A Research on Forages Cultivation, Rangeland Usage and Socio-Economical Structure of Van Province

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine cultivation of forage plants and usage of ranges in Van. We interviewed with 122 forage plants producer in Van and its three administrative where forage plants cultivated commonly. Dates were collected by asking questionnaire to people living in villages in 2007. Average population in each farm was 10.02. Average age of interviewed peoples was 40.40 year, their average education period was 8.16 year, and their average agricultural experience was 22.86 year. Forage production area in each farm was 29.38 decar, its 20.67 decar was alfalfa and its 8.71 decar was sainfoin. Average cattle number in each farm was determined as 4.61 (BBHB) and average sheep and goat number was determined as 36.08. Forage plants produced in each farm were used to feed animal in same farm. Besides, hays were bought from outside in some feeding period. Concentrate feeds are provided from administrative or Van city. Straw is the most used hay in farms for animal feeding and alfalfa, sainfoin, meadow hays follows it, respectively. 76.22 percent of farmers stated that animals graze on rangelands. It was also determined that animals start to graze on rangelands in April (78.49 %), and it lasts in December (65.59 %).