Assessment of vegetation and nutritive value of three halophytes in Sinai Peninsula, Egypt

Abstract EN

this study throws light on the vegetation and nutritive value of three communities dominated by three halophytes namely: Atriplex halimus L.

(Saltbush), Nitraria retusa (Forssk.) Asch.

(Salt tree) and Juncus rigidus Desf.

(Thread rush).

The vegetation analysis of the three communities was carried out using the line transect method.

The distribution pattern of the dominant species along the gradient of edaphic factors was examined using CCA ordination.

The nutritive value of the dominant species such as ash, crude fiber, crude protein, TDN and DCP were evaluated during wet and dry seasons.

The results showed that, the communities were classified into five groups according to TWINSPAN classification.

In groups (A, B) the dominant species is A.

halimus, while in groups (C, D) the dominant species is N.

retusa and in group (E) the dominant species is J.

rigidus.

Soil supporting species at different sites are saline-calcareous and sandy with low organic matter content.

The pH values were slightly alkaline.

The total dissolved salts and soil moisture reached their maximum levels in the sites of J.

rigidus.

The most effective soil variables were CaCO3, moisture contents, soil texture and minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium and chloride.

The nutritive value was higher in wet season than in dry one.

N.

retusa (Salt tree) and A.

halimus (Saltbush) have high nutritive value than J.

rigidus (Thread rush) and could be used as a source of fodder for livestock.