Phytomass and nutrient status of Kochia indica, a promising fodder plant in Egypt

The present study evaluated the above-ground phytomass and nutrient composition of the different organs of Kochia indica Wight, a summer annual weed, in relation to its phenological sequence in the Nile Delta region of Egypt. This plant attained its maximum phytomass, i.e. production, (1182 g dw/m2) and maximum contents of most the estimated nutrients during the vegetative stage. Its production is much higher than many of the vegetation types in the Mediterranean deserts which was partially related to differences in soil moisture and fertility. The nutrient 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.