Selection of perspective phytomeliorants to improve saltwort pastures of Kyzylkum desert

Abstract

Among the Central Asian deserts Kyzylkum is one of the largest in terms of area and economic importance. In addition to typical sand deposits this desert is characterized by Minbulak, Besh-Bulak and other hollows. The fertility of these pastures is low, these lands are characterized by the sharp continentality of the climate, complexity, low feed productivity, sharp yield fluctuations. The test was carried out on 87 halophytes. The perspective phytomeliorants were Climacoptera lanata (Pall.), Atriplex nitens, Kochia scoparia, Bassia hyssopifoliа (Pall.) O. Kuntze. The perspective perennial halophytes were Haloxylon aphyllum (Minkw.) Ilin., Halothanus subaphyllus (C.A.Mey.) Botsch., Salsola orientalis S.G.Gmel., Artemisia halophilla Krasch., Aeluropus littoralis (Gonan) Parl. and others. The following agrotechnical methods were tested: seeding time, seeding rate and depth of seeding. Climacoptera lanata (Pall.) showed the best germination indicator during after the seeding in December and March. Atriplex nitens showed the same result; the survival of seedlings was recorded after the seeding in February, the later seeding decreased the yields. The seeding of Climacoptera lanata (Pall.) and Atriplex nitens to a depth of 1-2 cm increased their field germination by 30.6-53.6%; the deepening of seeding of both halophytes decreased their germination.