TAILIEUCHUNG - The effects of traditional grazing practices on upland (Yayla) rangeland vegetation and forage quality

A seminomadic animal raising system, known as “yaylacilik” in Turkish, is one of the best ways of using upland rangelands, particularly in rough terrain regions. Three rangeland sites were selected to determine the spatial effect of summer grazing distribution on botanical composition, canopy coverage, soil aggregate stability, and forage nutrient content in these range sites. | Turk J Agric For 32 (2008) 259-265 © TÜB‹TAK The Effects of Traditional Grazing Practices on Upland (Yayla) Rangeland Vegetation and Forage Quality Binali ÇOMAKLI, Mahmut DAfiCI*, Ali KOÇ Atatürk University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Agronomy, 25240 Erzurum - TURKEY Received: Abstract: A seminomadic animal raising system, known as “yaylac›l›k” in Turkish, is one of the best ways of using upland rangelands, particularly in rough terrain regions. Three rangeland sites were selected to determine the spatial effect of summer grazing distribution on botanical composition, canopy coverage, soil aggregate stability, and forage nutrient content in these range sites. On average, grass covered of the total land in site I, and , respectively, in sites II and III. Legume covered , , and , respectively, of the total land in sites I, II, and III. Other families covered , , and of each sites, respectively. Sheep fescue (Festuca ovina) was the dominate species in all sites. The canopy coverage was highest () in site II, lowest () in site III. The range condition score was , , and , respectively in sites I, II and III. The range condition and health class was at risk in site I and II, and unhealthy in site III. Compared to the other sites, soil aggregate stability was higher in site II. Crude protein content was , , and ; available K content was , , and ; Ca content was , , and ; Mg content was 2515, 2825 and 2720 ppm; available P content was 1155, 1392, and 1203 ppm, respectively, in sites I, II, and III. Current grazing management practices leads to overgrazing pressure around water resources; therefore, developing new water resources and a suitable grazing management plan are necessary to provide sustainable use of upland rangelands. Key Words: Upland rangelands, botanical composition, canopy coverage Geleneksel Otlatma .

• Nông nghiệp
• Upland rangelands
• Rangeland vegetation
• Botanical composition
• Canopy coverage
• Seminomadic animal raising system