RANGELAND IMPROVEMENT AND MANAGEMENT STUDIES IN THE SOUTHEASTERN ANATOLIA REGION OF TURKEY

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine applied rangeland improvement and management studies carried out from 2004 to 2011 in six provinces of the Southeastern Anatolia Region of Turkey. The aims of the studies were to (1) protect and conserve rangeland soil and water resources, (2) improve and strengthen weakened rangeland vegetation, and (3) increase hay yields and grazing capacities of the rangelands. Additionally, one of the most important goals of these studies was to enhance the cultivation of forage crops in cultivated areas in order to decrease the adverse effects of overgrazing and to supply quality roughage for livestock. To achieve these objectives, different rangeland improvement methods and rangeland management strategies were applied in 40 different rangelands in the region. The results indicated that the average sufficient rangeland area per animal unit was 1.99 ha, whereas the value recorded prior to these studies was 4.80 ha.