PHYTOMASS AND NUTRIENT STATUS OF KOCHIA-INDICA, A PROMISING FODDER PLANT IN EGYPT

The present study evaluated the above-ground phytomass and nutrient co mposition of the different organs of Kochia indica WIGHT, a summer ann ual weed, in relation to its phenological sequence in the Nile Delta r egion of Egypt. This plant attained its maximum phytomass, i.e. produc tion, (1182 g dw/m(2)) and maximum contents of most the estimated nutr ients during the vegetative stage. Its production is much higher than many of the vegetation types in the Mediterranean deserts which was pa rtially related to differences in soil moisture and fertility. The nut rient content of this plant is as much or more than some of the forage species currently used for pasture, and many of the range species in the western Mediterranean desert of Egypt.