Comparison of phenology of Artemisia aucheri in semi-steppe regions of Iran

Study of the phenology of range key species is important to regulate and apply proper management for sustainable utilization of rangeland forage. In this study، the phenological stages of Artemisia aucheri were examined as a key species at three sites of different semi-steppe regions during 2007-2010. For this purpose، in each site، 10 individuals were selected and different phenological stages were recorded in 15-day and 7-day intervals for vegetative stage and reproductive stage، respectively. In addition، meteorological data including temperature and precipitation were recorded from the nearest synoptic station for each site. Results indicated that the occurrence of phenological phenomena of Artimisia aucheriwas more affected by temperature and precipitation indices of the growing season. According to the obtained results، the start and end of grazing were determined as early May to late October for Shirkooh (Yazd province)، late May and early June to mid-July for Anjadan (Markazi province)، and second half of May to mid September for Alamoot (Ghazvin province). Consequently، a complete understanding on the phenological stages of Ar. aucheri enables us to plan grazing management in order to determine the time of livestock entry into and exit from rangelands، optimal number of livestock for grazing and proper grazing systems.