Comparison of Grazed and Protected Mountain Steppe Rangeland in Ulukisla, Turkey

Abstract

A typical steppe range having a semiarid climate at an altitude of about 1,350 m was studied to determine the yield potential of an area protected from grazing for a 30-year period representing about 36,690 ha rangeland. This study area has a class VII capability and was compared with a public grazing area on the immediate vicinity. Total ground cover, composition, and dry forage yields were significantly decreased on the continuously grazed public ranges. Two grasses (Festuca ovina and Poa bulbosa var. vivipara), one shrub (Salvia criptantha) and a forb species (Asphodeline isthmocarpa) were the main plants causing the difference in the ground cover. The grazed and ungrazed ranges did not differ significantly in infiltration rate. However, the southerly aspect of the protected range had a higher infiltration rate than the other aspects.