A research based evaluation of the natural grasslands within the aspect of sustainable livestock production systems in highlands of the Eastern Turkey [Türkiyenin doǧusunda yer alan doǧal meralari{dotless}n sürdürülebilir hayvansal üretim sistemleri yönünden deǧerlendirilmesi üzerine bir araşti{dotless}rma]

In this study,two different grazing management systems were evaluated for not only sustainable agricultural systems but also for better monitoring the environment and conserving natural resources in the highlands of the eastern turkey in kars province. for this purpose an experiment was conducted to compare two grazing areas; one with naturally growing (ng) and the other one with artificial fertilizer applied (fg). two grassland areas were chosen next to each other and fertilised with can fertilizer (calcium ammonium nitrate) and tsp (triple super phosphate) at the rate of 180 and 190 kg/ha respectively,the other area was set without fertiliser application. the results showed that there were no statistical differences (p>0.05) in botanical composition between ng and fg areas. mean biomass dry matter per quadrat (1 m × 1 m) and sward height in ng and fg was statistically significant (p<0.05),179 g and 382 g and 15 and 29 cm respectively. however,there were no statistical significant differences (p>0.05) in organic matter and mineral content of the soil between ng and fg during the experimental period,except k,na,fe,zn and n contents. therefore,it was concluded that there was no use in applying chemical fertiliser by considering the long-term adverse effects in the highlands of the eastern part of turkey in order to sustain and preserve the quality of natural grasslands,animal production systems and environment as a whole.