Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Research Instructor, Research Center for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Khouzestan, Iran
2 Senior Research Expert, Range Research Division, Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Blue panic (Panicum antidotale) is a perennial species with warm growing season and very limited natural distribution in southern Iran. It is considered as a main species of tall grasses in sandy rangelands. This species is succulent and nutritious at early growth stage but soon becomes woody and fibrous. Forage production is good in years of early growth and establishment but its vigor reduces over time. Due to its appropriate forage value, blue panicgrass is widely used in areas with light soils where biological soil conservation practices are needed. This research was aimed to study the response of blue panicgrass to harvest frequency and intensity and determine the appropriate intensity to increase the stability and survival of the species at Khuzestan sand stabilization station. The experiment was conducted in a split-plot design with four replications including main treatment (harvest frequency) and secondary treatment (harvest intensity) at three levels. Results showed that the third level of main treatment (harvested every 18 days) had a better impact compared to other treatments. After three years of experiment, average number of vegetative buds was 36 in superior treatment. Better stability and survival, and more vegetative buds in the successful treatment give the species more time and opportunity for repair and re-accumulation of food supply and production.
Keywords
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