Some ecological characteristics of Frankenia hirsuta in saline rangelands of Golestan province

This research was aimed to investigate some ecological characteristics of Frankenia hirsuta in saline rangelands of Golestan Province. This region has saline soil with high underground water table, and halophytes usually grow naturally in this area. For this purpose, some factors such as soil characteristics, vegetative cover, phenology, forage quality, preference value and so forth were determined. According to the results, this species is usually distributed on silt-loam soils with an acidity of 7.7 to 7.8 and EC (Electrical Conductivity) ranged between 28.2 to 30.2 dS/m. The autumn regrowth of this species starts in October but, active vegetative growth begins at the middle of February, flowering occurs in June and seed ripening occurs in August. At vegetative growth stage, this species consists of 10.3% crude protein, which is decreased to 8.7% at flowering stage and 7.1% at seed ripening stage. In addition to the main root, this species has also lateral roots. The main root length is usually short around 5 cm but the lateral root length is about 50 cm, moving horizontally at first and then penetrates deeply. Overall, in saline rangelands of Golestan Province, this species has been distributed as patches in low lands and the places with suitable moisture and relatively less salinity. In order to protection and sustainable utilization of this species, it is suggested that the seeds of this plant be sown every few years in the prone areas. In addition, the time of enter and exit of livestock have to be chosen carefully.