ÇOMAKLI, Binali Atatürk University - Faculty of Agriculture - Department of Field Crops, Turkey , FAYETÖRBAY, Dilara Atatürk University - Faculty of Agriculture - Department of Field Crops, Turkey , DAŞCI, Mahmut Atatürk University - Narman Vocational Training School, Turkey

Changing of Botanical Composition and Canopy Coverage Ratio in Rangelands at Different Altitudes

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This research was conducted at range sites with different altitudes (site I=2000 m, site II=2500 m, site III =3000 m) in Palandöken Mountain of Erzurum in 2006 and 2007 years. In this study, some plant and soil characters were investigated. Grasses and legumes had the highest ratio in site II, 64.05% and 11.75% respectively. Other families were the highest (42.65%) in site I. Canopy coverage was higher in site II (42.65%) than the other sites. Soil organic matter content was high in site II and III (4.10 % and 6.84%), moderate in site I (2.30%).Soil pH was neutral or slightly acidic, soil phosphorus content was poor while the potassium was very rich. Suitable grazing management plans should be taken in site I and III to increase of canopy and quality species ratio.

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Rangeland , altitude , botanical composition , canopy coverage.

Journal Of Agricultural Faculty Of Atatürk University

21