Autecological survey of Smyrnium cordifolium Boiss. in Rangelands of Iran

Abstract

Nowadays due to genetic erosion and vegetation regress, investigation of autecology to determine ecological desire of rangeland plants is important and necessary. The autecology project of the S. cordifolium was performed in rangelands of in Southwest of Iran(Yasooj city) in 2013, Due to importance of this plant which have palatability in class (I) and high abundance in highlands regions of the city, this species was selected. Therefore, this project has been done to increase and development of its habitat by considering ecological, edafical and phenological conditions and relationships between plant and environmental factors and other organisms. So, determination of ecological field and sites selection of this species were conducted. Then plant phenology was evaluated for a year. Reproduction method, the roots system and the presence of other organisms that had relation with studied species were recorded. Preference value and resistance system to grazing, mechanisms to prevent of grazing, abundance of the species, and seed viability were measured too. The result showed that S. cordifolium grows from 1400 to 2300 m height and prefer semi–arid, moderate Mediterranean, and cold climates. The beginning grow of this species is second half of April and extend to late of July that plant is wilting. Because of the aromatic properties, these plants do not graze in green state and were harvested for winter forage in some studied areas. The habitats soil texture of S. cordifolium was heavy and semi heavy with low or moderate depths.