Ecological characteristics of Panicum turgidum in hormozgan province

Abstract

Panicum turgidum is one of the most important species of Hormozgan coastal rangelands, playing an important role in terms of soil conservation and forage production. This research was conducted in 2011 to investigate the ecological characteristics of Panicum turgidum in Hormozgan. In this research, the distribution map of the species was prepared initially and then studies were performed in Jask, Kerian and Divan. Altitudinal range of this species varies from near sea level in Qeshm Island to 100 m above sea level at Charak port, and it is mainly observed in very light-textured soils as well as stabilized sand dunes. Geological units of the study area include transverse sand dunes and sandy zones. In terms of land capability maps, this species is observed in land units including 3.5, 8.1, 8.2, and X.2. The highest and the lowest canopy cover percentage were recorded for Jask (11.8%) and Kerian (6.05%), respectively. In terms of density, the highest and the lowest values were recorded for Jask and Kerian, respectively. Soil characteristics including EC (0.43-5.93), pH (7.69-8.75), lime (26.43-60.69) and sand percentage (67.68-91.33) were measured. According to the results, little differences were found for pH, EC, and OC among all studied sites. Overall, climate is the main factor for species distribution in the province and considering almost similar conditions in the habitats of the species, the changes in the plant parameters could be attributed to soil factors.