Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
Abstract
Knowledge of preference value of rangeland species during the grazing period is essential for range management and planning. The purpose of this study was to investigate the preference value of plant species grazed by crossbreed cows during the grazing period in Tezkharab Rangeland of West Azerbaijan Province using species selection index. The data required were collected over six months of grazing season for four years to calculate the species selection index. According to the obtained results, the effects of species, grazing time and their interaction were significant on species preference value. Maximum and minimum preference values were recorded for Aeluropus littoralis (1.48, class I) and Halocenumum strobilaceum (0.14, class III), respectively. The preference value changes of the studied species were constant during the months of grazing season as well as the years. Overall, available forage of halophytes in saline rangelands of Urmia could be estimated using the data of preference value.
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