Main Article Content
Composition changes of <i>Atriplex nummularia </i>L. under a Mediterranean arid environment
Abstract
Old
man saltbush (A. nummularia L.) is an adapted introduced
shrub used for rangeland reclamation in Mediterranean desert
shrublands. It provides valuable fodder during the long dry
season and during drought. The objective of this study was to
determine the dry matter accumulation and chemical composition
of leaves and twigs of A. nummularia in north-eastern
Jordan. Leaves and twigs showed similar patterns in P, Ca, Ca:P
ratio, Na, K, Mg, crude protein and dry matter content on all
occasions. Leaves and twigs produced more dry matter during
the period from June to October with a peak during August. The
P content would not meet the nutritional requirements of ewes,
whereas Na, K, and Mg content was high and exceeded the maximum
amount required by sheep. Crude protein of leaves (17.7%) and
twigs (21.3%) reached maximum levels in February. The crude
protein composition of leaves and twigs dropped significantly
during the period from June to December. Fibre content of leaves
and twigs did not exceed 27.0%.
African Journal of Range & Forage Science 2003, 20(3): 253–257
man saltbush (A. nummularia L.) is an adapted introduced
shrub used for rangeland reclamation in Mediterranean desert
shrublands. It provides valuable fodder during the long dry
season and during drought. The objective of this study was to
determine the dry matter accumulation and chemical composition
of leaves and twigs of A. nummularia in north-eastern
Jordan. Leaves and twigs showed similar patterns in P, Ca, Ca:P
ratio, Na, K, Mg, crude protein and dry matter content on all
occasions. Leaves and twigs produced more dry matter during
the period from June to October with a peak during August. The
P content would not meet the nutritional requirements of ewes,
whereas Na, K, and Mg content was high and exceeded the maximum
amount required by sheep. Crude protein of leaves (17.7%) and
twigs (21.3%) reached maximum levels in February. The crude
protein composition of leaves and twigs dropped significantly
during the period from June to December. Fibre content of leaves
and twigs did not exceed 27.0%.
African Journal of Range & Forage Science 2003, 20(3): 253–257
