Abbas kianipour; Amrali Shahmoradi
Volume 11, Issue 1 , September 2019, , Pages 1-18
Mohammadtaghi Feizi; Morteza Khodagholi; Mostafa Saeedfar; Amrali Shahmoradi
Volume 10, Issue 4 , August 2019, , Pages 387-408
Hosein Bashari; Amrali Shahmoradi
Volume 11, Issue 3 , August 2019, , Pages 287-308
Maryam Majid; Amrali Shahmoradi
Volume 10, Issue 4 , August 2019, , Pages 445-458
Nazila Tayeb Nejad; Younes Asri; Manije Pakravan; mohammadreza najibzadeh
Volume 24, Issue 2 , July 2017, , Pages 392-403
Abstract
Acantholimon gilliatii, Astragalus aharicusand A. neo-mobayenii are the endemic species with one population in East Azarbaijan. Previous observations of researchers have shown that survival of these species at risk and their distribution is being limited. In this study, topographic, climatic and soil ...
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Acantholimon gilliatii, Astragalus aharicusand A. neo-mobayenii are the endemic species with one population in East Azarbaijan. Previous observations of researchers have shown that survival of these species at risk and their distribution is being limited. In this study, topographic, climatic and soil characteristics were investigated in habitats of these species. Also, coverage, height density and phenology of the study species were determined by using 10 plots in each area with random method during 2013 and 2014. The habitat of A. gilliatii is very limited in the southern slopes of the Mishodagh Mountain, with a slope of 15-30 %, an altitude of 2010 m, loam-sandy soil and cold semi-humid climate. Also, the habitat of A. aharicus is very limited in the southwestern slopes of the Kasabeh Mountain, with a slope of more than 60 %, an altitude of 1750 m, loam-clay calcareous soil and semi-arid climate. The habitat of A. neo-mobayenii is patchy in the northern slopes of the Mishodagh Mountain, with a slope of 60-70 %, an altitude of 1800 m, loam-sandy soil and cold semi-humid climate. It seems that droughts and heavy livestock grazing have resulted in limiting the populations of the study species. Therefore, adopting measures such as protecting the habitat of these species, investigation of the factors affecting the regeneration of these plants as well as pest control are essential to avoid the removal of these species from the natural arena.
Seyed Morteza Abtahi; Amrali Shahmoradi; Abbas Kianipour
Volume 23, Issue 1 , June 2016, , Pages 37-50
Abstract
This research was aimed to investigate the autecology of Stipagrostis karelini in the sand dunes of Isfahan province. Initially, the habitat map was prepared and characteristics including topographyclimate, soil, associated species, and the presence of this species in vegetation cover were determined. ...
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This research was aimed to investigate the autecology of Stipagrostis karelini in the sand dunes of Isfahan province. Initially, the habitat map was prepared and characteristics including topographyclimate, soil, associated species, and the presence of this species in vegetation cover were determined. In addition, the phenology and root system of the mentioned species was investigated. According to the results, this species grows on the sand dunes of Kashan (Rig Boland) at an altitude of 750 to 1150 meters above sea level on all slope aspects. The habitat has a sandy and sandy-loam textured soil. Soil electrical conductivity varies in different parts of the habitat as well as at different soil depths, ranging between 2.5-3 ds m-1. Soil pH of the habitat ranges between 7.5 and 8.2. The average annual precipitation in the natural habitats of this species is 80-140 mm. The mean minimum and maximum temperatures are 3.8 °C and 33.6 °C respectively The absolute minimum and maximum temperature are -12 °C and 47.8 °C, respectively. The vegetative growth of this species starts from late March. The flowers appear in May and seeds ripen in mid-June. The study species has a fibrous root system, around which is covered with sand and the root penetrates the sand up to one meter at a radius of about 2 meters.
Hashem Keneshlou; Mohammad Yousef Achak
Volume 22, Issue 1 , June 2015, , Pages 86-99
Abstract
Management, conservation, utilization and rehabitation of species habitats require identifying the characteristics of the habitat and effective ecological factors. In the current research, after specifying the habitats of Salvadora oleiodes, six sites were selected to investigate silvicultural characteristics, ...
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Management, conservation, utilization and rehabitation of species habitats require identifying the characteristics of the habitat and effective ecological factors. In the current research, after specifying the habitats of Salvadora oleiodes, six sites were selected to investigate silvicultural characteristics, geological structure and soil properties. Three elderlyandmiddle-aged trees were selected in each site to record the phonological stages. Salvadora oleiodes is native to Asia (arid and semi-arid regions of north-west India, Pakistan, warm humid areas of Arabian Peninsula and South East of Iran) and tropical parts of Africa. It has been planted in Egypt and China. According to the obtained results, Salvadora oleiodes is distributed in warm regions of southern Balochistan from sea level (40-50 m a.s.l) to 1400 m a.s.l with an annual rainfall of 92-141mm and annual daily temperature of 24.6- 28.3ْC. The soil texture of the habitats was light to moderate with a mean pH and EC of 8.19 and 7.27dS/m, respectively, mainly on the sediments of Quaternary (52%) and Tertiary (48%). An average density of 6-40 trees per hectar, a mean total height of 4m, an average collar diameter of 10-35 cm, a mean crown cover of 54 m2 and a coverage percentage of 0.5 to 50 % were recorded at different habitats. Flowering period is from November to April and fruit ripening starts in June and July in different habitats. The species regenerates naturally by seed, sprout and root sucker. Young seedlings, out of reach of livestock, are able to establish under the shelter of mother trees and other species.
vahid Izadi Khajeloo; younes asri; jaber sharifi nayaragh
Volume 22, Issue 4 , March 2015, , Pages 721-729
Abstract
Capparis spinosa is an important plant species in the rangelands ofDashte Moghan. In the current study, the ecological characteristics of the mentioned species were investigated at three representing sites. At each site, 30 plots of 10 m2 were established along transects and systematic random sampling ...
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Capparis spinosa is an important plant species in the rangelands ofDashte Moghan. In the current study, the ecological characteristics of the mentioned species were investigated at three representing sites. At each site, 30 plots of 10 m2 were established along transects and systematic random sampling was applied. Within the plots, density, coverage, height, length of longest stem, biomass, leaf length and width, and regeneration were measured. A number of 3-5 plants were randomly selected at each site and the root length was measured. Three soil samples were also taken from the root mass depth and a few soil physico-chemical properties were measured. The data were analyzed by ANOVA in Minitab software ver.14. Results showed significant differences among the study sites for coverage and biomass at p<0.05 and density and regeneration at p<0.01. However, no significant differences were recorded for height, length of longest stem, and leaf length and width. According to the results of PCA, soil texture, rainfall, and altitude were the most important factors affecting the density, distribution, and abundance of the species studied. Capparis spinosa L. prefers deep to semi-deep soils with an EC of 2.3 ds/m and a pH of 7.9 for growth and establishment.
Ahmad Ahmadi; AmrAli Shahmoradi; Sedigheh Zarekia; Elahe Ahmadi; Saeedeh Nateghi
Volume 20, Issue 1 , June 2013, , Pages 172-181
Abstract
In this research, Astragalus effusus was considered for autecological study in West Azarbaijan’s catchments. This palatable range species belongs to Papilionaceae. In this study, the ecological characteristics (climatic, topographic, edaphic), distribution in the catchments, phenology, root system, ...
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In this research, Astragalus effusus was considered for autecological study in West Azarbaijan’s catchments. This palatable range species belongs to Papilionaceae. In this study, the ecological characteristics (climatic, topographic, edaphic), distribution in the catchments, phenology, root system, and preference value of Astragalus effuses were investigated. The main part of the study was conducted in study sites of Poldasht (at the elevation of 900 m asl and mean annual rainfall of 120 mm), Shahidan valley (at the elevation of 1700 m asl and mean annual rainfall of 500 mm) and Salmas (at the elevation of 2000 m asl and mean annual rainfall of 338 mm) at different time intervals. The results showed that Astragalus effusus grew in all West Azarbaijan’s catchments from an elevation of approximately 800 to 3575 meters above sea level in all geographic aspects. It grew best on medium-textured soils, from sandy loams to clay loams. Some of the main companion species of Astragalus effusus were Onobrychis cornuta, Bromus tomentellus, Achillea millefolium, and Stachys schetschegleevii. In Salmas study site, the time of initial growth, vegetative growth, flowering, seed ripening and seed dispersion of this species were late March, late April, mid May, mid June and late July, respectively. Astragalus effusus was a tap-rooted species and its roots penetrated to the depths up to 2 meters in sandy loam soils of Salmas region. The geologic studies indicated that the main habitats of the Astragalus effusus were areas with lithologic characteristics of dark gray limestone and red marly limestone with shale in the upper part. This species had no toxic substances and was proper spring forage for livestock.
Hossein Batouli; Amr Ali Shahmoradi
Volume 19, Issue 3 , December 2012, , Pages 490-497
Abstract
This research was aimed to study the autecology of Asthenatherum forsskalii as a desert and range species (Vahl) Nevski in arid and super-arid deserts of Masileh, Isfahan province. This range species is psammophyte and belongs to the Poaceae family with numerous aerial branches growing in desert sandy ...
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This research was aimed to study the autecology of Asthenatherum forsskalii as a desert and range species (Vahl) Nevski in arid and super-arid deserts of Masileh, Isfahan province. This range species is psammophyte and belongs to the Poaceae family with numerous aerial branches growing in desert sandy dunes. In order to study the autecology of this species, its habitats in the desert sandy dunes of Aran & Bidgol were determined. After determining the habitats, ecological characteristics such as elevation range, topography, climate, soil, companion species, presence in the vegetation cover, root system, phenology and propagation of the mentioned species were all studied. Results showed that the habitats were distributed in the form of spots scattered across the sandy plains and slopes of active sand dunes. This desert plant grows in an altitude range of 780 to 1150 meters above sea level with an average annual rainfall fluctuating between 80 and 120 mm. Its mean annual temperature is about 19.1 °C. This plant is widespread on light-textured sandy soils with pH and EC (Electrical conductivity) of 7.5-8.5 and 0.34-5.1 ds/m, respectively. A. forsskalii has a fibrous root system with a length over 6 meters. All its fibrous roots are covered with sand particles. Average canopy cover is 4.2%.Average density is 11,875 to 32,500 species per hectare and it has a frequency of about 72%.Vegetative growth begins in late February and its inflorescence emerges in the second half of May and the seeds appear in late June. Summer dormancy starts from late July and continues up to mid-September. Revival of the species is possible via seeds and formation of adventitious roots in the basal area. The most important companion species in the habitats of A. forsskalii are grasslands of Cyperus eremicus and various species of genus Calligonum L.. According to the results, A. forsskalii is a psammophyte desert species which in addition to soil conservation and stabilization in sand dunes, plays an important role in providing required forage for livestock in winter rangelands.
Ebrahim Farahani; Amrali Shahmoradi; Samira Adibi
Volume 19, Issue 1 , June 2012, , Pages 149-158
Abstract
Stipa hohenackeriana Trin & Rupr is a perennial plant of the gramineae family. This species covers a wide range of habitats in Tehran province. The habitat characteristics of this species including topography, climate, vegetation type, soil, associated species, plant phenology and root system were ...
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Stipa hohenackeriana Trin & Rupr is a perennial plant of the gramineae family. This species covers a wide range of habitats in Tehran province. The habitat characteristics of this species including topography, climate, vegetation type, soil, associated species, plant phenology and root system were investigated. The results showed that these habitats were located in altitudes of 880 to 2400 m above sea level. The average rainfall in the habitats was 150 mm to 378 mm. The annual average temperature, annual minimum temperature and annual maximum temperature were 15.5 to 24.4°C, -2 to 12°C and 32 to 42 °C, respectively. This plant was observed in a range of shallow to very deep soils at slopes of more than 0.5 percent. Soil acidity measurement showed levels of 8.1 to of 8.71 and the electrical conductivity of the soil were 0.19 to 0.98 ds/m. In most habitats, this species has emerged as the dominant. Average canopy cover, density and frequency were 8.43%, 9050 plants / ha and 90%, respectively. The ratio of root to shoot weight was 0.226. This plant has a highly branched root system. Phenology of the species in different habitats showed that the growth started from mid-March to mid April. Production stage of pods was in late May. Flowering was from late May to late June. Seed production occured from late May to late July. According to regional climatic conditions, the seeds were matured .From early September to early October the plant was in summer dormancy. This study showed that chemical compounds of crude protein and crude fat were maximum at early growth stage but gradually decreased in the coming stages.
Ebrahim KAzemi; Amrali Shahmoradi; Mohsen Padyab; Ardeshir Shafiee; Yaser Ghasemi Aryan
Volume 17, Issue 4 , November 2011, , Pages 564-574
Abstract
Autecology consederd as study a plant species behaviour and function and also determining its relationship with other biotic and abiotic components includes an important part of ecological studies in natural resources science. In the current research, autecology of Dorema aucheri, ...
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Autecology consederd as study a plant species behaviour and function and also determining its relationship with other biotic and abiotic components includes an important part of ecological studies in natural resources science. In the current research, autecology of Dorema aucheri, a perennial plant from Apiaceae family, was studied in range ecosystems of Kohgiloye and Boyerahmad. First of all vegetation map was provided using 1:50000 topographic maps and all characteristics including topography, climate, soil, and also companion species, root system, phenology, regenerarion, preference value, chemical compounds and frequency were studied. According to the results, Dorema aucheri grows in an elevation range of 1600 to 3400 m above sea level and in semi arid and moderate mediterian climates. The highest density of Dorema aucheri was recorded at 2300 to 3000 m above sea level. Soil texture in the study area was silty clay loam, silty clay, clay, silty loam and loam. Soil EC differed from 0.21 to 0.5 ds/m and a pH range of 7.5 to 8.2 was obtained. Average annual precipitation is 750 mm and temperature differed from -11 to 35 centigrade degree. Vegetative growth starts in early March and ends in early April. Its flowering stage is from mid April to May. Seed ripening stage is in mid July and no autumn growth was recorded. Root spreads in vertical (>200cm) and horizontal (>150cm) dieractions. Despite this plant is not palatable, it is used by livestock in absence of other palatable species. Human also utilizes this species as food or medicinal purposes.
Hossein Bagheri; Amr-ali Shahmoradi; Mahdi Adnani
Volume 18, Issue 2 , September 2011, , Pages 187-201
Abstract
The protection, improvement and development of renewable natural resources especially for vegetation need a comprehensive recognition of natural resources. To achieve some part of these objectives, the national project of autecology was carried out in Iran. In Qom province, autecology of Stipagrostis ...
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The protection, improvement and development of renewable natural resources especially for vegetation need a comprehensive recognition of natural resources. To achieve some part of these objectives, the national project of autecology was carried out in Iran. In Qom province, autecology of Stipagrostis plumosa, an important rangeland species in desert, semi-desert and steppic regions,was studied.In this research, geographical distribution of the species in the province, morphology, phonological stages, companion species, reproduction and establishment methods were determined. Soil study, geology and climatic condition were also investigated. With regard to the wide distribution of Stipagrostis plumosa in the province and variations of climatic and ecological factors, three sites were considered. The results showed that Stipagrostis plumosa was found in silty- loam, loam- sand, loam- clay and sandy soils as a dominant species and with increase of clay percentage, canopy cover was decreased as it was not seen in soils abundant of clay . This species was also highly resistant to soil salinity and lime as tolerated the EC between 0.27 to 2.89 milmohs/cm and %13 to % 24 of lime. It was found in altitude of 900 to 1650 meters above sea level. Its height was between 12 to 35 cm and partly about 50 cm in suitable condition. It had bunch stems and scattered roots. In flowering stage, the ratio of root to shoot length was about 1.25 and ratio of root to shoot weight was about 0.47. The main activity period of this species begins generally from mid February and ends in late June with the seeds bloom and seed dispersal. Reproduction by seed is conducted appropriately while in areas with high grazing pressure asexual reproduction is done. Resistance to unfavorable environmental conditions and drought, high tolerance to different soil conditions, high resistance to grazing and suitable regeneration could be considered as the main reasons of the wide distribution of Stipagrostis plumose in Qom province.
Hosein Azarnivand; Ali Tavili; Ali Sadeghi Sangdehi; Mohammad Jafari; Mohamad ali Zare Chahouki
Volume 18, Issue 3 , September 2011, , Pages 372-383
Abstract
Understanding ecological needs of range species is of utmost importance for range managers in conservation and utilization of rangeland ecosystems. The current research was conducted to find out ecological characteristics of Astragalus squarrosus in Kashan. In each study area, soil sampling was performed ...
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Understanding ecological needs of range species is of utmost importance for range managers in conservation and utilization of rangeland ecosystems. The current research was conducted to find out ecological characteristics of Astragalus squarrosus in Kashan. In each study area, soil sampling was performed at depths of 0-30 and 30-60 cm along four transects. Vegetation sampling was done in three phonological stages of vegetative growth, flowering and seed ripening. Soil studies of the mentioned species showed that it mainly grew in soils with sandy loam to loamy sand textures, EC of 0/4 -4/2 ds/m and pH of 7/49 -8/17. According to the results of the vegetation studies, average of the current yield was 78/3 kg/ha and 1322/9 species per hectare was estimated as average of the density of A. squarrosus. Forage quality analysis at three phonological stages of vegetative growth, flowering and seed ripening showed that the amount of CP and OC were reduced up to 3.6% and 0/82 respectively. Decrease of DMD and ME and increase of ADF values at seed ripening stage was associated with a considerable decrease in palatability and subsequently forage quality.
Mir samad Mousavi; Khadejeh Mahdavi; Ahmad Ahmadi
Volume 18, Issue 3 , September 2011, , Pages 486-497
Abstract
Preservation, regeneration, development and management of renewable natural resources (especially vegetation cover) need precise and comprehensive knowledge. In this research, autecology of Caragana grandiflora sp. was studied in Poldasht, West Azarbayjan province. This species is a perennial plant from ...
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Preservation, regeneration, development and management of renewable natural resources (especially vegetation cover) need precise and comprehensive knowledge. In this research, autecology of Caragana grandiflora sp. was studied in Poldasht, West Azarbayjan province. This species is a perennial plant from Fabaceae family. To study the autecology of this perennial plant species, the habitat was determined by field observations and available reports and then climatic and edaphic characteristics of the habitat, plant root system, phenology, reproduction and food compounds were analyzed. The results showed that the habitat of this species was very limited and scattered throughout the North West of the study area. Mean annual precipitation of the habitat was 312.6 mm and mean annual temperature was 12.8 ċ. This species grows in calcic soils with a sandy texture and a PH of 7.5 to 7.67 and an EC of 7.05 to 1.22 ds m-1. The roots of this species is straight, branched and rhizomic that penetrates up to 1.2 m into soil and spreads out up to 3.2 m when encounters a hard and impervious layer. Study of this plant showed that its canopy cover was from 18.63% to 31.12%. Phenological phenomena begin when it sprouts at late February and continues till middle April in the study area. The flowering period is from May to June. It is full of the fruits from middle June and the seed ripens in July. The Laboratory data was analyzed by SPSS software mean comparison was done by Duncan test. Aboveground organ of the plant contains 21.94, 29.37 and 14.25 crude protein respectively in growth, flowering and seeding periods. This species is recommended for range improvement and reclamation in rangelands which have similar ecological condition to West Azarbayjan.
Maliehe Oushib Nataj; Hasan Shekarchi; Maryam Keshavarzi,; Mohammad Akbarzadeh
Volume 18, Issue 1 , May 2011, , Pages 90-106
Abstract
Autecology is the study on behavior and performance of a plant species and its relationship with other living and non living components of a habitat. These kinds of studies provide basic information for management in rangeland ecosystems. In the current research, autecology of Lolium perenne was studied ...
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Autecology is the study on behavior and performance of a plant species and its relationship with other living and non living components of a habitat. These kinds of studies provide basic information for management in rangeland ecosystems. In the current research, autecology of Lolium perenne was studied in Mazandaran province. Geographical distribution, phenology, companion species, dryness index, edaphic and climatic parameters were considered as effective factors on distribution of Lolium perenne. According to the results, the altitude range for the mentioned species was from -22 to 1700 m above sea level. This species is frequently found in different places like road sides, irrigation canals, clay slopes, rocky and sandy hills, and also as a weed in farm fields. Presence percentage in lowlands was also more than that in uplands. Lolium perenne is resistant to cold and harsh conditions and grows mainly in humid to sub humid climates and alpine to Mediterranean and semi-arid habitats. Our results indicatedthat Lolium perenne prefers clay, clay loam, loamy sand, silty clay loam and silty clay soils. These observations show that Lolium perenne can grow in a wide range of ecological conditions.
Hamed Zarif Ketabi; Amr ali Shahmoradi; Majid Dashti; Asghar Paryab; Gholam reza Hosseini-Bamrood; Sadegheh Zarekia
Volume 17, Issue 3 , October 2010, , Pages 421-430
Abstract
Melica persica is a perennial grass from Poaceae family with a partly wide adaptability which makes it an important range plant species, especially for soil conservation. It is native to Iran and mostly grows in Irano-Torani and Hirkani regions. To study autecology of Melica persica, its habitats in ...
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Melica persica is a perennial grass from Poaceae family with a partly wide adaptability which makes it an important range plant species, especially for soil conservation. It is native to Iran and mostly grows in Irano-Torani and Hirkani regions. To study autecology of Melica persica, its habitats in Khorasan region were identified and habitat characteristics including climate, topography and soil were investigated in several sites. Afterwards, regeneration, phenology, density, canopy cover, root system and chemical compositon of forage were also studied. The results indicated that distribution of M. persica was partlywidefrom north to south of khorasan region and especially in rocky foothills (altitude 900-2900 m). It was laso seen in all geographic aspects and a slope of 12-89 percent. M. persica habitats are mainly located in 3 climates of very cold semi-arid, very cold mediterranean and cold semi-arid. Mean annual temperature and precipitation of M. persica habitats differ from 5-15 degrees centigrade and 125-600 mm, respectively. This plant prefers well-drainaged soils of gravelly loam, gravelly silty loam and gravelly sandy loam texture. Optimal pH and EC are 7 to 8 and 0.5-1.5 ds/m respectively. Rocky soils and specially sheil, volcanic and lime stones are the main bed for its establishment. Vegetative growth of this plant starts from mid March and continues to mid May. Depending on altitude, heading stage starts from early May to late May. During late May to early June seeds are at milk stage and seed dissemination happens 20 days later. Results also showed that the effect of seed storage period on seed viability was non-significant. Plant natural regeneration is mainly via seed. Forage chemical composition analysis showed a protein of 21.6 and 8.1 % in vegetative and flowering stages respectively.
Jaber Sharifi; Amrali Shahmoradi; Ali Akbar Emani
Volume 17, Issue 2 , September 2010, , Pages 221-233
Abstract
In order to recognize, find and use applicable information in range management and forage production, surveying of ecological characteristics of Astragalus brachyodontus were carried out. The method of studying was as following. At the first step, we used a map of vegetation cover and surveyed range ...
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In order to recognize, find and use applicable information in range management and forage production, surveying of ecological characteristics of Astragalus brachyodontus were carried out. The method of studying was as following. At the first step, we used a map of vegetation cover and surveyed range ecosystems to determine the habitats of this species in Ardebil province. Then, in every region, considering area and vegetation cover, we selected about six sites to study different ecological characteristics of the plant. In each of these areas, The factors related to total canopy cover, species frequency and amount of forage yield were measured. Also some qualitative characteristics such as root system, stem, seed quality, regeneration, preference value and chemical composition of the plant were studied. Results showed that this species is found between 1100 m to 2200 m above sea level in Ardabil province. Generally, the individuals of this species are distributed in mountain hills. Slopes of the habitats are 5 to 30 percent with south and south eastern aspects. Mid-term average of annual precipitation is 385 millimeters and average annual temperature is 17 degree centigrade. This species grows on soils with pH of about 7 and soils textures of sandy lome to clay lome. In terms of canopy cover, this species includes 5 to 15 percent of the vegetation. Depth of root system in soil vary form 30 to 80 centimeters. In habitats with 1500 meters elevation, vegetative growth starts in mid April. Completion of vegetative growth is in late May. Full flowering, seed ripening, and seed dissemination occurs in early June, early July, and late July, respectively. For this plant species, seed production and regeneration is relatively high in exclosure areas which are protected against grazing. In grazed areas, however, regeneration is low. Based on feeding minutes, preference value of this range plant species is very high. Considering forage digestibility and the amount of crude protein for this species, the best time to graze it is the time of flowering stage. The important pest of this species is a kind of small wasp from Eurytomidae family that feeds from the kernels of seeds and causes hollowness in them.
Hamid Hoveizeh; Amrali shahmoradi
Volume 16, Issue 2 , December 2009, , Pages 200-208
Abstract
Accessibility to a major portion of basic information about vegetation function of rangeland ecosystems is provided via autecologcal study of range plant species. These information are required for proper management of related rangelands. This research was conducted to examine the autecology of Cenchrus ...
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Accessibility to a major portion of basic information about vegetation function of rangeland ecosystems is provided via autecologcal study of range plant species. These information are required for proper management of related rangelands. This research was conducted to examine the autecology of Cenchrus ciliaris in Khuzestan Province of Iran. Some topographic, climatic, and edaphic characteristics, as well as the boundaries of its natural habitats were determined. Also, the phenological stages of the plant were observed. Results showed that the habitats of this plant species are mainly located in south western and south eastern sections of the province, with east and south topographic aspects and altitudes ranging from 60 to 420 meters above sea level. This range plant generally grow on sandy loamy soils of the province. The soils of these habitats are slightly to moderately accompanied with debris and sandstones. Average annual precipitation at its habitats is 233-341 millimeters. Fall vegetative growth of this species began earlier than accompanied native species.
Mohammad Abolghasemiy; Amrali Shahmoradi; Naser Baghestani; Sadegheh Zarekia
Volume 16, Issue 2 , December 2009, , Pages 254-261
Abstract
Recognition of the autecology of plants and understanding their importance in soil protection, as well as forage production for livestock, is a proper strategy for management, conservation, and development of renewable natural resources, specially vegetation. This investigation was carried ...
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Recognition of the autecology of plants and understanding their importance in soil protection, as well as forage production for livestock, is a proper strategy for management, conservation, and development of renewable natural resources, specially vegetation. This investigation was carried out on autecology of Stipagrostis pennata in Yazd province. For this plant, ecological characteristics such as geographic distribution, climatic properties, topography, and soil were studied. Also phenology and root system of the plant were examined. For this purpose , three study sites of Mansoorieh (in Tabas area), Masjed-e-shokr (beside Yazd-Tabas high way), and Bafgh were determined. The results showed that Stipagrostis pennata is a psammophyte plant with standing stems and branches. This plant grows in low-height sand dunes and sandy hills. Elevation range for areas in which this plant grows is 700-1600 meters above sea level. Measure of soil acidity (pH) is 8.25-8.53 and electrical conductivity (EC) is 0.48 to 1.2 ds. This species starts its vegetative growth at the end of February and flowers in early May. Its seeds ripen in mid June. During summer and autumn, the plant is in dormancy stage. Due to high aerial organs, Stipagrostis pennata has a good resistance against sandy storms and winds. So it is highly recommended for mobile sand dune stabilization and control of soil erosion in desert areas. It also produces a fairly good amount of forage for livestock and wildlife.
Majid Dashti; Amrali Shahmoradi; Hamed Zarif ketabi; Asghar Paryab; GHolamreza Hosseini-Bamrood; Sadegheh Zarekia
Volume 16, Issue 3 , December 2009, , Pages 401-408
Abstract
Salsola orientalis S .G.Gmelin is a perennial plant species of chenopodiaceae family. Because of its palatability, as a range plant, and recent drought it has been overgrazed in a way that it was eliminated in some areas, or only the individual plants of this species could be found. This research was ...
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Salsola orientalis S .G.Gmelin is a perennial plant species of chenopodiaceae family. Because of its palatability, as a range plant, and recent drought it has been overgrazed in a way that it was eliminated in some areas, or only the individual plants of this species could be found. This research was conducted to map the habitats of the plant in Khorasan region and investigate on its habitat characteristics (topographic, climatic, edaphic), phenology, regeneration, root system, density, and canopy cover. Results showed that elevation range for the habitats of this plant is 500-1500 meters above sea level. It could be found on different aspects and slopes of 5-40 percent. Annual precipitation and temperature are 150-400 mm and 10-17.5 degree centigrade, respectively. In most of its habitats, in Khorasan region, this plant is accompanied with dominant species of Artemisia diffusa, Artemisia sieberi, Poa bulbosa and some other species of genus Salsola. This range plant grows on moderately deep to deep soils with sandy loam to silty loam texture, acidities of about 7.4-7.8, and EC of 0.8-7.2 ds/m. It has a tap root system. So many small branch roots are connected to the main root. The root system can infiltrate into the soil to a depth of 1.5 meters. Phenology stages for Salsola orientalis showed that vegetative growth is from early March until early June. Flowering starts in late May. Seed ripening is in late October until mid November. Seed dissemination happens in late November until early December. Plant regeneration is via seeds. At phenological stage of seed formation, chemical analysis of forge portion resulted in 13.4% protein, 18.28% ashes, 2.62% calcium, and 26.19% fiber.
Hasan Ghelichhnia; Amr ali Shah moradi; Sadegheh Zare kia
Volume 15, Issue 3 , January 2008, , Pages 348-359
Abstract
Providing information about range plant species, to be used as the main basis for managing rangelands, necessitates studying their ecological behavior and relationship with biotic and abiotic components of rangeland ecosystems. In rangeland ecology, this type of studies is considered as autecology of ...
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Providing information about range plant species, to be used as the main basis for managing rangelands, necessitates studying their ecological behavior and relationship with biotic and abiotic components of rangeland ecosystems. In rangeland ecology, this type of studies is considered as autecology of range plant species. This research was conducted to study autecology of two range plant species of Bromus tomentosus and Agropyron pectiniforme in Mazandaran Province. Site characteristics, including topography, climate, soil, and accompanied plant species were determined. For each of the two species, phenology, root system, and their way of presence in the vegetation cover of rangeland ecosystem were examined. The results showed that Agropyron pectiniforme grows in locations with an elevation range of 1200-3000 m above sea level. Soil texture of growing areas is loamy or silty-loam. Soil electrical conductivity (EC) is 0.45-0.94 ds/m, while soil pH is 7 to 7.86. Annual precipitation at its ecological habitats is 320-653 mm; and average annual temperature is 7.2-16.2 degree of centigrade. Canopy cover and frequency for this species were 7.22% and 36.6%, respectively. The root system of this range plant species is fibrous and distributes among soil particles down to the depth of 21 centimeter. Vegetative growth stage of this species starts in late March and ends in late April. Its flowering stage is from early May until early June, and seed ripening is in late June. The results of study on Bromus tomentosus showed that this plant grows in locations with an elevation range of 2300-3300 m above sea level. Soil texture of growing areas is loamy or silty-loam. Soil electrical conductivity (EC) is 0.40-0.72 ds/m while soil pH is 7.21 to 7.47. Annual precipitation at its ecological habitats is 510-653 mm; and average annual temperature is 7.2 degree of centigrade. Canopy cover and frequency for this species were 16.75% and 5.73%, respectively. The root system of this species is fibrous and distributes among soil particles down to the depth of 27 centimeter. Its vegetative growth stage starts in early April and ends in early May. Flowering stage of this range plant is from mid May until mid June, and seed ripening occurs in mid July. Ecological characteristics of these two range plant species need to be considered in management programs of related rangeland ecosystems.
Ebrahim Farahani; Amrali Shahmoradi; Sadegheh Zarekia; Farhad Azhir
Volume 15, Issue 1 , January 2008, , Pages 86-94
Abstract
Studying the behavior and the way a plant species functions, and investigating on its relationship with biotic and abiotic components of its habitat is considered as autecology of that plant species. This type of studies provide valuable information which is necessary for rangeland ecosystems management. ...
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Studying the behavior and the way a plant species functions, and investigating on its relationship with biotic and abiotic components of its habitat is considered as autecology of that plant species. This type of studies provide valuable information which is necessary for rangeland ecosystems management. This research was conducted to study the autecology of Stipa barbata. In this study, some topographic, climatic, and edaphic characteristics of the rangeland ecosystem, in which the plant species grows, were determined. Names of accompanied plant species in the ecosystem were listed. Based on physiognomy, this plant is the dominant species in most of its habitats. Its canopy cover, density, and frequency are 4.5%, 32750 plant/ha, and 82.5%, respectively. Phenology, root system, and the way of presence of Stipa barbata in the ecosystem were evaluated. The results showed that the habitats of this species are located in elevation range of 890 to 3300 meters above sea level while the major habitats are include elevation range of 1100 to 2800 meters above sea level. The species grows on slopes of 0.5 to 100%. Mean annual precipitation are 221 mm and 485 mm in Eshtehard and Zidasht Taleghan, respectively. Mean annual temperature are 15.5 and 24.5 degree Centigrade in Firoozkooh and Rood Shoor, respectively. The habitats for this plant species include very shallow to deep soils. Vegetative growth starts in early March and ends in early April. Its flowering stage is from mid May to mid June. Seed ripening stage is from late June until mid July. The plant has a shallow fibrous root system.
Jamal Hasani; Amrali Shahmoradi
Volume 14, Issue 2 , January 2007, , Pages 171-184
Abstract
Autecology's studies on plant are conducted to investigate about the relationships between a particular plant and other components of ecosystem. Ecological knowledge about range plant species are essential for rehabilitation, and management of rangelands. This study was accomplished to provide information ...
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Autecology's studies on plant are conducted to investigate about the relationships between a particular plant and other components of ecosystem. Ecological knowledge about range plant species are essential for rehabilitation, and management of rangelands. This study was accomplished to provide information about ecological characteristics of range plant of prangos ferulacea from 2001-2004 in Kurdistan Province. In the survey, some topographic, climatic and edaphically aspects, as well as boundaries of the ecological habitats of this species were delineated. Phonological stages, root system, crown cover, density, reproduction, adequate depth for seed planting, preference value of this plant were evaluated. The results showed habitats from view point of crown cover not significant difference at ά ≤ 0.05, but from aspect of density and regeneration were significant difference between of them at ά ≤ 0.05 & 0.01. The highest average of plant density achieved in Daraki 16.7 in 4 square meter and lowest density in Ariz 6.5 plant in 4 square meters. The Daraki habitat’s from aspect of plant regeneration with 13.3 plants in 4 square meters was better than the other, and Shian has the lowest regeneration (3.1 plant). Phonological stages showed that this plant has a short period of growth and starts in April and continues still early August. Soil texture and soil depth were affected on root grow and development. In Khan and Ariz habitats, penetration of root were 140 & 177.5 centimeters, whereas this parameter measured in Shian and Daraki 146.7 & 77.75 centimeters, sufficient depth for seeding Prangos ferulacea was 4 centimeter. Average of thousand Seed weight 212 gram was measured. Plant mostly grows at 500 mm. rainfall, 1700-2300m.above sea level and northern slopes in Kurdistan. Test of soil texture indicates that this plant grows in different soils, especially clay soil texture .Finally this plant has an important role in rangelands by having forage production and soil conservation.
Farhad Azhir; Amrali Shahmoradi
Volume 14, Issue 3 , January 2007, , Pages 359-367
Abstract
Accessibility to a major portion of information about vegetation cover function of rangeland ecosystem is provided by the way of autecological study of range plant species. Autecological study of a range plant named Ferula ovina was accomplished in Tehran province. Topographic, edaphic, and climatic ...
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Accessibility to a major portion of information about vegetation cover function of rangeland ecosystem is provided by the way of autecological study of range plant species. Autecological study of a range plant named Ferula ovina was accomplished in Tehran province. Topographic, edaphic, and climatic characteristics of the species's habitat were determined. The canopy cover, density, frequency, and preference value of the plant were measured. Names of other species which are accompanied with Ferula ovina in its major ecosystem were listed. The results showed that habitat elevation for this species is 2000 to 3200 meters above sea level. Topographic aspect is not a major limitation for its growth. At its habitats, average annual precipitation is about 400 mm. Mean annual temperature is 8 centigrade. Its major ecosystem includes geological layers of tuff, limestone, shale, conglomerate, sandstone, siltstone and clay stone. This plant prefers loamy and/or sandy-loamy soils. Electrical conductivity of soil at different parts of the habitat indicates less than 1.0 ds/m. A range of 7.0 – 7.5 was observed for soil pH. In rangelands in which vegetation is dominated by this species, its percent canopy cover, frequency, and density are 12.35% , 81.62%, and 16750 plants per hectare, respectively. Its root system includes a main root and a few distributed roots. Vegetation growth of this plant starts in early May. Its flowering stage is in 5th to 20th of June, and seed ripening stage is in the fourth week of June. The plant propagates only by seeds. When plant is green, it is not grazed by livestock such as sheep and goat. However, it is harvested and stored as livestock fodder in fall and winter. The main insect seen on the plant is a butterfly named Malocosma sp.