The Effects of Breeding Practices and Fertilization on Vegetation in Barren Pasture The Case of Kastamonu

Abstract

The research was conducted in the pasture of Alpagut village of Kastamonu center (410 25' 48.52''N, 330 55' 20.54D, altitude 851 m) located in the Western Black Sea Region of Turkey to determine the changes in pasture vegetation caused by pasture soil improvement and management practices. Fertilization was applied according to pasture soil analysis, brush clearing and alternate grazing system was applied. Pasture vegetation change was measured by modified wheeled loop method in the pre- and post-improvement periods. It was determined that breeding practices increased the proportion of legumes, other families and perennial plants and contributed to the formation of a balanced vegetation. The proportions of declining, reproductive, invasive and annual species were 11.50%, 5.10%, 46.75% and 33%, respectively, before pasture topsoil reclamation, while there was a decrease in annual species in the post-reclamation period. There was an increase in declining, reproductive and invasive species. It was found to be 26.66%, 15.39%, 55.86% and 17.00%, respectively. While Bromus sp., Sanguisorba minor, Fumana arabica, Festuca ovina species were dominant in the pasture area in the pre-improvement period, Bothriochloa ischaemum, Teucrium chamaedrys, Festuca ovina and Astragalus frickii species became dominant after the improvement. It was determined that breeding and management practices increased the area covered with vegetation from 74.00% to 98.00%, the proportion of legumes from 1% to 12%, and the pasture condition and health classification from poor-healthy to moderate-healthy category. It is recommended that the grazing plan for pasture sustainability be maintained.