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Role of saltbush (Atriplex Spp.) in animal production systems of Mediterranean climate

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Prospects for Saline Agriculture

Part of the book series: Tasks for vegetation science ((TAVS,volume 37))

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Abstract

The fragile ecosystem of mediterranean climate faces two major problems. Firstly, an increasing level of salinity, waterlogging, and land degradation because of destruction of natural vegetation, over-cropping and mismanagement of land resources. Secondly, inadequate and poor quality feed for grazing animals during summer and winter. To address these problems saltbush is one option. Saltbush is representative of halophytic plants which can adapt and survive in high salt and water stress conditions. Saltbush can be used to pump ground water through transpiration on salt affected lands and to control erosion in range areas where over-grazing has resulted in wind erosion or water erosion of soil. These special characteristics of saltbush qualify it to be one of the best options in rehabilitation of degraded lands in a mediterranean climate. This paper reviews the value of saltbush as an animal feed particularly during summer and autumn months when feed available from annual plants is scarce. The ability of saltbush to recover from grazing, its yield, chemical composition and nutritive value are discussed. Suggestions are also made to integrate saltbush in present animal production systems.

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  1. Animal Nutrition Institute, National Agricultural Research Centre (PARC), Park Road, Islamabad, Pakistan

    Atiq-ur-Rehman

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  1. Department of Botany, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan

    R. Ahmad

  2. Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, Islamabad, Pakistan

    K. A. Malik

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Atiq-ur-Rehman (2002). Role of saltbush (Atriplex Spp.) in animal production systems of Mediterranean climate. In: Ahmad, R., Malik, K.A. (eds) Prospects for Saline Agriculture. Tasks for vegetation science, vol 37. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-0067-2_40

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-0067-2_40

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