Volume 31, Issue 2 , August 2024
Majid Jalali; Mehdi Abedi; Abolbased Ghorbani; Farshid Memariani
Volume 31, Issue 2 , August 2024, Pages 107-128
Abstract
Wild edible plants is an important part of the human diet throughout history and are still affordable and widely accepted in food security. Based on the results of the research, these plants are valuable for survival during times of food shortage, a supplement to the daily diet, providing a source of ...
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Wild edible plants is an important part of the human diet throughout history and are still affordable and widely accepted in food security. Based on the results of the research, these plants are valuable for survival during times of food shortage, a supplement to the daily diet, providing a source of income in developing populations, and as part of the identity of local communities. They can also be important genetic resources for obtaining new crops with better performance and taste. For natural ecosystems management, the value of preserving and exploiting medicinal and edible plants of rangelands is one of the most important values of rangelands. In this regard, the present study was conducted in order to identify and document the ethnobotanical knowledge related to the wild edible plants of Bastam rangelands, which are used in the social and economic life of local communities and a wide variety of these plants has taken a significant part of the diet among local communities. Materials and methodsThis research was done in order to record the wild edible plants of the Rangelands of Bastam district, which is one of the summer rangelands of Semnan province. Field surveys were carried out in 2021 and 2022, so that the botany knowledge of people was recorded using field observations, participatory observations and semi-structured interviews from 44 interviewees in 12 villages of the region during field work. The relative frequency of quotation index (RFC) and use value Index (UV) were used as quantitative indices for data analysis. ResultsThe results of this study showed that a total of 39 species of wild edible plants belonging to 16 families and 29 genera were identified in the study area. The largest plant species in the region are: Lamiaceae (7 plant species) followed by Asteraceae (6 species) and Amaryllidaceae and Apiaceae (each with 5 species). The dominant vegetative form of plants in the area was herbs. Among the used plant parts, young leaves (21 species) were the most used plant parts and then young aerial parts (16 species). Studies also showed that among different modes of consumption, most of the food species were cooked (30 species). On the other hand, Human age had a positive relationship with traditional knowledge in the use of wild edible plants in the studied area, and women have a higher level of native knowledge in using wild edible plants than men. Among the identified species, Sabi (Allium iranicum), Siyr kelagh (Allium umbilicatum), Shengi (Tragopogon graminifolius), Jiyjo (Lepidium draba) and Ghazeneh (Urtica dioica) had the highest use value (UV). ConclusionThe findings of this study can make a significant contribution to the identification, conservation and use of wild edible plants in the study area as a food source, and since no ethnobotanical study has been reported from Shahrud city, especially about wild edible plants. Therefore, it seems that the results of this study can provide valuable information about wild edible plants from the rangelands of this region. Also, the identification of these plants for conservation strategies and sustainable use requires close cooperation with local communities who are the main users of these plants.
Mahnaz Amini; Hosein Bashari; Mohammad Taghi Feizi
Volume 31, Issue 2 , August 2024, Pages 129-148
Abstract
Background and objectivesVarious environmental and managerial stresses are severely threatening wetland ecosystems in Iran. The Gavkhouni Wetland, one of the largest and most strategically significant wetlands in the central plateau of Iran, faces numerous challenges. Given its unique ecological importance ...
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Background and objectivesVarious environmental and managerial stresses are severely threatening wetland ecosystems in Iran. The Gavkhouni Wetland, one of the largest and most strategically significant wetlands in the central plateau of Iran, faces numerous challenges. Given its unique ecological importance and the diverse plant habitats surrounding it, studying the vegetation in this area is crucial. Understanding the various conditions of the plants, including dominant families, geographical distribution, biological forms, and conservation status, is essential for any conservation, management, or ecological research activities in this region. MethodologyThe study area encompasses the upper reaches of the Zayandehrud River in Isfahan Province, covering 50,000 hectares with elevations ranging from 1,470 to 2,533 meters above sea level. This region has an arid climate characterized by saline soils, including solonchaks, marshy areas, and sandy soils. The average annual temperature at Gavkhuni Wetland is 17.6 degrees Celsius, with total annual precipitation measuring 91 millimeters. According to the Ambrothermic curve, the area experiences a prolonged dry period from April to November. Field surveys were conducted using 1:25,000 scale topographic maps from early October to November 2021. During these surveys, plant samples were collected, pressed, dried, and identified at the herbarium of the Natural Resources Department of Isfahan University of Technology, with consultation from experts and reliable scientific sources. This research resulted in a comprehensive list of plant species, detailing their scientific names, families, genera, life forms, geographical distribution, and conservation statuses. ResultsThe study identified 100 plant species from 16 families and 65 genera in the region, with 27 species possessing medicinal and industrial properties. The Amaranthaceae family, with 31 species, and the Asteraceae family, with 14 species, collectively constitute 45% of the vegetation cover. Other prominent families include Poaceae with 10 species and Fabaceae with 9 species. In terms of life forms, therophytes dominate at 40%, followed by hemicryptophytes at 23%. Geographically, 71% of the identified species belong to the Irano-Turanian floristic region. Despite the ecological challenges faced by the area, its diverse topography and edaphic factors have fostered significant species diversity. ConclusionGavkhuni Wetland's flora is highly sensitive to climate and management practices. Despite facing severe biological constraints, the region exhibits relatively robust plant diversity. Inadequate management of the Zayandehrud watershed, particularly in Gavkhuni Wetland, has resulted in declining groundwater levels and increased aridity, threatening many plant species with drying, pest infestations, shrub encroachment, and overgrazing. Continued adverse conditions, exacerbated by climate change, pose a significant threat to the region's flora.
Maryam Kavianpour; Seyedeh Khadije Mahdavi; Mohammadreza Shahraki; Yaser GHasemi Arian
Volume 31, Issue 2 , August 2024, Pages 149-168
Abstract
Background and purpose:Due to the occurrence of climate changes in recent decades, traditional animal husbandry systems based on rangelands have faced serious challenges. In this regard, the use of adaptation strategies is necessary as a solution to reduce the vulnerability of rangeland users. The present ...
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Background and purpose:Due to the occurrence of climate changes in recent decades, traditional animal husbandry systems based on rangelands have faced serious challenges. In this regard, the use of adaptation strategies is necessary as a solution to reduce the vulnerability of rangeland users. The present research has investigated the adaptation strategies of Turkmen pastoralists in the face of climate change in the Qaradong region of Golestan province. Materials and methods:This research is descriptive and has been carried out using a survey method. The research statistical population consists of 249 beneficiaries from 7 local communities in the Qaradong region of Golestan province, of which 148 people were selected as the sample size based on the Krejcie and Morgan table using a stratified random sampling method. The measuring tool of the research was a researcher-made questionnaire. The content validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by using the opinions of rangeland experts, and its reliability was confirmed by calculating the Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Results:The results showed that the degree of pastoralists' adaptation in the face of climate change is moderate to high. The findings indicate that there are significant differences in the use of climate change adaptation strategies among the pastoralists. Thus, combined-developmental, saving, correct consumption, and emergency strategies were identified as the most used strategies. Also, the results showed that there is a positive and significant relationship between adaptation of pastoralists in dealing with climate change with the history of livestock pastoralism and the amount of income derived from it at the 99% confidence level and also with the variables of age, the number of household members, and the amount of income from non-livestock occupations at the 95% confidence level. Conclusion: The livelihoods of the pastoralists are heavily dependent on the rangelands, and many of them have only one economic source. This causes the continuation of the climate change process to increase their vulnerability. Therefore, adopting new activities in the form of diversifying income sources and creating alternative livelihood opportunities, as well as multi-purpose use of rangelands, will bring more adaptability of pastoralists to climate changes.
Shahin Aghamirzadeh; Hamzeh Saeedian; Peyman Madanchi; Alijan Abkar
Volume 31, Issue 2 , August 2024, Pages 169-185
Abstract
Background and ObjectivesFlood spreading has emerged as one of the most important management strategies for soil and water resources in arid and semi-arid areas, gaining attention from researchers worldwide in recent decades. This technique has been implemented in various watersheds globally to ...
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Background and ObjectivesFlood spreading has emerged as one of the most important management strategies for soil and water resources in arid and semi-arid areas, gaining attention from researchers worldwide in recent decades. This technique has been implemented in various watersheds globally to address the critical issue of moisture scarcity, which is a significant factor limiting plant growth in these regions. The flood spreading system not only supplies moisture for plants but also helps recharge underground aquifers, making it one of the most innovative methods developed for water management in arid and semi-arid environments. By effectively utilizing floodwaters that would otherwise be lost, flood spreading offers a viable solution for enhancing water resources and supporting sustainable agricultural practices in these challenging landscapes. MethodologyIn this study, we investigated vegetation density, regeneration, trends, and the condition of rangelands at the Abbarik Bam flood spreading station. To assess the effect of flood spreading on vegetation cover, we identified the site with the most flooding, located away from tree cover, and established four transects, each 100 meters long and spaced 15 meters apart, parallel to the distribution channels. Ten plots were installed along each transect, with a distance of 10 meters between them. At the end of the one-year period, we compared the collected data to accurately assess the changes in the flood spreading environment relative to a control environment, both of which were selected for grazing exclusion. This comparison allowed for an informed evaluation of the effects of flood spreading on vegetation density in the area. The experiment was conducted using a split-plot design in a randomized complete block format with four replications. The main plots included flooded, non-flooded, and control areas, while the subplots encompassed five vegetative forms: perennial grasses, perennial forbs, annual grasses, annual forbs, and density parameters were recorded. ResultsThe results also revealed that the density of forb plants was 2.6 times higher in flood-free plots and 4.2 times higher in flooded plots compared to the control area. In contrast, the density of perennial grasses was 0.1 times lower in flood-free plots and 0.05 times lower in flooded plots than the control area. The density of perennial broadleaf plants was 1.7 times higher in both flood-free and flooded plots compared to the control area. Interestingly, the density of annual grasses was 30.78 times higher in flood-free plots and 6.3 times higher in flooded plots than the control area. Finally, the density of annual broadleaf plants was 2.4 times higher in flood-free plots and 5.1 times higher in flooded plots compared to the control area. ConclusionThe results indicated that the highest average vegetation density in flood-free plots was associated with the annual grasses, followed closely by annual broadleaf plants. In the control plots, the highest average vegetation density was found in annual broadleaf plants, followed by perennial grasses. Additionally, the impact of vegetative form on vegetation density was greatest for annual wheat and annual broadleaf plants, while shrub plants exhibited the lowest density. Therefore, the observed differences in vegetation cover between flooded and flood-free areas in the study region may be attributed to factors such as moisture content, nutrient availability, the accumulation of fine-grained sediments, root and bud choking, and reduced soil permeability.
Kambiz Tavakoli; Parviz Karami; Hamed Joneidi Jafari; Bahram Gholinejad bodag
Volume 31, Issue 2 , August 2024, Pages 186-203
Abstract
Background and ObjectiveFire is a significant ecological factor that influences rangeland ecosystems, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions, where it plays a crucial role in the growth, development, and evolution of plant species. Historically, controlled burning of vegetation in natural ecosystems ...
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Background and ObjectiveFire is a significant ecological factor that influences rangeland ecosystems, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions, where it plays a crucial role in the growth, development, and evolution of plant species. Historically, controlled burning of vegetation in natural ecosystems has been one of the simplest methods for altering and enhancing habitats, as well as for eliminating pests, diseases, and undesirable plants, while also modifying vegetation cover. Understanding the effects of fire on the characteristics of rangeland vegetation is essential for effective post-fire management. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the impact of fire on specific vegetation characteristics and to analyze vegetation responses to fire, with the goal of improving the management of the Sanandaj rangelands. MethodologyFor this study, three areas Khalichian, Hasanabad, and Haft Asiab located around Sanandaj and affected by fires one to three years prior were selected. Following field surveys and sampling, the flora of these areas was identified using available resources. Vegetation types were determined through the physiognomic-floristic method. Six sites were established for vegetation sampling, comprising three burned sites and three control sites. Each pair of burned and control sites was matched based on topographic conditions, including elevation, slope percentage, and slope direction, to minimize the effects of environmental gradients and focus on the impact of fire. In each site, two transects (one along the slope and one perpendicular to it) were established, with 15 plots along each transect, resulting in a total of 12 transects and 180 plots. Within each plot, vegetation characteristics such as the percentage of canopy cover of plant species, bare soil, stones and gravel, and litter were estimated. The Shannon-Wiener index was utilized to calculate diversity and evenness, while the Margalef index was used to assess richness. An independent t-test was conducted to compare the mean vegetation characteristics. ResultsThe results revealed a significant decrease in the canopy cover of shrubs in the burned sites, accompanied by notable increases in the cover of grasses and both annual and perennial forb plants. Total canopy cover, bare soil percentage, production, and species richness significantly increased in all three areas as a result of fire, while litter significantly decreased. Total rangeland production in the fire-affected sites was significantly higher than in the control sites (P < 0.01), with increases of 26.48%, 26.48%, and 40.14% observed in Khalichian, Hasanabad, and Haft-Asiab, respectively. The difference in the species diversity index (Shannon-Wiener index) was not significant in Khalichian; however, it showed a significant increase in the other areas. Comparisons of the Margalef species richness index indicated that fire enhanced species richness in all three areas, with increases reaching significance at the 1% level. The species evenness index exhibited a significant increase in Hasanabad and Haft-Asiab, but not in Khalichian. An examination of plant composition in the studied areas indicated that fire reduced the prevalence of woody species while promoting an increase in herbaceous plants. ConclusionThis study concluded that fire generally results in an increase in live vegetation cover, a reduction in litter, and an increase in bare soil. Additionally, fire alters plant composition, favoring herbaceous plants over woody species. Therefore, it is recommended that controlled burning be implemented in grasslands where plant composition has shifted and woody species have proliferated. Such practices should be considered alongside other economic, social, and environmental factors to enhance rangeland conditions.
Saeed Abdollahzadeh; Marzieh Rezaie; Rasoul Mahdavi
Volume 31, Issue 2 , August 2024, Pages 204-218
Abstract
IntroductionThe distribution of plants in different habitats is influenced by environmental and edaphic conditions. Identifying the relationship between soil factors and vegetation, as well as the specific soil characteristics in which these species are found, is one of the important goals of this research. ...
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IntroductionThe distribution of plants in different habitats is influenced by environmental and edaphic conditions. Identifying the relationship between soil factors and vegetation, as well as the specific soil characteristics in which these species are found, is one of the important goals of this research. Taking steps in this direction will help prevent habitat destruction and facilitate the restoration of damaged areas. Let me know if you need any further adjustments! Materials and methods The study identified three representative areas using the physiognomic-systematic method, focusing on the habitat of Ferula assafoetida L. Areas with less than 15% coverage were classified as low-density, those with 15-30% coverage as medium-density, and areas with more than 30% coverage as high-density. In each representative area, eight transects of 1000 meters were systematically established and positioned perpendicularly to each other. To account for slope variations in sampling, quadrat sampling along the transects was employed. The plot size was determined using the minimum level method, with species density measured in 2 x 2 square meter plots across a total of 240 plots. To prepare soil samples, two soil profiles were dug at a distance of 500 meters along each transect, resulting in a total of 48 profiles from which soil samples were collected at depths of 0 to 30 cm. In each representative area, three transects of 1000 meters were placed perpendicularly, with ten sampling bases spaced 100 meters apart along each transect. The collected samples were transported to the Water and Soil Laboratory of Hormozgan University for analysis. The amount of gum collected from each base was measured using a digital scale with an accuracy of 0.001 grams. A comparison of the production of this plant gum was conducted across the different habitats. The changes in edaphic factors in representative areas were analyzed using SPSS software with the GLM test, revealing low density at 15.8 bases per hectare, medium density at 27.8 bases per hectare, and high density at 46.9 bases per hectare of Ferula assafoetida L. Results In the areas with low density, the soil acidity level was measured at 7.4, while in the medium-density area, it was 7.8, and in the high-density area, it reached 8. These results indicate that soil acidity is higher in densely populated areas and lower in areas with low density, suggesting that Ferula assafoetida is more compatible with alkaline soils. As soil acidity increases, the density of this plant decreases. The analysis of density changes in relation to organic matter percentage showed that organic matter has a direct effect on plant density; as organic matter increases, so does the density of the plant. Conversely, when the soil has low organic matter content, the density of Ferula assafoetida declines. Additionally, the comparison of average potassium levels revealed that the low-density area had the lowest potassium content, while the high-density area had the highest. The combined levels of calcium and magnesium were also lowest in the low-density area and highest in the dense Angozeh habitat. Furthermore, the number of Ferula assafoetida bases per unit area increased in regions with higher sand content, whereas the number of bases decreased in clay soils. This plant is not compatible with saline or acidic soils. ConclusionUnderstanding the ecological needs and performance of plant species is essential for implementing remedial activities in dry and desert ecosystems. Bestak city, located in Hormozgan province, is home to numerous Anghuzeh plantations, which have the potential to produce gum, generate currency, and provide significant economic value for local communities. The region is characterized by elevations ranging from 1900 to 2500 meters. This species exhibits a greater geographical distribution in areas with sand, silt, and high acidity, with increased density and decreased distribution in clay-rich areas. According to the findings, it appears that this plant thrives in light soils.
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