Distribution, Diversity and Utilization of \u3cem\u3eHaloxylon salicornicum\u3c/em\u3e: A Rangeland Shrub of Arid Regions

Abstract

Livestock systems occupy ~ 30 % of the planet’s ice – free terrestrial area, contributes about 40 % to the agricultural GDP and directly supports the livelihoods of 600 million poor smallholder farmers in the developing world. Livestock play multiple roles (societal, economic and environmental) in the livelihoods of people in communities, especially the poor. Therefore the sustainable livestock production is an imperative to nutritional and livelihood security globally. Haloxylon salicornicum is an important rangeland shrub species of arid regions. The species possesses range of morphological, physiological and ecological adaptation to survive under water limiting, nutrient poor environmental conditions of arid regions. It is used as a fodder, medicine and in restoration of degraded arid lands. However, information about this species is fragmentary and meager, which hinders its development and sustainable utilization. This paper aims to summarize information regarding distribution, agro-morphological diversity and uses of H. salicornicum to stimulate interest in this species

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