Masoumeh Pazoki; Seyed Jafar Seyed Akhlaghi; Seyed Alireza Hosseini
Articles in Press, Corrected Proof, Available Online from 11 December 2025
Abstract
Background and Objective
Water is regarded as one of the fundamental pillars underpinning the sustainability of arid and desert ecosystems. In these ecologically sensitive environments, sustainable water resource management necessitates the adoption of context-specific policies and the active engagement ...
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Background and Objective
Water is regarded as one of the fundamental pillars underpinning the sustainability of arid and desert ecosystems. In these ecologically sensitive environments, sustainable water resource management necessitates the adoption of context-specific policies and the active engagement of local communities. Nevertheless, indigenous knowledge rooted in cumulative lived experiences and adaptive nature-based mechanisms is frequently marginalized in formal development planning and policymaking processes. The present study aims to identify and elucidate the structure and dimensions of indigenous knowledge related to water resource management in Shahroud County, a region confronted with environmental challenges such as soil and water salinization, declining precipitation, and land subsidence.
Methodology
This research employed a qualitative design grounded in the Grounded Theory methodology as proposed by Strauss and Corbin. The study population consisted of local experts, experienced farmers, and professionals in the fields of natural resources and environmental management, selected through purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Data were collected through 25 in-depth semi-structured interviews conducted until theoretical saturation was achieved. The data were analyzed through the systematic processes of open, axial, and selective coding to construct a paradigmatic model of indigenous knowledge for sustainable water resource management.
Results
The results indicate that the core phenomenon of synergy and integration of indigenous and modern knowledge provides a fundamental basis for the sustainable management of water resources in Shahroud County. The commitment and self-awareness of local communities regarding the amount and allocation of water resources, along with their intergenerational knowledge in the field of water resources, have created a solid foundation for the protection of these resources. Despite challenges posed by youth migration and technological change, indigenous knowledge remains vital for local adaptation. Indigenous knowledge, which includes a deep understanding of rainfall and drought patterns, has remained a valuable and influential asset.
Local social structures, such as customary agreements on equitable water distribution and turn-taking systems, play a crucial role in the equitable distribution of resources. Government institutions and local organizations play a key role in strengthening knowledge and resource management by investing in the restoration of canals, developing infrastructure, and enhancing the capacity of policymakers. Integrating indigenous knowledge and modern knowledge through participatory strategies, continuous education, and intelligent exploitation, while increasing productivity and maintaining ecological balance, strengthens social cohesion and the sustainability of the rural population and paves the way for sustainable development. Success in managing Shahrood County's water resources requires a comprehensive approach that links contextual and intervening conditions alongside indigenous knowledge capacities and institutional support.
Conclusion
The findings underscore that the indigenous knowledge system in the desert regions of Shahroud County represents not merely a repository of experiential knowledge but an efficient and contextually grounded framework for local water governance. Core components such as environmental empiricism, continuity of traditional management practices, and value-oriented approaches to resource utilization constitute pivotal foundations for designing participatory policies and promoting sustainable development in the domain of water resource management.
Rostam Moslempour; Reza Yari; Seyedeh Mahboubeh Mirmiran
Volume 31, Issue 4 , January 2025, , Pages 347-362
Abstract
Background and objectives: Desert ecosystems usually receive less attention in carbon sequestration studies due to their low vegetation cover and limited carbon sequestration. However, since more than a third of the earth's surface covers 55% of the total area of Iran and more than 50% of the area of ...
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Background and objectives: Desert ecosystems usually receive less attention in carbon sequestration studies due to their low vegetation cover and limited carbon sequestration. However, since more than a third of the earth's surface covers 55% of the total area of Iran and more than 50% of the area of South Khorasan province, so they can be a significant carbon storage place. This research was conducted with the aim of investigating the carbon sequestration by six desert species: Calligonum polygonoides, Seidlitzia rosmarinus, Artemisia sieberi, Stipagrostis pennata, Salsoa richteri and Zygophyllum eurypterum in the rangeland of Ferdows.Methodology: In this Study, 30 plots of four square meters were randomly established in Calligonum polygonoides, Seidlitzia rosmarinus, Zygophyllum eurypterum and Salsoa richteri and in Artemisia sieberi and Stipagrostis pennata habitats, 30 plots of two square meters were randomly established and the canopy percentage and plant density were estimated in each plot. Vegetation cover and plant density were estimated in each plot. In the same plots, the soil profile was dredged down to a depth of 70 cm under the canopy, and the soil sample was taken and transported to the laboratory. By estimating the percentage of soil organic carbon (using the Walkley-Black method) and bulk density of the soils (using the paraffin method), the amount of soil carbon sequestration was finally measured. The data was used in the form of a completely random design, and Tukey's test was used to compare the means at the five percent probability level. The Shapiro-Wilk and Bartlett tests were used to check whether residual value variances were normal and homogeneous. The data obtained from the results of the experiments were analyzed using R software.Results: In general, the results showed that the highest amount of soil organic carbon was observed in Salsoa richteri and Artemisia sieberi habitats and the lowest amount was observed in Seidlitzia rosmarinus habitat. The highest amount of bulk density was observed in Calligonum polygonoides habitats. The results of the analysis of variance showed that the effect of the habitat on soil carbon sequestration is significant (p<0.01) and the amount of this effect is moderate to high (ηp2 between 0.10 and 0.47). The highest and lowest amount of carbon sequestration was observed in Zygophyllum eurypterum (28.66 tons per hectare) and Seidlitzia rosmarinus (12.80 tons per hectare habitats, respectively. Also, in terms of the percentage of vegetation, a significant difference was observed between habitats. The highest and lowest of vegetation cover percentage was obtained in Zygophyllum eurypteru (36.84%) and Seidlitzia rosmarinus (10.15%) habitats, respectively. Seidlitzia rosmarinus habitat had the lowest amount of soil organic carbon and also the highest percentage of vegetation, and compared to other plants, it produced the lowest amount of carbon sequestration. The highest and lowest plant density was obtained in the Stipagrostis pennata and Zygophyllum eurypterum habitats, respectively. Despite the high organic carbon in the soil of its habitat, Salsoa richteri plant also had low carbon sequestration due to the low density and percentage of vegetation cover. The results of correlation analysis show that there is a positive and significant relationship between vegetation percentage and carbon sequestration (p<0.01), but no significant relationship was observed between plant density and carbon sequestration (p>0.05).Conclusion: The amount of carbon sequestration was different depending on the percentage of vegetation and there was a positive and significant relationship between the percentage of vegetation and the amount of carbon sequestration, while no relationship was observed between the amount of vegetation density and carbon sequestration. So, in this study, Zygophyllum eurypterum habitat produced the highest percentage of vegetation cover and carbon sequestration, and Seidlitzia rosmarinus habitat had the lowest percentage of vegetation cover and carbon sequestration. Therefore, the vegetation percentage parameter can be used to estimate carbon sequestration. In other words, in the habitats that have bushy and shrubby plants, it is possible to estimate the amount of carbon sequestration based on the canopy percentage.
Kourosh Behnamfar; Seyed Ataollah Siadat; Mohammad Hasan Salehe Shoshtari
Volume 21, Issue 1 , June 2014, , Pages 41-50
Abstract
In order to study and design a mixed plantation of rangeland and forest species (silvopastoral system), four rangeland species and three shrub and tree species were planted with different row spacings on the sand dunes of Karkheh river, in Khuzestan province. The biological stabilization of sand ...
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In order to study and design a mixed plantation of rangeland and forest species (silvopastoral system), four rangeland species and three shrub and tree species were planted with different row spacings on the sand dunes of Karkheh river, in Khuzestan province. The biological stabilization of sand dunes and production of forage were the aims of this study. The selection of species was done according to their ability to improve the production of forage, firewood, and industrial wood as well as species diversity. The study was performed using split plot in a completely randomized design with three replications for four years. The main treatment included tree and shrub species (Eucalyptu camaldulensis 9616, Acacia victoriae ,Prosopis juliflora). Row spacings of 4*4, 5*5, 6*6, and rangeland species (Panicum antidotale,Cenchrus ciliaris ,Cymbopogon olivieri , Pennisetum divisum) were considered as the first and second sub-treatments, respectively.Vitality percentage of all species, forage yield of rangeland species, and height growth of shrub and tree species were measured. Data were analyzed by SAS software and mean comparisons were performed by Duncan's Multiple Range Test. According to the results, C. olivieri (90%) and C. ciliaris (60%) showed the highest and lowest vitality of rangeland species. Among tree and shrub species, E. camaldulensis (80%), P. juliflora (65%), and A. victoriae (50%), showed the highest vitality, respectively.In four-meter row spacings of E. camaldulensis, forage yield of all range species decreased. In terms of height growth, E. camaldulensis, with a height of around 3.5 m, was better as compared to the other two species. The highest average dry matter yield was recorded for P. divisum (1437 Kg ha-1), P. antidotale (1035 Kg ha-1), C. olivieri (380 Kg ha-1), and C. ciliaris (235 Kg ha-1), respectively. Therefore, the determination of appropriate row spacing for trees causes to increase of species diversity as well as continued and increasing forage production and utilization.
Hosein Batooli
Volume 9, Issue 2 , September 2001, , Pages 549-570