Ecological Restoration of Degraded Pasture Ecosystems Biodiversity and Fodder Productivity in the Central Asian Desert

Abstract

The increasing pressure of anthropogenic and technogenic factors on the soil and vegetation cover in the Central Asian desert is due to their degradation which dictates the need for ecological restoration of these destroyed pasture lands. For restore the lost biodiversity and fodder productivity of degraded pasture ecosystems in the Central Asian Karnabchul desert, dominant species of fodder plants were sown: Haloxylon aphyllum (15%), Halothamnus subaphyllus (20%), Artemisia diffusa (50%) and Poa bulbosa (15%) – representatives of climax communities. The climax stage is the adult state of the ecosystem, the peak of its development and it is the longest. The life forms of dominant plant species involved in the formation of climax communities are characterized by increased resistance to the abiotic and biotic stresses. This ensures the formation of poly-species multi-tiered pasture ecosystems with high and stable fodder productivity over the years in the conditions of the Central Asian desert. Fodder shrubs, semishrubs and grasses, along with high adaptive properties, are characterized by nutritional value. Haloxylon aphyllum contains 10-12% protein (in fruits up to 20%), 2.2-2.7% fat. Halothamnus subaphyllus fodder in the budding phase contains 24.7% protein, 2.7% fat. Artemisia diffusa is a very valuable fodder for sheep, goats, camels. The ephemeroid Poa bulbosa on the pastures is perfectly eaten by all kinds of animals, especially sheep. During the growing season, bluegrass fodder contains up to 24% protein, 1.6-4.1% fat.