Forage production Potential of Saltbush (Atriplex halimus L.) grown under stress conditions at Ras Sudr, South Sinai

A field trial was conducted at the experimental Station of the Desert Research Center at Wadi Sudr, South Sinai. The experiment was set up over two successive growing seasons (2009 and 2010) to investigate the effect of three irrigation intervals (15- 30 and 45 d) and two cutting height (50 and 75 cm) on growth, forage yield and chemical content of Atriplex halimus. The obtained results revealed that all growth traits (plant height- crown cover (CC)- crown volume (CV)- leaf/stems (L/S) ratio and fresh and dry forage yields were better built up when Atriplex shrubs were irrigated every 45 d intervals. Rather high values of crude fiber (CF) and ash content were obtained by frequent irrigation (15 d) whereas, total carbohydrates and crude protein (CP) significantly affected by irrigation intervals. Furthermore, mineral content of K⁺¹, Na⁺¹ and K/Na ratio were significantly affected by irrigation intervals only at the 2^nd cut of 2010 growing season. Most growth parameters insignificantly responded to varying cutting height. However, cutting at 75 cm gave insignificant increase in dry forage yield and the greatest magnitude of fresh forage yield was gained at higher level of 75 cm cutting height. Moreover, there was significant increase in CP and significant reduction in CF and ash percentages with raising height of cutting (75 cm).