Some Ecological Requirements and Exploitation of Seidlitzia rosmarinus in the Desert Region of Yazd Province

Document Type : Original Articles

Authors

1 Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Faculty of Range and Water Management, Islamic Azad University, Meybod, Iran

2 Department of Natural Resources Senior Research ,Yazd Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Center, Yazd, Iran

Abstract

Plants are one of the most important factors of rangeland ecosystems that have in close relation with other ecosystem factors. For the protection, restoration and stable development of these ecosystems it is necessary to recognize present relationships more and more. So, in this research some characteristics of Seidlitzia rosmarinus were studied. First, Seidlitzia rosmarinus plant types were identified in a cover map area of Yazd Province and the results of other research about this species were reviewed and collated. Results show that Seidlitzia rosmarinus is dominant in about 600000 hectares of lands located in the margin of Yazd playa. There are 10 plant types with Seidlitzia rosmarinus predominating and, out of 9 plant types, it is second or third species. The mentioned plant types are located at altitudes between 900- 1750 meters and where the average annual rainfall is lower than 100 mm. High water tables and salinity are two characteristics of this land. The flowering stage starts in early autumn and seeds ripen at the end autumn. High seed production and germination rate are useful characteristics for reproduction. This plant was consumed well by camels, so that not only in range grazing but also in hand feeding it has a suitable preference value. In order to control wilting of Seidlitzia rosmarinus, camel grazing was recommended. Furthermore, its forage can be harvest every other year and mixed with other forage for camel feeding. Sodium carbonate salt was extracted by biomass burning.

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