Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the effects of accumulated soil salt on livestock production in Mongolian grasslands. In saline and control areas, we compared soil salinity, sodium concentrations in plants and wool, and body weights of ewes. Mean soil salinity, sodium concentrations, and growth retardation were greater in the high-salinity area than in the control region. Increased retention of sodium in wool samples was evidence of excess dietary sodium. These results reflect sodium overflow from soil to sheep via plants, and this overflow can diminish livestock productivity in saline areas.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
References
Ashraf MY, Khan A, Ashraf M, Zafar S (2006) Studies on the transfer of mineral nutrients from feed, water, soil and plants to buffaloes under arid environments. J Arid Environ 65:632–643
Damiran D (2005) Palatability of Mongolian rangeland plants. Circular of Information No. 3. Union, OR, USA: Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center Oregon State University, Corvallis
Maki A, Kenji T, Kiyokazu K, Teruo H (2007) Morphological and physico-chemical characteristics of soils in a steppe region of the Kherlen River basin, Mongolia. J Hydrol 333:100–108
Masters DG, Norman HC, Dynes RA (2001) Opportunities and limitations for animal production from saline land. Asian Australas J Anim Sci 14:199–211
Masters DG, Norman HC, Barrett-Lennard EG (2005) Agricultural systems for saline soil: the potential role of livestock. Asian Australas J Anim Sci 18:296–300
Peirce AW (1952) Studies on fluorosis of sheep.1. the toxicity of water-borne fluoride for sheep maintained in pens. Aust J Agric Res 3:326–333
Puls R (1994) Mineral levels in animal. Diagnostic data health, 2nd edn. Sherpa International Clearbrook, Canada
Smedema LK, Shiati K (2002) Irrigation and salinity: a perspective review of the salinity hazards of irrigation development in the arid zone. Irrig Drain Syst 16:161–174
Wilson AD (1966) Tolerance of sheep to sodium chloride in food or drinking water. Aust J Agr Res 17:503–510
Yoshihara Y, Chimeddorj B, Buuveibaatar B, Lhaquasuren B, Takatsuki S (2008) Effects of livestock grazing on pollination on a steppe in eastern Mongolia. Biol Conserv 141:2376–2386
Acknowledgment
This study was carried out under the Joint Research Program of Arid Land Research Center, Tottori University.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Yoshihara, Y., Mizuno, H. & Ito, T.Y. Effects of soil-salt accumulation on sheep body weight in Mongolian grassland: evidence of excess salt in plant and wool samples. Landscape Ecol Eng 11, 235–238 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11355-014-0266-7
Received:
Revised:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11355-014-0266-7