Lasiurus sindicus Henr., a key perennial fodder grass for desert ecosystem

Abstract

Abstract Lasiurus sindicus Henr. is one of the most prominent grass species, occupying 80% area of the desert grassland. Average dry forage production of L. sindicus at the mature stage is 2.5–3.5 t ha−1 (with 93% dry matter, 4.6% crude protein, 31% crude fiber, and 4.5% ash) and the carrying capacity of L. sindicus grasslands ranges from 0.8 to 1.2 active cattle units ha−1 in the normal rainfall years. A large number of diazotrophs, as well as endophytes, have been found associated with L. sindicus rhizosphere, which play a crucial role in maintaining the plant-soil ecological interaction. L. sindicus has a prominent place as a perennial component in silvo-pastural, agro-pastural, agro-silvo-pastural, and horti-pastural production systems. Considering its importance, much emphasis should be given to utilization of L. sindicus based grasslands according to their carrying capacity and to avoid overgrazing.