Dry matter accumulation and chemical content of saltbush ( <i>Atriplex halimus</i> ) grown in Mediterranean desert shrublands

Abstract

Abstract Saltbush ( Atriplex halimus ), a shrub native to Jordan, is an important species used for rangeland reclamation in Mediterranean desert shrublands. It provides valuable fodder during long dry seasons and droughts. The objective was to determine dry matter accumulation and chemical content of leaves and twigs of A. halimus and its value as a sheep feed source on aridland in Jordan. The seasonal changes of leaf and twig contents had similar patterns. Leaves and twigs produced higher amounts of dry matter during the period from June to October and peaked in August. Crude protein of leaves and twigs reached maximum levels in April (20.5 and 21.4%, respectively). The protein concentrations decreased to 14% during the dry period (October‐December). Within harvest date, there were no significant differences between nitrogen‐free extract (NFE) content of leaves and twigs. Leaves and twigs showed maximum concentrations of NFE (48.5 and 47.1%, respectively) during December. Saltbush phosphorus content did not meet nutritional requirements of ewes, whereas sodium content was high (2.8–4.4%) and exceeded the maximum amount required by sheep.