Growth and Development of Range Plants in Southern West Bank

Abstract

Vegetation biomass, cover and density were evaluated and monitored during the growiing season at three sites: Bani-Noiem (MBN), Sorif (SM), and Dura (DAA), that reprresent different environmental conditions (Mediterranean climatic zone and semi-arid zone). Square plots were used to evaluate vegetation biomass and density. Step-point method was used to estimate ground cover. Vegetation biomass increased drastically at the three sites one month after a main rainffall storm. The plant biomass peaked during mid March and mid April, and its values varied between sites and between years. In 2004, the values were 899, 3809, and 2974 kg/ha in MBN, DAA, and SM, respectively; whereas, it was 2105, 2375, and 2302 kg/ha in MBN, DAA, and SM during 2005, respectively. Short herbaceous plants were highest in MBN, while SM had the highest shrubs biommass. Similarly, MBN showed plant density (645 plants/m2 and 518 plants/ m2 in 2004 and 2005 years) relative to the other sites. In all sites, forbs cover higher than grasses and shrubs cover (73 %, 36 %, 62 % at MBN, DAA, and SM, respectively). Reproduction system, moisture and soil characteristics favored forbs growth over other vegetation types. The dominant plant species was varied between the sites and seassons.