Comparison ecological properties of Helichrysum aucheri Boiss and H. globiferum in West Azerbaijan province, Iran

Investigation of ecological properties of plant species products basic information for ecosystems management. In this research, the ecological properties of two species H. globiferum and H. aucheri were studied in Qushchy rangeland at 70 km of Orumieh- Gharedagh road. These species belong to the Composite family and are the multipurpose species that are used as forage, medicinal plants and soil conservation. 1m2 plots were used to determine the density and canopy cover and cut and weight method was used to measured production at different elevations. Soil chemical and physical properties were studied in their habitats. The amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and carbon, also forage quality of species were measured. The climate condition and penology of these species were studied. The results showed that H. globiferum had more cover percentage, density, frequency and production than other species. Soil studies showed that both H. globiferum and H. aucheri had more distribution in clay – sand soils with low alkalinity. Above ground parts of studied species had more nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium than underground parts, also amount of them were more in H. aucheri than other. In general, H. globiferum had more production and cover percentage then can be use as medicinal and soil conservation species and H. aucheri had more quality and nutritional value for animal forage.