Evaluation of forage quality traits in five kochia (Kochia scoparia) ecotypes for biosaline agriculture in Iran

Sustainable production of crops in arid and semiarid regions of Iran is under threat of salinity stress. Therefore, cultivated crops should be compatible with salinity in these regions and also provide proper yield productivity. In order to investigate the forage quality of five different kochia ecotypes in response to different levels of salinity, an experiment was performed in a split plot arrangement based on randomized complete block design with three replications. Saline waters (5.2 and 16.5 dS m-1) and five kochia ecotypes (Birjand, Urmia, Borujerd, Esfahan and Sabzevar) were considered as main and sub plots, respectively. Results showed that dry matter digestibility of leaves, stems, and total dry matter were enhanced by increasing salinity. There was no significant difference in dry matter digestibility among ecotypes, while stem dry matter digestibility of Sabzevar ecotype, total dry matter digestibility and digestible dry matter of Urmia ecotype were the highest amongst ecotypes. Increased salinity level enhanced the total digestible organic matter. Digestive value of leaves and stems was enhanced by increasing salinity, but the total digestive value was reduced by increasing salinity. Salinity stress reduced the enhancement of crude protein content of organs and whole plant. Overall, kochia forage quality traits are comparable with other common forage crops.