Forage Yield and Quality, Botanical Composition and Some Soil Characteristics of Mediterranean (Canakkale) Rangelands

Mediterranean climate is dominant and there are several types of rangelands in Canakkale. These rangelands are significant natural sources of the province. In this study, botanical composition, hay yield, forage quality and mineral content of coastal rangeland, reseeded rangeland, overgrazed shrubland, lowland shrubland and ungrazed rangeland were determined. Besides, soil physical and chemical characteristics were also put forth. A total of 90 species were identified in entire rangelands. The least number of species were identified in ungrazed rangelands. Fabacea was at the highest ratio in coastal rangeland, poacea in ungrazed rangeland and broad–leafed species in overgrazed shrubland. Significant increases were observed in yields with the preservation practices. Crude protein ratios varied between 9.10–13.18%; NDF between 43.18–51.57%; ADF between 29.40–31.73%; ADL between 9.40–10.80%; ash ratio between 11.81–13.90%. While the differences in S, Se, and Co contents were not found to be significant, the differences in other element contents were significant. While the differences in soil pH, lime content, available Ca, Mn, Cu contents were not significant, significant differences were observed in available P, K, Na, Fe, Zn contents and bulk density. Salinity problem was not observed in any of the rangelands. The highest organic matter content (3.77%) was observed in ungrazed rangeland and the lowest value (1.9%) was seen in coastal rangeland. Coastal rangeland had sandy–loam texture, lowland shrubland had clay–loam texture, reseeded rangeland had clay texture and ungrazed–overgrazed shrubland rangelands had sandy–loam texture.