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Species of Indigofera are important source of forage particularly in hot arid region and temperate areas. I . oblongifolia is one of the important underutilized leguminous browse shrub for small ruminants in hot arid region of India and traditionally utilize for its medicinal value. Its irregular patchy distribution was observed in depression of rocky areas, bunds of farmer fields and along the depression on the road sides in Jaisalmer and Pali district during collection. Soil samples collected from Pali district have high level of pH and electrical conductivity as compared to Jaisalmer which indicates its suitability to saline areas. It exhibited good plant growth in Jodhpur with respect to plant height (171.5 cm), number of branches (47.9) and canopy diameter (100-210 and 115-180 cm in north-south and east-west direction, respectively) after twelve months of planting in fields under protected condition. Phytochemical analysis revealed the richness of its leaves on total phenols, flavonoids and antioxidant capacity and its suitability as a browse species to ruminants in rangelands. The present study provides scientific information on distribution, browsing value, plant growth and traits variation, phytochemical, and its potential for forage and medicinal value for its sustainable utilization in rangelands of the Indian hot arid region. |
