Determining the Appropriate Grazing Time at Semi-Steppe Rangelands Using Range Plants Indicator Phenology (Case study, Helichrysumplicatum DC. Species)

The presence of various plant species with different growth stages in rangelandsmakes
simultaneous utilization of forage plants impossible. As a result, each species is utilized
considering its appropriate growth time. In other words, each species is ready to be grazed at a specific time and grazing should be stopped at a particular time. Similarly, the rangeland soil is ready for livestock at certain times. Without understanding these characteristics of a rangeland, determining the graze season and managing the graze and livestock would not be possible. In an attempt to determine the appropriate livestock entrance and exit times in a rangeland, the plant phenology of Helichrysumplicatum DC.species and the moisture condition of the soil in the semi-steppe rangelands of GhareBagh, 70 km from the North of Urmia, were analyzed for four years (2007-2011). The results indicated that this species is ready to be grazedfrom late May untilthe first half June and the best time for collecting its seeds is in early August. Additionally, the results of soil analysis revealed that livestock entering the region will not cause any problem due to the appropriate texture of the soil and timely precipitation.