Azad Kakehmami; Ardavan Ghorbani; Mehdi Moameri; Sahar Ghafari
Volume 28, Issue 3 , October 2021, , Pages 537-550
Abstract
By evaluating land use change and land cover, it is possible to plan and land manage to reduce the impact of alteration and degradation of exploitations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate land use changes in Ardabil province between 1987 and 2015 using Thematic Mapper (TM) sensor of Landsat 5 ...
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By evaluating land use change and land cover, it is possible to plan and land manage to reduce the impact of alteration and degradation of exploitations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate land use changes in Ardabil province between 1987 and 2015 using Thematic Mapper (TM) sensor of Landsat 5 and Operational Land Imager (OLI) sensor of Landsat 8 satellite images. Firstly, the efficiency of the object-based classification method was evaluated using ground control points, error matrix, and comparing total accuracy and kappa coefficients for the resulting maps. Total accuracy and Kappa coefficients for 1987 were 82.3% and 0.70, and 2015 were 94% and 0.90, respectively. Change detection results showed that from 1987 to 2015, rangelands decreased by 4.2%, equivalent to 75039.3 hectares and forests decreased by 0.5%, equivalent to 9393.7 hectares compared to the total province area and irrigation farming increased by 3.1%, equivalent to 55276.8 hectares, residential areas increased by 0.8%, equivalent to 14989.7 hectares and dry farming increased by 0.7%, equivalent to 12632.4 hectares compared to the total province area. The most significant changes that occurred from 1987 to 2015 were the conversion of rangelands to dry farming with 13.8%, equivalent to 141794.2 hectares and irrigation farming lands with 4.8%, equivalent to 49836.9 hectares of rangelands, irrigation farming to dry farming with 7.7%, equivalent to 11464.8 hectares and forests to rangelands with 6.1%, equivalent to 1059.9 hectares which indicate that the requirement of a serious revision of the management policies.
Ardavan Ghorbani; Lida Andalibi; Farid Enferadi; Farzad Aghche Gheshlagh; Jamal Seyf Davati; Jaber Sharifi Niaragh
Volume 27, Issue 4 , December 2020, , Pages 722-731
Abstract
Forage quality information could help managers of rangelands to select appropriate grazing method to achieve higher animal performance without damage to ecosystem. The aim of this study was to investigate the nutritional value of Thymus kotschyanus, Artemisia melanolepis and A. austriaca in different ...
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Forage quality information could help managers of rangelands to select appropriate grazing method to achieve higher animal performance without damage to ecosystem. The aim of this study was to investigate the nutritional value of Thymus kotschyanus, Artemisia melanolepis and A. austriaca in different altitudes and phenological stages in 2016. According to the presense of the selected species, three rangeland sites in the southeast of Sabalan near Alvares ski resort including 2200-2400, 2600-2800, and 3000-3200 meters above sea level were selected. At each site 50 samples from each species were taken at three phenological stages. The nutritional value of the species was determined by measuring the percentage of dry matter, ash, organic matter, protein, fat, Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF), Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF), macro elements (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and sodium) and micro elements (iron, zinc, copper and manganese) and the results were analyzed in a completely randomized design using ANOVA. Duncan's multiple range test was used to compare the means. Considernig the difference in altitude in the habitat of T. kotschyanus and A. melanolepis, the effect of altitude factor on the studied traits in these two species was solely evaluated by independent t-test and the results showed that, altitude changes had no effect on the nutritional value and macro and micro elements of T. kotschyanus and A. melanolepis. The difference between phenological stages in species was significant. The highest and lowest percentage of organic matter were in seedling and growth stages for A. austriaca (94.43%) and A. melanolepis (91.49%), respectively. As phenological stages pass, there was a significant decrease in the percentage of fat, protein and ash in all three species (p < 0.05). The highest crude protein was observed in A. melanolepis at vegetative stage (17%) and the lowest in A. austriaca at seedling stage (7.5%). With the development of growth stages organic and dry matter, NDF and ADF were increased in the species. Phosphorus, potassium, nitrogen and sodium in the species were decreased significantly as phenological stages progress (p < 0.05). The highest phosphorus was recorded at vegetative stage in A. austriaca (0.34%) and the lowest (0.12%) in T. kotschyanus at the seedling stage. Overall, A. austriaca, A. melanolepis and T. kotschyanus have high nutritional value and suitable minerals, which can be used as substitute forage when other forage species are reduced in a given rangeland.
sahar ghafari; Ardavan Ghorbani; mehdi moammeri; Raoof Mostafazadeh; Mahmoud Bidar Lord; azad Kake mami
Volume 27, Issue 3 , October 2020, , Pages 433-462
Abstract
The aim of this study was to predict the habitat expansion of Festuca ovina by maximum entropy method and to determine the effective factors on its spread in the elevation gradient of Moghan-Sabalan rangelands of Ardabil province. The 28 study sites were selected and in each study site 3 transects and ...
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The aim of this study was to predict the habitat expansion of Festuca ovina by maximum entropy method and to determine the effective factors on its spread in the elevation gradient of Moghan-Sabalan rangelands of Ardabil province. The 28 study sites were selected and in each study site 3 transects and along each 100-meter transect 10 plots of 1 1m2 with a distance of 10 meters from each other were selected for sampling. Soil sampling in each study site was sampled from two depths of 0-15 and 15-30 cm. Soil properties using spatial statistics, topographic characteristics using digital elevation model, climatic information using meteorological data of the region, and land use measurements prepared with the help of a user map. Prediction maps related to the distribution of F.ovina were prepared using the maximum entropy modeling method. The role of environmental factors affecting the distribution of the species was investigated using the Jackknife method and response curves. Height variables, slope, patch size (coefficient of variation), potassium (15-30 cm depth), and lime (0-15cm depth) had the highest share in the model. The area under the curve index (AUC) was 0.86, which indicates the accuracy and average efficiency of the model in identifying the most desirable distribution areas. The kappa coefficient obtained from the comparison of forecast and actual maps was 0.72, which is at a very good level.
Maryyam Molaei; Ardavan Ghorbani; Mehdi Moameri; Asgar Hossainzadeh
Volume 27, Issue 3 , October 2020, , Pages 545-560
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to model the spatial distribution of Artemisia fragrans and A. chamaemelifolia in Ghezelozen-Aghdagh elevation profile rangelands of Khalkhal city. For modeling, information about species and habitat factors such as topography, soil, and climatic factors ...
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The purpose of this research was to model the spatial distribution of Artemisia fragrans and A. chamaemelifolia in Ghezelozen-Aghdagh elevation profile rangelands of Khalkhal city. For modeling, information about species and habitat factors such as topography, soil, and climatic factors were used, and habitat distribution modeling was performed by a logistic regression method. All parameters affecting the distribution of species were prepared as a raster map. Then, by combining the maps of the factors affecting the species distribution, the distribution map was predicted through the logistic regression method. The results showed that the most important factor in spatial prediction of A. fragrans in the region was altitude and with each meter of elevation, the presence of this species decreased by 0.88%. The results also showed that the presence of A. chamaemelifolia species was inversely related to altitude, mean temperature, and soil potassium. The Kappa index was used to determine the agreement between the prediction models with ground truth. The kappa coefficient was 0.91 for A.fragrans and 0.62 for A. chamaemelifolia, which indicates the excellent agreement of the model with reality. According to the prepared forecast map, A. fragrans and A. Chamaemelifolia species can be considered for lowland and higher altitude rangelands.
Ardavan Ghorbani; Ardashir Pournemati; Nazila Bibak
Volume 26, Issue 1 , June 2019, , Pages 1-17
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the rangeland health of North Sabalan in three-elevation classes (less than 1500, 1500 to 2100, and 2100 to 2700 meters), which were the representative of rural, rural-nomad, and nomad rangelands, using the landscape function analysis (LFA) in Ardabil ...
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The aim of this study was to assess the rangeland health of North Sabalan in three-elevation classes (less than 1500, 1500 to 2100, and 2100 to 2700 meters), which were the representative of rural, rural-nomad, and nomad rangelands, using the landscape function analysis (LFA) in Ardabil province. For sampling, three 50-meter transects were established in each elevation class according to the uniformity of the habitat and distribution of patches. Using the LFA framework, three characteristics including stability, infiltration and nutrient cycling of soil surface were determined using 11 indicators. Statistical analysis of data was conducted using the LFA method and instructions of Tongway and Hindley in Excel software. The soil stability index for vegetation life forms in the elevation class of 2100 to 2700 m was more than that of the other two elevation classes, with significant difference (P>0.05); however, there was no significant difference between the first and the second class .Comparison of the infiltration and nutrient cycling indices for vegetation life forms in the elevation class of 2100 to 2700 m was also more than those of the other two elevation classes with significant differences (P<0.05). The stability index in the third elevation class (72.35) and in the second class (48.75), the infiltration index in the third elevation class (73.31) and in the first elevation class (15.99), and the nutrient cycling index in the third elevation class (78.75) and in the first elevation class (10.12) had the highest and least values, respectively. Overall, the health condition of the third elevation class was better than the other two classes. By examining the functional characteristics of ecological patches, we can identify the vegetation indicators affecting rangeland health, and then conduct proper management to protect that ecosystem.
Farid Dadjou; Ardavan Ghorbani; Mehdi Moameri; Mahmoud Bidarlord
Volume 25, Issue 3 , November 2018, , Pages 577-593
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between rangeland aboveground production based on total aboveground production and life forms of grasses, forbs, and shrubs with 25-year temperature and precipitation data, the year before sampling, and the year of sampling in Hir and Neur ...
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The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between rangeland aboveground production based on total aboveground production and life forms of grasses, forbs, and shrubs with 25-year temperature and precipitation data, the year before sampling, and the year of sampling in Hir and Neur rangelands in Ardabil province. To determine the aboveground production, the amount of production was estimated using the harvesting method in one square meter plots (totally 330 plots) in three elevation classes under the range of 1446-2750 meters. Temperature and precipitation were calculated for each plot. Aboveground production maps were prepared in a GIS environment using extracted regression equations. The results showed that over the years, precipitation decreased and temperature increased, and aboveground production also decreased in relation to those climatic factors. Moreover, there is a significant relationship (P<0.01) between the aboveground production of life forms and total aboveground production with climatic factors, and aboveground production of grasses and total have a direct relationship with precipitation; however the maximum aboveground production of forbs was recorded in the middle ranges and maximum aboveground production of shrubs was recorded in the higher ranges of annual precipitation. Grasses and total aboveground production had an inverse relationship with temperature, and the maximum aboveground production of forbs and shrubs was recorded in the middle and lower ranges of annual temperatures, respectively. According to the accuracy of derived regression equations, the maps prepared by climatic data of 1394 and 1395 were better than 25-year climate data. The results of this study can be used for the supply-demand balance of aboveground production, biomass accounts, and ecosystem carbon balance indicator that is potentially an important tool for sustainable development.
Amir Mirzaie Moousavand; Ardavan Ghorbani; Mohammad Ali Zare Chahooki; Farshad Keivan B ehjoo; kiomars Sefidi
Volume 25, Issue 2 , August 2018, , Pages 235-247
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of environmental factors on Prangos ferulacea Lindl. and P. pabularia Lindl. distribution in the rangelands of Ardabil province. Seven habitats of Prangos genus were identified, so that P. ferulacea was distributed in three ...
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The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of environmental factors on Prangos ferulacea Lindl. and P. pabularia Lindl. distribution in the rangelands of Ardabil province. Seven habitats of Prangos genus were identified, so that P. ferulacea was distributed in three habitats and P. papularia in two habitats. In each habitat, sampling sites were identified and in each site three transects of 100m were established, and the density of the study species were recorded in ten plots of 4m2. Soil samples were taken from the depth of 0 to 30 cm at the start, middle and end of each transect. In the vicinity of each habitat, sampling was done in the same way. In sampling plots, elevation, slope, aspect, and soil characteristics such as organic matter, N, P, K, pH, EC, and texture were measured. To investigate the effects of environmental factors on the presence or absence of the study species and to compare the characteristics of the variables measured one-way ANOVA and Tukey test were used.Discriminant analysis was used to determine the degree of importance of the environmental variables measured in the distribution of the study species. Results showed that P. pabularia was distributed in the habitats with the high content of P, clay, EC, rainfall, sand, slope and pH; while P. ferulacea was distributed where the elevation was high but rainfall and the content of K were low. According to the results of discriminant analysis, variables such as EC, organic matter, K, elevation, slope, aspect, silt, clay, rainfall, and temperature were effective in discrimination of sites and species distribution. The results of the present study could be useful to propose the species for range management, improvement and reclamation.
Amir Mirzaie Mousivand; Ardavan Ghorbani; Mohammad ali Zare Chahooki; Farshad Keyvan Behjoo; Kiomars Sefidi
Volume 24, Issue 4 , January 2018, , Pages 791-804
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of environmental factors on distribution of Prangos uloptera in rangelands of Ardabil province. The habitats of Prangos were identified and the habitats, in which the study species was present, were selected. Sampling was also carried out in the vicinity ...
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The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of environmental factors on distribution of Prangos uloptera in rangelands of Ardabil province. The habitats of Prangos were identified and the habitats, in which the study species was present, were selected. Sampling was also carried out in the vicinity of each habitat where the study species was not present. Three transects of 100-m length were established, on which canopy cover percentage and density of species were measured within 10 plots of 4m2. Soil samples were taken from the beginning, middle and end of each transect. In sampling places, altitude, slope, aspect, and soil characteristics were measured. Independent t test and cluster analysis were applied to comparison and classification of presence and non-presence areas and determination function was applied to determine the importance of factors affecting the presence of this species. The results of t test showed that there were significant differences between all variables except for temperature and precipitation. According to the results of cluster analysis, the studied species had more distribution in places with high altitude and steep slopes, high organic matter, and high nitrogen and sand. The results clearly showed that climatic parameters including precipitation and temperature as awell as altitude and sand percentage in the first grade and then aspect and soil characteristics including nitrogen and phosphorus in the second grade were the most important factors affecting the distribution of study species. According to the results, better decisions could be taken to use this species for range management, improvement and reclamation.
Ardavan ghorbani; Ardashir Pournemati; Amin Pourali; mekaiel Badrzadeh; Ali Teimour zadeh
Volume 24, Issue 3 , October 2017, , Pages 581-595
ardashir pounrnemati; ardavan ghorbani; jaber sharifi; farzad mirzaie; masoume amirkhani; mahmoud goudarzi
Volume 24, Issue 1 , May 2017, , Pages 110-125
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between rangeland plants production based on total production and life forms of grasses, forbs, and shrubs with topographic factors (altitude, slope, and aspects) in Sabalan rangelands, Ardabil province. To determine the annual total production, ...
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The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between rangeland plants production based on total production and life forms of grasses, forbs, and shrubs with topographic factors (altitude, slope, and aspects) in Sabalan rangelands, Ardabil province. To determine the annual total production, the amount of production was estimated using harvesting method in one square meter plots (totally of 216 plots) under the altitude range of 1200 to 2900 meters a.s.l. Using topographic maps, the digital elevation model was derived and classified maps of elevation, slope, and aspect were derived. Then, in each plot, information such as elevation, slope, and aspect was extracted. The correlation between life forms and topographic factors was analyzed using multivariate regression method. The results showed that there was a significant relationship between the production of life forms such as grasses (P<0.01), forbs (P<0.01) and shrubs (P<0.05) with topographic factors; however, there was no significant relationship between total production and topographic factors (P>0.05). The production of grasses, forbs and total production had direct relationship with slope; however, the production of shrubs decreased with the increase of slope. The production of grasses increased with altitude, and in the east-faced slopes, it was estimated more than the other aspects. The production of forbs decreased with the increase of altitude and was higher in the east aspect in comparison with the other aspects. The production of shrubs and total production in the middle altitude and in north –faced slopes were more than the other classes and aspects according to the suitable ecological condition and low degradation. Although it is obvious that elevation, slope, and aspect can change and affect the production, this effect is unknown, especially in the connection with life forms and the process of change. Overall, it can be concluded that these results could be used in the management of these rangelands, particularly in the improvement and rehabilitation practices.
Ardavan Ghorbani; Baharak Zare Hesari
Volume 23, Issue 3 , January 2017, , Pages 454-472
Abstract
This study was aimed to determine the feasibility of spatial statisticsin studying the spatial variations of density, canopy cover, and production for Artemisia fragrans in the southeast slopes of Sabalan. Initially, the normality test was conducted using SPSS16 software. Then, spatial statistical analysis ...
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This study was aimed to determine the feasibility of spatial statisticsin studying the spatial variations of density, canopy cover, and production for Artemisia fragrans in the southeast slopes of Sabalan. Initially, the normality test was conducted using SPSS16 software. Then, spatial statistical analysis including studying the spatial variability of density, canopy cover, and production of the studied species were conducted through the variograms of data and mapping the parameters using different interpolation and spatial statistical methods in the GS+5 and ArcGIS10 software. The accuracy assessment of maps was done using cross validation and three methods including: Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE), Mean Bias Error (MBE), and Mean Absolute Error (MAE). Results showed that the exponential model was the best-fitted variogram model and the data had high spatial structure. Among spatial statisticalmethods, the ordinary and universal co-kiriging were the best methods for the three parameters studied. According to the maps produced from these methods, A. fragrans is mostly distributed on the central and northeast parts and in low altitudes. Overall, spatial statistical techniques could be applied to zone the perennial key species of rangelands with proper sampling units.
ghodatollah Heydari; roohollah salar; ardovan ghorbani; Asghar Bagheri
Volume 22, Issue 3 , November 2015, , Pages 515-524
Ardovan Ghorbani; Ali Asghari
Volume 21, Issue 2 , August 2014, , Pages 368-381
Abstract
The relationship between the distribution of Festuca ovina and ecological factors such as topography, climatic and edaphic characteristics was investigated in 45 sites of Southeastern rangelands of Sabalan in Ardabil province.Within the determined sites, three large plots of ...
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The relationship between the distribution of Festuca ovina and ecological factors such as topography, climatic and edaphic characteristics was investigated in 45 sites of Southeastern rangelands of Sabalan in Ardabil province.Within the determined sites, three large plots of 10 × 10 m, 40 meters away from each other, were established along a 120–meter transect from lower slopes to highlands. The measurement of canopy cover parameters was performed in three plots with dimensions of 60 × 25 cm within the middle plot and the lower and upper plots were used as control. Different parameters including altitude, slope and aspect were calculated and averaged for three plots. In the middle plot, a soil profile was dug to a depth of 30 cm and soil samples were collected from two depths of 0-15 and 15-30 cm to measure soil parameters. Cluster analysis and principal components analysis (PCA) were used to classify the sites and the importance of parameters was determined by discriminate analysis (DA). Using multivariate analysis, the study sites were classified into four groups.The sites having high canopy cover percentage of F.ovina were classified in group 3, in which altitude, slope, and precipitation were higher than those of other groups, while temperature, salinity and pH were lower. This shows that this species is more compatible to higher altitudes and lower temperatures and dose not tolerate soil salinity. It is more compatible to a pH of 7.1 to 7.3. Organic matter, phosphorus and potassium will provide better conditions for growth. Results of principal component analysis showed that the two main components could explained 95% of the data variations, and the classification of sites using these two components confirmed the results of cluster analysis. According to the obtained results, the distribution of F.ovina was affected by several ecological factors including temperature, climate, soil, and aspect.