Ghasem Ali Abrsaji; Mohammad Mahdavi; Mohmmad Hasan Jouri
Volume 22, Issue 2 , August 2015, , Pages 308-318
Abstract
This research was aimed to investigate some ecological characteristics of Frankenia hirsuta in saline rangelands of Golestan Province. This region has saline soil with high underground water table, and halophytes usually grow naturally in this area. For this purpose, some factors such as soil characteristics, ...
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This research was aimed to investigate some ecological characteristics of Frankenia hirsuta in saline rangelands of Golestan Province. This region has saline soil with high underground water table, and halophytes usually grow naturally in this area. For this purpose, some factors such as soil characteristics, vegetative cover, phenology, forage quality, preference value and so forth were determined. According to the results, this species is usually distributed on silt-loam soils with an acidity of 7.7 to 7.8 and EC (Electrical Conductivity) ranged between 28.2 to 30.2 dS/m. The autumn regrowth of this species starts in October but, active vegetative growth begins at the middle of February, flowering occurs in June and seed ripening occurs in August. At vegetative growth stage, this species consists of 10.3% crude protein, which is decreased to 8.7% at flowering stage and 7.1% at seed ripening stage. In addition to the main root, this species has also lateral roots. The main root length is usually short around 5 cm but the lateral root length is about 50 cm, moving horizontally at first and then penetrates deeply. Overall, in saline rangelands of Golestan Province, this species has been distributed as patches in low lands and the places with suitable moisture and relatively less salinity. In order to protection and sustainable utilization of this species, it is suggested that the seeds of this plant be sown every few years in the prone areas. In addition, the time of enter and exit of livestock have to be chosen carefully.
Farhang Ghasryani; Mina Bayat; Afsaneh Jabarzare; Mirtaher Ghaemi
Volume 21, Issue 3 , December 2014, , Pages 507-517
Abstract
The calculation of carrying capacity and allowable use of key species is necessary for sustainable range management. Vegetation degradation and soil and water loss can be prevented in the rangeland through calculating the actual carrying capacity. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effects ...
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The calculation of carrying capacity and allowable use of key species is necessary for sustainable range management. Vegetation degradation and soil and water loss can be prevented in the rangeland through calculating the actual carrying capacity. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effects of different harvesting intensities on forage production of Puccinellia distans in saline lands of West Azarbaijan Province. Initially, an area of 0.5 hectare was selected in saline rangelands, located around the Urmia Lake and in the first year of the study excluded from grazing. Forty individuals of the studied species were selected and harvested monthly by clipper at harvesting intensities of 25%, 50%, and 75%. Ultimately, the effects of harvesting intensities on phenological characteristics, forage production, vigor and vitality and mortality of each species were investigated. According to the obtained results, increased harvesting intensity resulted in decreased vitality of the studied species. Our results clearly showed that a harvesting intensity of 50% could be recommended with the least negative effects on plant characteristics and optimal use of forage.