Changes in Botanical Composition of Rangeland Sites at Different Altitudes

This study was conducted in the natural rangelands of Kaledibi village, located in the Tortum district of Erzurum Province, with the aim of determining the variations in botanical composition, forage yield, and quality characteristics of rangeland areas situated at different altitudes. The research was carried out in three distinct rangeland sites (I, II and III.) located at altitudes of 1483 m, 1605 m, and 1740 m. In each site, the proportions of grass, legume, and other plant families, similarity index, soil coverage rate (SCR), rangeland condition score (RCS), rangeland health class, available forage amount, and forage quality parameters such as crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) were evaluated. The findings revealed that rangeland plant composition, yield, and quality characteristics varied significantly depending on altitude. In high-altitude areas, due to reduced human settlement pressure, the proportions of legumes and grasses were higher, and SCR and RCS values were more favorable. In contrast, in low-altitude areas, increased grazing pressure led to a rise in low-nutritive species and fiber ratio (NDF and ADF). Moreover, crude protein ratio significantly increased at higher altitudes, while fiber ratios decreased. These results indicate that rangeland quality and forage value are higher at elevated altitudes. In conclusion, for sustainable rangeland management, it is recommended that factors such as altitude, grazing intensity, and rangeland condition be jointly considered.