Productivity, forage quality and pasture capacity of winter pastures in the Sumgayitchay river basin (Azerbaijan)

The relief, climate and soils of winter pastures located in the Sumgaitchay river basin have been studied. The current state of winter pastures, the type of vegetation, desert and semi-desert plants, associations, formations, forage quality, pasture capacity, and plant productivity have been studied, an action plan has been developed for the protection, improvement and rational use of fodder lands. The productivity of vegetation and phytocenoses of winter pastures, common in the territory of the basin, was determined, and the period of use of winter pastures was determined. In the “State Program” for the reliable provision of the population with food products in the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2008-2015, it is recognized that it is necessary to conduct geobotanical research in pasture areas for the effective use of natural fodder lands, clarifying indicators of their quantity and quality. The research is very relevant.