The natural environment of Panicumturgidum Forssk at the eastern province of Saudi Arabia

The present study aimed to evaluate the ecological and phytosociological status of panicum turgidum under the environmental conditions of the eastern province of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 48 stands (each of 25 m2, i.e. 1x25 m) were randomly selected from three locations (Riyadh, Ogair and Damam) which represent the optimum habitat of P. turgidum. The obtained results showed that the dominated plant species associated with P. turgidum were Cyperus conglomertus, Eragrostis barrelieri, Haloxylon persicum, Haloxylon salicornicum, Heliotropium bocciferum, Launaea mucronata, Leptadenia pyrotechnica, Monsonia nevia and Plantago ovata. P. turgidum, and is recommended as an important grazing vegetation in deep sand soil. Soil salinity (ECe), soil PH, CaCO3, organic matter, soil texture (Sand %) and soil moisture (FC) were the most limiting soil properties affecting P. turgidum distribution naturally at the studied area.