干旱区生态环境知识资源中心

Prediction equation for determining the phytomass of spontaneous perennial plants in Saharan rangeland

Spontaneous perennial plants in the Sahara constitute the main source of feed for domestic and wild animals. The above-ground phytomass of these species needs to be properly assessed in order to rationalize the use of these ecosystems. This work provides pastoralists and ecological experts with a simple and non destructive method for predicting the above-ground phytomass of Saharan species. The equations that are presented can be used to accurately predict phytomass based on the extent of coverage for the main 18 perennial species found in Saharan camel-grazed rangeland : Anabasis articulata, Calligonum comosum, Cornulaca monacantha, Ephedra elate, Genista saharae, Limoniastrum guyonianum, Oudneya africana, Pituranthos chlorantus, Randonia africana, Rhanterium adpressum, Retama retam, Salsola tetragona, Stipagrostis pungens, Suaeda fructicosa, Thymelaea microphylla, Traganum nudatum, Zilla spinosa and Zygophyllum album.