Exploring the potential forage quality of some halophytic species at different phenological stages.

BACKGROUND

One effective way to address fine dust, a significant contributor to soil erosion, is by cultivating plants with high forage quality.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study area is located in Khuzestan province, Iran. All samples were collected in spring 2023 (April 20-30). Plant species, including Atriplex leucoclada, Suaeda fruticosa, Tamarix passerinoides, and Seidlitzia rosmarinus, were sampled during three growth stages: vegetative growth, flowering, and seeding. The data analysis involved sample collection, soil sampling, laboratory measurements, and statistical analysis using ANOVA and Duncan's test to compare the forage quality of different species collected from various habitats.

RESULTS

This study aimed to evaluate the forage quality of four halophytic species at different phenological stages. Sampling was conducted using plots with three replications during three growth stages: vegetative, flowering, and seeding. The data were analyzed as a factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design, with species (Atriplex leucoclada, Suaeda fruticosa, Tamarix passerinoides, and Seidlitzia rosmarinus), growth stage, and plant organs (leaves and stems) as the factors. The highest crude protein content was found in S. fruticosa (14.4%), while S. rosmarinus exhibited the highest level of water-soluble carbohydrates (12.85%). In contrast, A. leucoclada and T. passerinoides showed the greatest dry matter digestibility and metabolic effects. The analysis revealed that the stems contained higher levels of nitrogen, crude protein, ash, water-soluble carbohydrates, neutral detergent-soluble fibers, and cell wall components lacking hemicellulose compared to the leaves. However, the leaves exhibited greater dry matter digestibility and had more significant metabolic effects than the stems.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, all four species studied demonstrated good forage quality due to their high protein content. Moreover, S. rosmarinus emerged as a superior species for foraging, while A. leucoclada and T. passerinoides were notable for their digestibility percentage and metabolic effects. S. rosmarinus may be a promising candidate for future studies aimed at mitigating fine dust.