THE IMPORTANCE OF FORAGE KOCHIA (Kochia prostrata (L) Schrad) IN RANGELAND IMPROVEMENT AND THE RESEARCHES CARRIED OUT IN KONYA CONDITIONS RELATED TO FORAGE KOCHIA

Abstract: Forage kochia (Kochia prostrata (L) Schrad Syn. Bassia prostrata) belonging Chenopodiaceae family is a perennial semi-evergreen sub-shrub species. This species which grows naturally in Turkey's rangelands is tolerance to drought, cold and salinity. Moreover, forage kochia remains green during dry fodder period, and cattle, sheep and goat graze gladly on the forage. While this species green fodder has got 13-18% crude protein, the crude protein ratio in dry matter in hay is between 9% and 11%. In a research carried out in Konya was determined as crude protein 17% DM, NDF 43% and ADF 32%. Immigrant and Snowstorm forage kochia varieties have 1500-2500 kg ha-1 hay yield. However; in the search carried out, Konya was stated that the populations belong the Konya province had got 1070- 2580 kg ha-1 hay yield. Forage kochia is used in drought and salty rangelands improvement in the world. In our country, forage kochia have a high potential for economic yield obtain from rangelands having salinity and drought problems in KOP region. For this reason, the practices to rangeland improvement with forage kochia are started, especially in Konya. This review's target is awareness arising from the importance of forage kochia by stating researches carried out and work in progress in Konya Selcuk University related to forage kochia.