The suitable clipping time for saltbush (Atriplex nummularia l.) grown under rainfed conditions of the North west coast of Egypt [electronic resource].

Includes references.

Three on-farm trials were carried out under rainfed conditions at Ras EI-Hekma (10 km inland), 56 KIn east of Marsa Matrouh at the North west coast of Egypt, during three rainfall years (2005, 2006 and 2007). This study aimed to define the suitable clipping time for saltbush, to obtain the highest forage production with a good quality. Therefore, eight clipping time treatments were tned. Where, saltbush shrubs were clipped once every year, but at different times, i.e., on mid of each of May, June, July, Aug., Sept., Oct., Nov. and Dec. The obtained results cleared that the clipping times of May and June produced higher fresh and dry forage yields. However, dry matter content was increased significantly with the proceeding from May up to Nov., then it was decreased on Dec. Nevertheless, the early three clipping times couId be maximized Scandinavian feed units (SFUs)/ ha. Meanwhile, clipping on May and June produced higher edible forage compared to the other treatments, where values ofSFU were decreased with each delay in clipping time up to the end of year.

Summary in Arabic.

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