The publication of this Handbook was supported by the Russian Federation

crops and halophytes (in the flowering state)
Varieties studied/ 
 Fodder crops
Chemical composition, %
Bulk value
Crude 
protein
Crude fat
Cellulose
Nitrogen-free 
extracts
Ash
Kcal
Mcal/kg
Alfalfa 
16,1
1,6
11,6
60,8
9,1
4162
17,4
Licorice
20,7
4,2
33,4
33,3
7,51
4417
18,4
Pearl millet (Hashaki 1)
13,3
1,1
22,4
47,2
7,9
3834
16,0
Sorghum 
13,0
1,2
17,7
50,1
4,0
3761
15,7
Maize
10,6
1,5
23,0
40,8
8,3
3476
14,5
Suaeda paradoxa
23,6
2,8
20,9
27,5
21,9
3662
15,3
Climacoptera lanata
22,6
2,4
18,6
27,6
27,5
3474
14,5
Atriplex nitens
9,0
1,47
31,6
45,7
10,5
3964
16,5
Halostachys belangeriana
14,7
3,2
27,9
14,3
38,5
2934
12,2
Karelinia caspia
5,6
1,2
21,5
52,7
16,5
3614
15,1
Source: K. Toredich et al., Tashkent, 2015 [ 11].

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70
Soil salinity manаgement manual | Part I.Soil salinity management in the Eurasian Region 
Experience has shown that improved technologies for growing fodder crops and their mixtures can 
help to achieve higher quality and digestibility of  animal feed. An analysis of  the calorific values 
of  hay has demonstrated that mixed crop cultures provide better quality fodders, i.e., allowing 
manufacturers to fully realize the bioenergetic potential of  plants and to produce balanced foods 
complying with animal husbandry regulations.
Atriplex nitens and annual weeds are particularly tolerant to irrigation by saline water. The maximal 
production of  green biomass occurs when the plants are actively growing and flowering. At the 
time of  seed production, their growth rate significantly declines, which has been confirmed by 
correlation analysis. Therefore, annual halophytes can be harvested during their growth and 
flowering stages and included into animal diets. Later harvesting is not recommended because 
plant structures undergo sclerification and loose their nutritional value.
Saline waters can be used for the irrigation of  sandy desert soils so long as halophytes are included 
within the crop rotation, as they can uptake up to 40% of  the salts from soil solution. This is an 
obligatory condition of  ecologically safe use of  saline irrigation water. The artesian water has a 
neutral reaction (pH 7.4) and moderate salinity (EC= 5.6- 8.3 dS/m).
This technolohy has been successfully tested in the Kyzylkum Desert (Kanimekh District, Navoiy 
Region, Uzbekistan), where local people traditionally practice livestock farming, which both 
supports their livelihoods and their cultural values.
In seeking to improve their income, the people of  Kyzylkum increase the numbers of  cattle they 
keep without due consideration of  the area and condition of  pastures. Such improper use of  
pastures and excessive grazing pressures present serious threats to biodiversity. Therefore, there 
is an urgent need to establish a better system of  fodder production with a decrease in grazing 
pressure.
The suggested technology is very cost-effective and can produce the following yields per hectare:
•  3-5 tonnes of  winter wheat straw and 1.5-2.0 tonnes of  winter wheat grain;
•  48-78 tonnes of  silage made of  maize, sorghum or millet;
•  14.4-15.0 tonnes of  hay of  alfalfa (lucerne);
•  23 tonnes of  above-ground biomass of  liquorice;
•  5-10 tonnes of  hay of  halophyte species.
Non-traditional fodder crops as either pure or mixed cultures produce hay yields of  15- 30 t/ha 
and have a high nutritional quality.
The benefits of  implementing this technology include a) an improvement of  the soil quality, b) the 
protection of  the upper layer of  soil via the restoration of  vegetation cover and c) the prevention 
of  overgrazing of  pastures by more efficient management of  fodder production on irrigated lands.