Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Forest & Rangeland Research Division, Yazd Agriculture and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO,Yazd, Iran.
2 Professor, Rangeland Research Division, Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands, AREEO, Tehran, Iran
3 Research Expert, Rangeland Research Division, Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands, AREEO, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Background and Objectives
The degradation of rangelands in Iran, characterized by the decline of palatable species and proliferation of invasive plants, coupled with the abandonment of rainfed agricultural lands due to reduced productivity, has significantly compromised forage production for livestock. As various species of Astragalus serve as crucial forage resources, this study evaluated the efficacy of two establishment methods - direct seeding and transplanting - for five perennial Astragalus species (A. vegetus, A. brachyodontus, A. effusus, A. cyclophyllon, and A. brevidens) at the Homand Abasard research station.
Methodology
The experiment employed a completely randomized block design with three replications for both establishment methods. Direct seeding was conducted in November 2018 using a rainfed system with specific spatial arrangements (6m rows, 0.5m between populations, 0.75m between species, and 25cm plant spacing). Transplanting followed in April 2019 with identical spacing but received two supplemental irrigations for establishment. Data collection occurred in June-July 2021 (two years post-establishment), measuring forage production, canopy cover, plant height, and seed yield. Statistical analysis included ANOVA and Duncan's multiple range test.
Results
Both establishment methods revealed significant interspecific differences (p<0.05) across all measured parameters. Direct seeding outperformed transplanting for all species, with A. effusus achieving superior forage yield (102 g/plant) and A. brevidens showing the highest seed production (14 g/plant) in this method. Transplanted specimens demonstrated reduced performance, with maximum forage (80 g/plant) and seed yields (11 g/plant) recorded for A. brevidens and A. effusus, respectively. Following A. brevidens, A. vegetus and A. effusus exhibited the most favorable overall performance.
Conclusion
Direct seeding proved more effective for Astragalus establishment under conditions of >300 mm annual rainfall with favorable distribution. However, transplanting remains viable where direct seeding is impractical due to seed shortages, poor seedbed conditions, or erratic precipitation. To ensure successful stand establishment, a two-year grazing moratorium is recommended post-planting regardless of establishment method.
Keywords
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