| Abstract: |
This study was conducted to investigate the effects of different leonardite doses on dry matter yield, forage quality traits and botanical composition in the natural rangelands of the Tek Tek Mountains, located in Şanlıurfa province, Türkiye. Fort this reason, the experiments were arranged in the natural rangeland area according to a randomized complete block design with three replications during the two consecutive years, 2017 and 2018. In addition to the control treatment (0 dose), in which no leonardite was applied, eight different leonardite doses (250, 500, 750, 1000, 1250, 1500, 1750, and 2000 kg ha-1) were tested to determine effects of different leonardite doses. The study results revealed that leonardite significantly influenced dry matter yield, crude protein content, acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and the botanical composition of the rangeland. The highest dry matter yield was obtained at a dose of 1000 kg ha-1, while crude protein content peaked at 500 kg ha-1, with higher doses causing a decline in forage quality. ADF and NDF values decreased with increasing leonardite doses up to 1500 kg ha-1, suggesting improved digestibility, although excessive doses reversed this trend. Moreover, leonardite application altered botanical composition by increasing the proportion of grasses and legumes and reducing other plant families, with optimal effects observed at moderate doses. The study concludes that moderate leonardite doses, particularly between 500 and 1000 kg ha-1, can be recommended as an effective soil amendment to improve the productivity, quality, and species composition of semi-arid natural rangelands. However, caution is advised against excessive application, which may adversely affect forage quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |