical composition and structural components of all studied forage species are also affected by brightness restriction increase.
chemical composition; dry mater; shading; silvopasture system
