Document Type : Research Paper
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Abstract
Studying the phenology of range species is important in determining the time for livestock entry to and exit from rangeland. This research was conducted in semi-steppe rangelands of Alamoot, Qazvin for four years during 2007 to 2010. Among 82 species, six key species were selected of which four species were grass (Dactylis glomerata, Bromus tomentellus, Festuca ovina, and Agropyron intermedium) and two were shrub (Thymus kotschyanus and Artemisia aucheri). From each species, 10 individuals were selected to study their phenology. Vegetative stage of key grasses started from the first half of May and was completed by the end of month. Flowering stage started from the last week of May and continued to the first half of June for 15-18 days, and seeding stage started from the second half of June and lasted for 10-15 days. The vegetative stage of Thymus kotschyanus started from the first half of May and was completed after 30-35 days. Flowering stage started from the second decade of June and was completed after 15-17 days. Seeding stage started from the third decade of June and lasted for 10-13 days. The vegetative stage of Artemisia aucheri began from the second half of May and was completed by the first decade of July, continuing for 45-55 days. Flowering stage started from the second decade of July and continued to the second decade of September. Seeding stage started from the early second decade of September and lasted to the end of October. According to the results of soil analysis, soil moisture is very low in the end of May, suitable for livestock entry to the rangeland. Our results clearly showed that early June was the time for livestock entry to the rangeland, and the second half of August was determined as the time for livestock exit from rangeland.
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