Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Academic members of Agriculture and Natural Resource Research Center of Qom Province
2 MSc of Agriculture and Natural Resource Research Center of Qom Province
Abstract
Medicinal plants are used as by-products of rangeland in Iran from many years ago. Identification of ecological properties of theseplants is necessary for sustainable and economic utilization from potential in natural resources. Ferula gumosa is a medicinal plant in mountains of Iran that has very important economical of value.
The purpose of this research was consideration of ecological properties and some chemical components of Ferula gumosa for identification and protection from the main provenances in Qom province. This research conducted in Qom rangeland ecosystems from 1996 for 3 years. First the distribution map of Ferula was prepared by extant references and field study then a key area about 1 ha was selected in each provenance. The vegetation parameters were considered by transect-quadrate method also the distribution of root system and phenological stages were studied with selection of 20 stand of plants. Soil sampling to take the measurement of organic material, pH and EC was done from 0-15 and 15-30 cm depths also plant sampling to determine nutrient value which was accomplished. The results indicated the provenance of Ferula can be found in semi-steppic regions with elevation of more than 2000 meters, in soils with light texture, in pH between 7.5-7.8 and EC 0.06 to 0.479 mmohs/cm and from geological standpoint in granite and granodiorite. This species can tolerate temperature between –23.5º to 35º C and annual precipitation about 270-320 mm is suitable for that. Root/herbage ratio was between 0.7-0.73 and total digestible nutrients of Ferula is higher than another rangeland plants. This plant has great value because of its high nutrient and economical value.
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