THE EFFECT OF HARVESTS ON THE YIELD AND QUALITY OF FORAGE OF SALT BUSH (ATRIPLEXES)

Abstract

In Pakistan there are (wo feed gaps per year. During these periods fodder from salt-bush may require frequent grazing. Such frequent grazing/cutting may effect the survival and productivity of salt-bushes. A field experiment in a salt-affected land was thus conducted to measure the effects of frequency and severity of harvesting on the productivity and forage value of two atriplex species. There were three harvesting frequencies (2, 6 and 12 month} and 2 harvesting severities (50% and 100%). These were compared in 4 replications for Atriplex amnicola and Atriplex lentiformis. Seedlings were established for one year before the commencement of harvests. More frequent harvesting of saltbush results in increased annual forage production and low ash contents. No effects of treatments were observed on N, Na and Cl concentration.