Influence of Supplemental Irrigation on Forage Yield and Quality of Three Range Species Under Saudi Arabia Conditions

(Suleiman bin Ali al-Khatib)

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Abstract

Three range species, Artemisia herba-alba, Atriplex halimus and Suaeda vermiculata, were used to study their potential to produce biomass under three irrigation regimes (Drip irrigation with the rate of 1000 and 2000 m3/ha/year and furrow irrigation with the rate of 8000 m3/ha/year). Randomized complete block design with four replicates was used. The main results showed that the drip irrigation with the rate of 2000 m3/ha/year surpassed the other two irrigation regimes either in yield or most of forage quality traits of the three evaluted plant species. Fodder yields of A. halimus and S. vermiculata were more than A. herba-alba under all irrigation regimes. Crude protein did not significantly differ due to irrigation regimes, while the crude fiber was negatively affected with the deficit of irrigation water, particularly in A. halimus.
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