Effectiveness of Growing Kochia indica Under Organic Farming in Combating Desertification

Desertification, exacerbated by climate change, represents one of the greatest environmental challenges of recent times.Various approaches have been taken to combat desertification. Among these, revegetation of the arid lands, using plant species that are more tolerated and adapted to harsh conditions dominated in the deserts. Halophytic plants are probably the most effective practice owing to its affordability in combating desertification. Vegetation cover not only prevents desertification process, but also significantly improves soil and, in turn, the environmental condition of the region, since these halophytic plants can bioremediate the soil. Halophytes are particularly effective in this regard by reducing salinity level of the soil via removing the salts or by utilizing saline and low quality waters for their growth. Growing halophytes for forage production on salt-affected soil under organic fertilization was suggested as a new approach to combat desertification. Field trials were carried out at private salt affected farm in Tamia , Faiyoum Governorate, Egypt to evaluate the growth and productivity of Kochia indica grown under drip irrigation system with saline water ( EC : 6.6 dSm-1). Five organic fertilization treatment were applied (control, chicken manures, cattle manures, Charcoal and green manure). Significant differences were reported for growth parameters and physiological aspects as well as nutritional values of the tested plants with superiority to chicken manures. Moreover, growing Kochia plants under organic fertilization have positive impact on soil bioremediation process by decreasing EC as well as the content of Na+ and Cl- in the soil. Kochia indica, seemed to be promising halophytic plants for feeding goats and sheep in desert area. It can be concluded that some halophytes may be used not only as a tool for combating desertification in arid and semi-arid regions through depleting soil salts, but also offering a new salt-tolerant forage crops can grow better under organic agriculture.

کلیدواژه ها:

Combating desertification ، Saline habitats ، Kochia indica ، Organic fertilizers