Autecology of Prangos ferulacea in Kurdistan Province.

Autecology studies on plant are conducted to investigate about the relationships between a particular plant and other components of ecosystem. Ecological knowledge about range plant species are essential for rehabilitation, reclamation, and management of rangelands. This study was accomplished to provide information about ecological characteristics of rangeplant of prangos ferulacea from 2001-2004 in Kurdistan Province. In the survey, some topographic, climatic and edaphic aspects, as well as boundaries of the ecological habitats of this species were delineated. Phenological stages, root system, crown cover, density, reproduction (rehabilitation), adequate depth for seed planting, preference value of this plant were evaluated. The results showed habitats from view point of crown cover not significant difference at &#940&#88040.05, but from aspect of density and regeneration were significant difference between of them at &#940&#88040.05 & 0.01. The highest average of plant density achieved in Daraki 16.7 in 4 square metter and lowest density in Ariz 6.5 plant in 4 square metter. The Daraki habitat&rsquos from aspect of plant regeneration with 13.3 plant in 4 square metter was better than the other, and Shian has the lowest regeneration(3.1 plant). Phenological stages showed that this plant has a short period of growth and starts in April and continues still early August. Soil texture and soil depth were affected on root grow and development. In Khan and Ariz habitats, penetration of root were 140 & 177.5 centimeters, whereas this parameter measured in Shian and Daraki 146.7 & 77.75 centimeters, sufficient depth for seeding Prangos ferulacea was 4 centimeter. Average of thousand Seed wieght 212 gram was Measured. From view point of preference value, this plant not grazing by domestic animals. This plant mostly grows in range 1700-2300m.above sea level, regions have 500 mm. percipitation in year and north slope aspects areas in Kurdistan. Test of soil texture indicates that this plant grows in different soils, specially clay soil texture . Finally this plant has an important role in rangelands by having forage production & soil conservation.