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.
Parviz Karami; Fariba Nemati
Volume 30, Issue 2 , September 2023, , Pages 247-263
Abstract
Background and objectives The growth of the population and the increase in food needs have caused humankind to turn to manipulating nature and converting natural lands into crops, especially rainfed agriculture, to provide the food they need. For various reasons, a large part of these lands is abandoned ...
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Background and objectives The growth of the population and the increase in food needs have caused humankind to turn to manipulating nature and converting natural lands into crops, especially rainfed agriculture, to provide the food they need. For various reasons, a large part of these lands is abandoned every year, which causes many changes in the physical and chemical properties of the soil. This research aimed to compare the most important physical and chemical characteristics of soil in two land uses, including rangeland and abandoned rainfed in Kurdistan province. Methodology This research was carried out in Kurdistan province. For this purpose, four regions, including Kilak, SalavatAbad, SarabQamish, and Mamukh, were selected in Sanandaj city. In each region, two neighboring rangelands and abandoned drylands were selected. Three 100-meter transects were established in each land use by random-systematic method, and soil samples were collected from 0-30 cm depth. Depending on the conditions and area of the region, 20 composite samples were taken in Kilak, 20 Salavat Abad, 14 Sarab Qamish, and 8 Mamukh. Half of the samples were collected in rangeland, and the other half in abandoned dryland. In the laboratory, soil physical and chemical factors, including acidity, electrical conductivity, absorbable potassium, percentage of soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, soil texture, and bulk density, were measured by usual laboratory methods. A factorial experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design to analyze the data. The Duncan test was used to compare the means. Results The results showed no significant difference in the percentage of clay, silt, sand, and specific mass in the comparison of rangelands in four regions, the comparison of abandoned dryland in the four regions, and the comparison of abandoned dryland in each region. The comparison of the average acidity of abandoned rangeland and dryland did not show any significant difference in any region. Electrical conductivity in Kilak, Salavat Abad, and Sarab Qamish areas was higher than in dryland. However, only in Kilak was there a statistically significant difference. The electrical conductivity of rangeland soil was 143; in abandoned wetlands, it was 109.The comparison of abandoned rangelands and drylands in terms of total nitrogen and carbon numerical values showed that rangelands were more than abandoned drylands in all areas. This meant that nitrogen was 24%, 40%, and 42.8% higher in the Kilak, Sarab Qamish, and Mamukh regions. And statistically, their difference was significant. Also, the carbon difference between the rangeland and the dryland in Mamukh was statistically significant (1.47% in the rangeland and 0.74% in the dryland). There was a significant difference in the amount of phosphorus between the rangeland, 94 mg/kg, and the abandoned dryland, with 234 mg/kg only in the Mamukh region. Only in the Sarab Qamish area was soil potassium higher than in the rangeland by 24.7% in the abandoned dryland.Comparing rangelands and abandoned drylands in terms of the numerical amount of total nitrogen and carbon, it can be concluded that in all areas, the rangeland was more than the abandoned drylands, so that nitrogen in Kilak, Sarab-Qamish and Mamukh regions was 24, 40, respectively, and 42.8% more, their difference was statistically significant and also the carbon difference in Mamukh was statistically significant (rangeland 1.47% and dryland 0.74%). There was a significant difference in phosphorus between rangeland, 94 mg/kg, and abandoned dryland, 234 mg/kg only in the Mamukh area. There was a significant increase in soil potassium in abandoned drylands by 24.7% over rangeland soil in the Sarab-Qamish region. Conclusion This research indicates that the change of land use from rangeland to dryland and then abandonment will change the soil's physical and chemical properties. After about 40 years since the drylands were abandoned, there has been an improvement in most of the physical and chemical factors investigated in this research. In this research, 40 years have been considered. It is suggested to consider different periods in the secondary sequence in future research. This will enable us to determine more precisely when the soil can improve. Also, similar research should be done in other ecological regions with different conditions so that the effect of climatic and topographical factors can be clearly defined.
Hamidreza Jafari Nadoshan; saeideh kalantari; Mehdi Tazeh
Volume 30, Issue 2 , September 2023, , Pages 286-301
Abstract
Background and objectivesSocial and economic studies are important in investigating rangeland destruction. Investigating the role of social and economic issues in rangeland destruction can reduce destruction in this ecosystem. For this reason, this research has been done to identify the most important ...
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Background and objectivesSocial and economic studies are important in investigating rangeland destruction. Investigating the role of social and economic issues in rangeland destruction can reduce destruction in this ecosystem. For this reason, this research has been done to identify the most important socioeconomic factors affecting rangeland destruction in the Niyuk region and prioritize the mentioned criteria using an Analytical Hierarchical process to provide complete information about the causes of rangeland destruction in the region. Considering that no research has been done in this area so far, it increases the necessity of conducting the present research. MethodologyNiuk area is located in Yazd province according to country divisions. In this research, first, by studying the sources and consulting with the relevant experts, the most important socioeconomic criteria involved in the destruction of rangelands in the area were determined, and a questionnaire was designed to score and calculate the weight and priority of these criteria. Enough experts completed it. The region's socioeconomic indicators, criteria, and sub-criteria were identified using experts' opinions and research records, and a hierarchical structure was formed. The main criteria include economic and social indicators. Economic indicators are divided into three sub-criteria: livestock and animal husbandry, cutting and harvesting, and change of land use and plans.The sub-criteria considered for the standard of livestock and livestock farming includes a large number of livestock, indiscriminate grazing of rangelands, type of livestock, change of livestock farming method from traditional to industrial, non-observance of livestock entry and exit time, improper distribution of livestock in the rangelands and improper grazing system. Three main sub-criteria of population, poverty, and institutional factors were identified for social indicators. Three main criteria and 14 sub-criteria were identified for social indicators. ResultsA paired comparison between economic and social indicators showed that economic indicators weighing 0.667 have the priority in destroying rangelands. Social indicators with a weight of 0.333 have second priority. Among the main criteria examined by economic indicators, the sub-criterion of change of use and plans with a weight of 0.683 has been allocated the most. It is below the livestock and animal husbandry standard with a 0.200 weight. It was ranked third for cut and harvest with a 0.177 weight.Among the main criteria of social indicators, the criterion of institutional factors with a weight of 0.637 is the priority, and the factors of poverty and population are in the next ranks with weights of 0.258 and 0.105. The results showed that the sub-criteria of converting rangelands into mines, building access roads to mines, and political interference in natural resources were ranked first to third with weights of 0.176, 0.083, and 0.082. The first two sub-criteria of economic indicators and the third criterion of social indicators are the destruction of rangelands in the Newek region. The sub-criteria of literacy status and age composition of the population with weights of 0.004 and 0.003 were placed in the last priority. These sub-criteria were related to social indicators. ConclusionIt can be concluded that the most important factors of the region's destruction are the change of land use and conversion of rangelands to mines, construction of access roads to mines, institutional factors and interference with natural resources, and lack of integrated management of natural resources. To prevent the destruction of rangelands in the region, it is necessary to minimize the construction of any mines and communication ways related to mines, and it is suggested that considering the activity of mines, the customary rights of pastoralists should be considered and the participation of ranchers in decision-making should be expanded to maximize the possibility of the success of projects with the support of stakeholders.
Seifolhagh Gharavi; Bahareh Behmanesh; Aboulfazl Tahmasebi; Esmaeil Namvar
Volume 30, Issue 2 , September 2023, , Pages 302-317
Abstract
Background and objectives Dealing with rangeland degradation factors and rehabilitating these resources are fundamental and necessary steps toward sustainable development. So, decisions and protection programs can reduce land use change and tenure. In this regard, the present study has excavated ...
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Background and objectives Dealing with rangeland degradation factors and rehabilitating these resources are fundamental and necessary steps toward sustainable development. So, decisions and protection programs can reduce land use change and tenure. In this regard, the present study has excavated and analyzed strategies to prevent land use change and tenure of rangelands from the perspective of experts in Gonbad Kavous city of Golestan province. Methodology:This research is a descriptive-survey type in which the statistical population consists of 45 judges, experts, and conservation guards in the city. Forty individuals were randomly selected as a sample size based on the Krejcie Morgan table. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire. Through five focus group interviews, we obtained items related to it. So that after removing the common and unrelated items, 25 items were summarized as protection solutions from the rangelands of the city. Based on that, a questionnaire was prepared and distributed. Each of the specified items was evaluated on a five-point Likert scale. The questionnaire validity was assessed using natural resources experts' opinions. The reliability was determined by calculating Cronbach's alpha coefficient, equal to 0.81. After collecting and analyzing the data, the mean and standard deviation were used to describe and prioritize the items in the SPSS25 software environment. An exploratory factor analysis technique was used to examine the internal correlation and categorize the protection strategies of land use change and rangeland tenure in the form of several strategies and to determine the amount of variance explained by each. After collecting and categorizing the data, descriptive and inferential statistics were used in the SPSS25 software environment. Results According to the results obtained from factor analysis, the values of KMO and Bartlett were respectively equal to 0.806 and 967.830, significant at 99% confidence. This indicated the appropriateness of the variables' correlation in the analysis. Based on this, five strategies were extracted that explained 71.74% of the total variance of the variables. The educational-cultural solution to preventing land use and land tenure change in the study area was ranked the highest, and the legal-control solution was ranked the lowest in importance. The results indicate that the items "culturalization and information in crime prevention" from the educational-cultural strategy, "creating job opportunities, empowerment and alternative sources of income for local communities and pastoralists" from the strategy support-service, "privatization of rangeland and handing it over to qualified pastoralists" from the management solution, "correct implementation of laws by executive organizations" from the legal-control solution and "using the potential of mobilizing local communities and their participation in rangeland conservation" from the collaborative approach, with the highest amount of factor load, had the greatest impact in different protection strategies on preventing rangeland tenure. The sample t-test results showed that the most effective strategy in preventing land use change and rangeland acquisitions was related to educational-cultural, and the least effective was related to participatory. Conclusion According to the research results, the focus is on culture and information using advancing communication technologies and social networks, monitoring and evaluating pastoralists, and creating a control process to neutralize crime in rangelands. This is proposed as the most effective prevention strategy. Developing a two-way comprehensive program, one side of which is related to government support and services, and the other side is related to the mobilization of local communities and their participation in the activities of conservation, restoration, improvement, and fundamental exploitation of rangelands, can be another recommendation to reduce rangelands degradation.
Hossein Bagheri; Mahshid souri; Seyed Mehdi Adnani; Hossein Tavakoli Neko; Saeedeh Nateghi
Volume 29, Issue 4 , January 2023, , Pages 596-607
Abstract
Early establishment of rangeland plant species, especially in arid and semi-arid regions, is a considerable issue to increase their yield. In order to investigate the effects of seed priming on changes in yield of the Astragalus brachyodontus pasture species, the present study was carried out in the ...
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Early establishment of rangeland plant species, especially in arid and semi-arid regions, is a considerable issue to increase their yield. In order to investigate the effects of seed priming on changes in yield of the Astragalus brachyodontus pasture species, the present study was carried out in the greenhouse with factorial design. Three treatments of hydro-priming (distilled water), osmopriming (Polyethylene Glycol with two levels of -0.4 and -0.8 MPa) and hormone priming (gibberellic acid) as the first factor, and three levels of deficit irrigation stress (100% field capacity, 75% field capacity and 50% field capacity) were considered as the second factor and 3 populations (Zanjan, Qom and Khalkhal) as the Third factor with 3 replications. The results showed that seed priming, deficit irrigation stress, populations and their interactions had a significant effect at the 1% probability level on all investigated traits. The soil water reduction caused a significant decrease in seedling germination percentage, stem length and weight, but the root length increased and the root weight first increased and then decreased intensively. The maximum yield of height (11.0267 cm), root length (30.6467 cm), stem weight (1.1700 g) and root weight (1.3664 g) was related to Zanjan population in normal irrigation. The treatment of -0.4 MPa osmopriming had the highest values in root length (33.1556 cm), stem weight (1.2144 g) and root weight (1.4800 g). Generally, according to the present research, -0.4 MPa osmo-priming and hormone priming with gibberellic acid were introduced as treatments to improve the Astragalus brachyodontus species performance in the greenhouse under the severe deficit irrigation stress condition. This results can be considered to improving the establishment and performance of this native valuable forage, in breeding programs and rangeland development, to improve its initial establishment in deficit irrigation conditions.
Mohammad reza Mahboobi; Mohammareza Shahraki; Ameneh Avarand,
Volume 29, Issue 3 , October 2022, , Pages 221-230
Kyumars Mohammadi-Samani; Hamed Joneidi Jafari; Parya Moradi
Volume 29, Issue 2 , July 2022, , Pages 126-130
Abstract
Different rangeland management measures such as fencing and improvement can provide the potential for their restoration. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a range of rangeland management measures including fencing, remediation, and grazing on some soil properties in the rangelands of Kurdistan ...
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Different rangeland management measures such as fencing and improvement can provide the potential for their restoration. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a range of rangeland management measures including fencing, remediation, and grazing on some soil properties in the rangelands of Kurdistan province. We established 25 plots of 1×1 m2 each along two transects with 240 m length (120 m perpendicular to the slope and 120 m parallel to the slope). At each plot center, soil samples (0-15 cm depth) were taken, together with other attributes comprising litter, vegetation, bare soil, and gravel percentages. This resulted in 75 soil samples from three study areas. Furthermore, some chemical soil properties were analyzed in the laboratory after drying and preparing the soil samples. We used one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) to analyze the data, as well as Pearson correlation to study the relationship between the parameters. Results revealed statistically significant differences in some soil properties amongst the study areas. In addition, the amount of soil carbon (1.94%), nitrogen (0.205%), C/N ratio (9.48), phosphorus (288mg/kg) and potassium (129 mg/kg) showed the highest rates in the improvement area, whereas all those parameters including carbon (1.25%), nitrogen (0.179%), C/N ratio (7), phosphorus (170mg/kg) and potassium (75 mg/kg) showed the lowest rate across the grazing rangeland. Further, pH (8.27) and EC (174 µs/cm) showed the highest levels in the grazing area. The results of the Pearson correlation showed that the percentage of vegetation was significantly and positively related to all soil properties except pH and Ec. In addition, bare soil and gravel percentages indicated a significant negative relationship with soil carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. We conclude that fencing and rangeland remediation treatments can enable significant positive effects on soil nutrients that are essential for plants.
Leila Zandi; Reza Erfanzadeh; Hamed Joneidi Jafari
Volume 29, Issue 1 , February 2022, , Pages 24-35
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of conversion of rangeland into agricultural and horticultural land uses on important soil properties including aggregate stability in Salavatabad watershed in Eastern Sanandaj. For this purpose, simultaneously with the predominant growth of plants, ...
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The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of conversion of rangeland into agricultural and horticultural land uses on important soil properties including aggregate stability in Salavatabad watershed in Eastern Sanandaj. For this purpose, simultaneously with the predominant growth of plants, four land uses including 1) rangeland 2) orchard 3) chickpea field 4) wheat field were selected as the study area and 42 soil samples were random-systematically collected. Then soil physico-chemical properties including aggregate stability, total nitrogen, total carbon and particulate organic carbon of each sample were measured in the laboratory. One-way ANOVA of the data showed that due to the conversion of rangeland into three uses of orchard, chickpea and wheat fields, aggregate stability, particulate organic carbon at the level of 5%, total organic carbon and total nitrogen in all three uses at the level 1% decreased significantly. As the aggregate stability in orchard, chickpeas and wheat 35.51, 25.94 and 19.56% respectively, particulate organic carbon in orchard, chickpeas and wheat 62.5%, 79.16 and 75%, respectively, total organic carbon in orchard, chickpea and wheat use decreased by 23.63%, 50% and 49.09%, respectively, and total nitrogen decreased by 31.25% in orchard, 62.5% in chickpea use and 75% in wheat use. According to the results of this study, the conversion of rangelands to any of the agricultural and horticultural uses is unacceptable, but in case of forced conversion, the use of the orchard is recommended because the orchard has less negative effects on soil quality factors than wheat and chickpeas. It is also emphasized in converting rangeland use to cropland, as much as possible to maintain the balance between the input and output of the plant residual into the soil bed, it should be prevented the exit or fire of remaining straw, or grazing livestock after harvest.
Bayzid Yousefi; Sedighe Zarekia
Volume 28, Issue 4 , November 2021, , Pages 759-771
Abstract
Astragalus spp. are valuable in forage production, soil protection, etc. To evaluate the establishment and growth of herbaceous milkvetch, 10 genotypes, belonging to five species, including Astragalus vegetus. As.brevidens, As. brachyodontus, As. effusus and As. Cyclophyllus, were ...
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Astragalus spp. are valuable in forage production, soil protection, etc. To evaluate the establishment and growth of herbaceous milkvetch, 10 genotypes, belonging to five species, including Astragalus vegetus. As.brevidens, As. brachyodontus, As. effusus and As. Cyclophyllus, were studied in Sanandaj in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Seed sowing was done in November 2018, and traits of plant establishment percentage, vigor, height and diameter of plant crown, number of branches per plant, average fresh and dry weight of the plant, and the ratio of dry to wet weight of the plant in 2019 and 2020 years was measured. According to the combined analysis of variance, the effects of genotype and year for all studied traits and the interaction of year × genotype were significant (p≤0.01) except for the percentage of establishment and the plant vigor for other traits. Results showed that seed germination, probably caused by seed dormancy or a stress tolerance mechanism, was gradual. In 2020, the mean of plant establishment was about 37%, the number of primary branches was 7.3, plant height and crown diameters were 35.2 and 35.9 cm, respectively, plant fresh and dry weight were 68.2 and 39.1g, and the dry to fresh weight ratio was 0.58. Results of principal component analysis (PCA) showed that two main components (PC1 and PC2) determined 80% of total variance and genotypes with high forage yield located in the third zone of bi-plot with a negative value of PC1 and mainly positive for PC2. In addition, the accession of As. effusus (West Azerbaijan) and three accessions of As. vegetus (Qazvin, Kurdistan and West Azerbaijan) in terms of adaptation and forage production are introduced as high forage yield and adaptable ones for rehabilitation of rangelands in Kurdistan and similar areas in the country.
Mohammadreza Shahraki; Khadijeh Mahdavi
Volume 27, Issue 4 , December 2020, , Pages 763-771
Abstract
A number of factors cause negative changes in the quality and quantity of rangelands, which leads to downward sloping and severe soil degradation, vegetation cover, and ultimately decrease the income of stakeholders. Stakeholders and ranchers have an indigenous managerial experience at their rangelands ...
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A number of factors cause negative changes in the quality and quantity of rangelands, which leads to downward sloping and severe soil degradation, vegetation cover, and ultimately decrease the income of stakeholders. Stakeholders and ranchers have an indigenous managerial experience at their rangelands because of their dependence on rangelands. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effective indices of rangelands downstream from the viewpoint of stakeholders in northeastern Golestan province. This research was a descriptive- applied one in terms of purpose, and it was surveyed by random stratified sampling method among the stakeholders in the study area. Questionnaires were used to collect data. The validity of the research instrument was evaluated using the experts' viewpoints and its reliability was evaluated based on Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the main variables of the study. The statistical population of the study consisted of 461 stakeholders in two rural and nomadic farming systems that 182 of them were selected by Cochran formula as sample size. The results showed that the downward trend of rangelands is more often detected by stakeholders with livestock indices than by vegetation and soil indices. According to the findings of the study, there was a positive and significant relationship between age and past livestock variables with stakeholder's view of rangeland's downward signs at 99 and 95% confidence level. According to the research findings, there was a positive and significant relationship between age variables and stakeholder's pastoral background with their view of detecting the downward trend of rangelands at 99 and 95% confidence level. Also, the results obtained from comparing the stakeholder's views in the two rural and nomadic systems showed that the nomadic stakeholder were more familiar with the indicators of the downward trend of the rangelands to rural stakeholder.
Maliheh Keyghobadi; Hossein Piri Sahragard; Mohammad Reza Pahlavan Rad; Peyman Karami; reza yari
Volume 27, Issue 3 , October 2020, , Pages 561-576
Abstract
Species distribution models (SDMs) are the basis of informed decisions in vegetation management by quantifying the relationship between species distribution and influential environmental variables. The present study aimed to evaluate the GAM and CART models' performance in estimating ...
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Species distribution models (SDMs) are the basis of informed decisions in vegetation management by quantifying the relationship between species distribution and influential environmental variables. The present study aimed to evaluate the GAM and CART models' performance in estimating the potential habitat distribution as well as recognizing the ecological needs of plant species in the Khezri rangelands of Bayaz plain of southern Khorasan. According to the regional condition and field observation, in an area of about 14500 hectares, vegetation sampling was done using the randomized-systematic method. Eighteen environmental variables including land characteristics, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), and salinity index were used as an estimator to generate maps of predictor variables. After modeling the habitat distribution prediction using CART and GAM methods in R 3.5.2 software, the accuracy of the models was assessed using the subsurface area (AUC) statistics. After determining the threshold by the TSS method, the continuous utility map was converted to the presence/absence map and the degree of conformity of the maps with the kappa index was calculated. Based on the results of the used models, the variables of the base level of the channels network, the vertical distance to the channels network, the depth of the valley, the wetness index, and the relative position of the slope are effective in habitat suitability for species establishment. In general, the GAM method has high accuracy in estimating the habitat distribution range of all species studied (Kappa≥ 0.9). According to the maps obtained from the GAM model, the highest and lowest potential habitats belong to S. rigida and T. serotina species. Therefore, the GAM method can be useful in accurately identifying the ecological needs of plant species and therefore their distribution useful at the local scale. As a result, it is suggested that this method be used as part of a management support system in the protection and restoration of vegetation in the rangelands of the Bayaz plain.
Shima Javadi; Gholam Reza Zehtabian; Mohammad Jafari; Hassan Khosravi; Azam Abolhasani
Volume 27, Issue 2 , June 2020, , Pages 248-261
Abstract
Regarding population growth, increasing agricultural land is necessary to provide food and meet existing needs. This issue has led to land degradation because of mismanagement and excessive exploitation. Therefore, much research must be done to determine whether agriculture leads to land degradation ...
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Regarding population growth, increasing agricultural land is necessary to provide food and meet existing needs. This issue has led to land degradation because of mismanagement and excessive exploitation. Therefore, much research must be done to determine whether agriculture leads to land degradation or not. Regarding the importance of this issue in arid and semi-arid regions, the Eshtehard region was selected as the study area in this research. Different maps of the area including soil map, altitudes, and land-use were prepared using ArcGIS 9.3 and ENVI software. After visiting the area and determining the main land-uses including rangeland (as control sample), fallow lands, monoculture lands, multicultural lands, and garden lands, soil sampling was carried out in two depths of 0-30 and 30-60 centimeters with three replications for each treatment. Finally, 35 soil samples were transferred to the laboratory, and soil degradation factors such as salinity, sodium, sodium adsorption ratio, and acidity were measured in each soil sample. After determining the normality of the data using the Shapiro test, the study of factors with non-parametric Tukey test showed that there was a significant difference between treatments in the region. Then, a comparison of surface and subsurface layers for each factor was done using a t-test in SPSS software. The results showed that multicultural treatment with the highest score was the most desirable treatment and fallow treatment with the lowest score was the most undesirable treatment, leading to soil degradation in the region.
Mohammad Abolghasemi; Hananeh Mohammadi Kangarani; Hosein Azarnivand; Mohammad Ali Emami Meybodi
Volume 27, Issue 2 , June 2020, , Pages 357-370
Abstract
This study was conducted in the central plateau of Iran to examine the income, cost, and profitability of conventional systems, in which camel is common during the years 2015 to 2017. For this purpose, by selecting 28 conventional systems with an average of 126 camels, the amount of income and cost per ...
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This study was conducted in the central plateau of Iran to examine the income, cost, and profitability of conventional systems, in which camel is common during the years 2015 to 2017. For this purpose, by selecting 28 conventional systems with an average of 126 camels, the amount of income and cost per camel during the regular period of each year (spring) was completed and calculated by the operators with a questionnaire. The type of research is practical, and the statistical population included 28 camel herders. Random sampling was performed. Variables included income factors and camel costs. Using the analysis of engineering economics, the current value of income (PV income) and the present value of costs (PV cost) were calculated for the studied years, and then the net present value (NPV) and the benefit-to-cost ratio (BCR) was calculated with Excel software. The results showed that in all conventional systems, the net present value was positive, and the benefit-to-cost ratio was greater than one (BCR≥1). The highest gross income in each of the conventional systems was related to the sale of live camels (male camels, 6-month-old camels, elimination camels) and the highest cost was related to camel driver’s wages and the purchase of manual forage. However, by calculating gross income from expenses, the amount of profitability was determined, so it is suggested that due to the appropriate profitability of this profession, the relevant agencies have a plan to expand the cultivation of this industry along with the tourism industry and considering that forage of these habitats will not be able to supply the nutritional needs of camels in traditional areas, and the continuation of this situation will endanger the vegetation; therefore, it should be done with caution.
Parvin Rokhfrooz; Mohammad Farzam; Mohammad KhajeHoseini
Volume 27, Issue 1 , April 2020, , Pages 75-83
Abstract
Times and methods of seed harvesting and seed storage have important effects on seedling viability and establishment. Effects of seed harvesting times and storage duration were tested on seed germination of Krashninkoviaceratoides in the Shahrak-Imam Seed Production Station in Neyshabur Iran. Experiment ...
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Times and methods of seed harvesting and seed storage have important effects on seedling viability and establishment. Effects of seed harvesting times and storage duration were tested on seed germination of Krashninkoviaceratoides in the Shahrak-Imam Seed Production Station in Neyshabur Iran. Experiment treatments were: 1) two methods of cultivation for seed producing stands (rainfed or irrigation), 2) two methods of seed storage (cold room and normal condition), 3) seed scarification and coat removal in 6 times of seed harvesting, and 8 periods of seed storage. All treatments were designed as three independent experiments, and statistical analysis were performed accordingly. For each experiment, four replicates (25 seeds each) were located in a germinator with 14:10 hours light and dark periods. Methods of seed storage (cold room or ambient) did not affected seed germination rate. Rainfed grown stands led to higher germination percent as compared to those growing under irrigation. Seed coat removing significantly reduced germination rate. Under both cold and ambient storage conditions, seed germination rates did not significantly change till 242 days after harvesting; it gradually reduced and reached to zero at 271 days after seed harvest. According to the results of this research, the best time for seed collection is early October, seeds do not need coat removing or cold treatments, as they are able to germinate till 6 months after the ripening stage under the normal room storage conditions.
Esmaiel Sheidai Karkaj; Hosein Rezaei; Hamid Niknahad Gharemakher; Isa Jafari Footami; Abolfazl Sharifian
Volume 26, Issue 4 , December 2019, , Pages 904-917
Abstract
Soil aggregate stability and soil structure considered as the key indicators of range soil health and counted as effective factors in soil erosion control. The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of exclosure on the stability of aggregates and soil structure in four areas of Golestan ...
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Soil aggregate stability and soil structure considered as the key indicators of range soil health and counted as effective factors in soil erosion control. The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of exclosure on the stability of aggregates and soil structure in four areas of Golestan province including Chaharbagh, Incheboron, Gomishan and Maravetapeh. Soil sampling was carried out from two depths of 0-20 and 20-40 cm by digging profile in random-systematic method along transects in each of exclosure and adjacent sites of quadruple areas. Aggregates stability was measured by the method of wet sieving in the laboratory. The results were analyzed statistically using independent and paired samples t-test for exclosure sites and adjacent exclosure sites as well as two corresponding depths, respectively. In the most of studied sites, the aggregate stability values were higher in the surface soil than the deep soil.The results indicated that the effect of rangeland exclosure on morphological changes and soil status indicating positive role in development of soil structure in all studied areas, however, these results were statistically significant only in the Incheboron and Gommishan area in view point of soil aggregate stability. The highest value of soil stability was in the first depth (4.52 mm) of Gomishan exclosure site and the lowest one was in the second depth (1.15 mm) in Gomishan grazing site. The final result showed that regardless of positive role of exclosure in promoting the stability of aggregate, factors such as geographic position of rangeland, climate, vegetation type and grazing conditions as the associated factors affecting the stability of aggregate and soil structure should be considered.
Ezatollah Moradi; Gholamali Heshmati; Amirahmad Dehghani
Volume 26, Issue 4 , December 2019, , Pages 941-952
Abstract
Nowadays, biological crusts, including lichens, are used as a living biological indexes. The Main objective of this study is evaluation of lichen diversity trends at differences grazing intensity in the mountain rangelands of Semorom in Isfahan province. The lichen diversity is dependent variable and ...
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Nowadays, biological crusts, including lichens, are used as a living biological indexes. The Main objective of this study is evaluation of lichen diversity trends at differences grazing intensity in the mountain rangelands of Semorom in Isfahan province. The lichen diversity is dependent variable and grazing intensity (consists of 5 stoking rate 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5 and 3 animal unit per hectare) considerd as independent variable. Each stoking rate studied along 4 years by implementing 5 management scenarios (grazing and ungrazing alternatively and consecutively). The presence and absence of lichens was performed by random sampling method using transects and sampling units. The lichen diversity analyzed by PAST software and the relationship between variables was calculated by SPSS. The result showed that the lichens diversity is a good indicates of pressure on rangeland ecosystems. In management of rangeland ecosystems, lichen diversity can be used as an ecological indicator for rangeland ecosystems under pressure or non-pressure. Also, the best grazing management scenario for this area is suggested based on the variation of lichen diversity, alternating grazing scenario (every one year between grazing and resting depending on rangeland status and range method).
Aezam Khosravi Mashizi; Mohsen Sharafatmand
Volume 26, Issue 4 , December 2019, , Pages 1020-1031
Abstract
In recent decades, roads construction has become a worldwide major challenge for natural ecosystems health. Therefore, the impact of road on rangeland health indexes in two steppe and semi steppe zones along Kerman-Taft road was investigated. 17 rangeland health indicators were evaluated on roadsides ...
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In recent decades, roads construction has become a worldwide major challenge for natural ecosystems health. Therefore, the impact of road on rangeland health indexes in two steppe and semi steppe zones along Kerman-Taft road was investigated. 17 rangeland health indicators were evaluated on roadsides and reference areas. Soil and habitat stability, hydrologic function, and biotic integrity were estimated using rangeland health indicators. The results indicated that in the steppe region, all three features are in a rather acute state, while in the semi-steppe area, stability, soil and habitat characteristics and hydrological functions are in a balanced state and the health of living organisms is in relatively acute condition. The results of Wilcox test also showed that there are significant differences between roadside rangelands and reference areas in terms of production, invasive species and structural-functional groups in semi-steppe rangelands (p<0.05). In steppe area, roadside rangelands with reference rangelands had significant differences either mentioned indexes or in bare soil and gully erosion indexes (p <0.01). In addition to vegetation, soil has also affected by road damage in the steppe area, which is a priority in future restoration and restoration plans.
Hamid Siroosi; Gholamali Heshmati; Abdolrasool Salman Mahini
Volume 26, Issue 2 , July 2019, , Pages 367-378
Abstract
Rangelands, as one of the world's largest terrestrial ecosystems, are the source of millions of lives. Over the past decades in Iran, these ecosystems have been suffered from degradation and lack of productivity for many reasons and hence there is an urgent need to seek alternative livelihoods for rangeland ...
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Rangelands, as one of the world's largest terrestrial ecosystems, are the source of millions of lives. Over the past decades in Iran, these ecosystems have been suffered from degradation and lack of productivity for many reasons and hence there is an urgent need to seek alternative livelihoods for rangeland locals and stakeholders. An alternative livelihood is community based tourism. Rangeland ecotourism should be in accordance with the potential of the area. In this study, a set of criteria was considered regarding land conservation for suitability analysis. These criteria were standardized, weighed and integrated using fuzzy logic based multi-criteria model. The results showed that attractiveness and conservation criteria, characterized with weights of 0.444 and 0.222, were the most important criteria for suitability analysis. The results of suitability analysis in the rangelands of Jahan Nama Protected Area showed that Festuca-Bromus vegetation type, located around village of Jahan Nama, had the highest suitability. As a whole, of 15361 hectares rangeland area, 1516.5 ha are suitable for rangeland land use. This can be attributed to beautiful landscapes, topographic diversity, and proximity to the Jahan Nama village as the service center, access road and favorable climate. The fuzzy logic based multi-criteria model, used in this study, showed high flexibility in weight of criteria. The criteria suggested here could be promising as a base for suitability analysis in other rangelands of Iran.
Seyedeh Khadijeh Mahdavi; Faramarz Ghafouri; Ahmad Abedi Sarvestani; Mohamadreza Shahraki
Volume 26, Issue 1 , June 2019, , Pages 73-88
Abstract
Considering the importance and basic role of participation and social cohesion of beneficiaries in the success of reclamation and improvement projects, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of rangeland beneficiaries' social cohesion on their participation in reclamation and improvement ...
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Considering the importance and basic role of participation and social cohesion of beneficiaries in the success of reclamation and improvement projects, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of rangeland beneficiaries' social cohesion on their participation in reclamation and improvement activities in northeastern rangelands of Golestan province. This research was descriptive-survey, conducted with stratified random sampling. Questionnaires were used for data collection. The validity of research was examined by using the views of natural resources and social sciences experts and its reliability was assessed according to the Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the main variables. The statistical population of the study consisted of 461 exploiters in two nomadic and rural exploitation systems (N = 461), among which 210 beneficiaries were interviewed using Morgan table. According to the results, the interaction section with an average of 3.75 and the conflict section with an average of 3.73 had the most and least impact on the social cohesion of the beneficiaries, respectively. The findings indicate that the beneficiaries have more contributed to reclamation practices as compared with rangeland improvement projects.Also, there was a positive and significant correlation between the social cohesion and the participation rate of beneficiaries in reclamation and improvement plans with a correlation coefficient of 0.474 at a confidence level of 99%. Nomadic beneficiaries had more social cohesion than rural beneficiaries. Moreover, there was no significant difference in the participation rate in both nomadic and rural exploitation systems.Thus, the potential of local communities could be used in conducting range improvement and reclamation practices in areas where interaction and social cohesion are high.
Pirooz Shakeri; Hasan Fazaeli; Ahmad Pourmirzaee; Seyed Hamid Mostafavi
Volume 25, Issue 4 , February 2019, , Pages 735-747
Abstract
Determination of rangeland forage quality is an important factor in assessing the nutrition status of livestock dependent on rangeland, determining suitable grazing time, increasing livestock efficacy and less damaging to rangelands. This study was conducted to determine the nutritional ...
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Determination of rangeland forage quality is an important factor in assessing the nutrition status of livestock dependent on rangeland, determining suitable grazing time, increasing livestock efficacy and less damaging to rangelands. This study was conducted to determine the nutritional value and digestibility of four dominant species of Compositae family in Baft rangelands located in Kerman province. The species including: Artemisia aucheri, Artemisia persica, Scorzonera tortusissimaand Cousina sicigera, which weresampled in phonological stages of vegetative growth, flowering and seeding. The results showed that the mean values of chemical composition of the mentioned species at different growth stages were 9.94, 8.9, 6.21 and 10.40% of crude protein (CP), 45.62, 45.77, 61.07 and 42.83% of NDF and 32.77, 33.05, 46.61 and 31.73% of ADF, respectively. By increasing age of all plant species, CP was decreased (P<0.01) but except for Scorzonera tortusissima, the values of NDF and ADF were increased in other species (P<0.01). The average digestibility of the mentioned species dry matter at vegetative, flowering and seeding stages were 57.41, 53.54, 45.34 and 39.67%, respectively. The average of metabolizable energy (ME) of the mentioned species at vegetative, flowering and seeding stages were estimated to be 2.24, 2.24, 1.86 and 2.26 Cal/g, respectively. The average concentrations of mineral elements such as calcium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, iron and manganese of these four rangeland species were more than the critical requirements of sheep and goat, while the concentrations of phosphorus, copper and zinc in these plants were less than the critical level for sheep and goat requirements. Generally, the four species studied in terms of CP and ME, especially in the early stages of growth, provide the needs of sheep and goats in the region.
Reza Siahmansour; Mohammad fayaz
Volume 25, Issue 4 , February 2019, , Pages 853-862
Abstract
Unfortunately, due to the improper use of natural resources, tremendous changes on the Earth happened which are harmful to human beings. The multidimensional nature of sustainable development has caused to pay more attention to the use of compatible, resistant, productive, high quality and palatable ...
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Unfortunately, due to the improper use of natural resources, tremendous changes on the Earth happened which are harmful to human beings. The multidimensional nature of sustainable development has caused to pay more attention to the use of compatible, resistant, productive, high quality and palatable species. One of these species is Astragalus curvirostris as a permanent species, which one of its habitats is in Beluman rangelands with an average height of 1960 meters above sea level and an average annual rainfall of 593.3 mm. In two times and two methods of planting, split plots were arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications during four years (from 2013 to 2016). The main plot included two treatments of planting season consisted of autumn and spring, and the subplots included two methods of seed cultivation and seeding. Analysis of variance was used to compare significant differences between treatments, and distribution of mean treatments was analyzed by Duncan test. The results showed that there was a significant difference between the average number of available plant stands in different treatments including autumn seed sowing, autumn seed spreading, spring seed sowing and spring seed spreading at 1% level (P≤0.01). It means that its cultivation type and season have different performance on plant coverage. In addition, there was a significant difference between the plots at 1% level, which in fact can depend on the implementation of the treatments in each plot. Finally, it was found that Astragalus curvirostris achieved the best level of success in autumn and the seed sowing method.
Hossein Badripour; Hosein Barani; Seyed Mahmoud Aghili; Ahmad Abedi Sarvestani
Volume 24, Issue 2 , July 2017, , Pages 325-337
Abstract
Livestock keeping is one of the activities of rural households to maintain their needs. In Hable Rud basin like any other place in the country, livestock keeping has been common from the past. Until some time ago, a huge population immigrated into Hable Rud basin due to its high potential for agriculture ...
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Livestock keeping is one of the activities of rural households to maintain their needs. In Hable Rud basin like any other place in the country, livestock keeping has been common from the past. Until some time ago, a huge population immigrated into Hable Rud basin due to its high potential for agriculture and livestock keeping from other parts of the country but nowadays, many people emigrate from the area due to some reasons. Demographic data and socio-economic information revealed family size decrease, population ageing, fertility decline, high percentage of literacy, and in other words human capital of households living in the area has changed. Livestock keeping is an activity requiring continuous labor force, and a change in human capital would lead to a change in the form and condition of livestock keeping among rural households of the area. Thus, a study was conducted in the Damavand and Firoozkouh townships in the northern Hable Rud and Eivanaki and Aradan townships in the southern Hable Rud. The field survey method was applied for this study and researchers collected the data by questionnaires with the reliability of 78% according to the Cronbach's Alpha. In order to analyze the rural farmers' dependence on rangeland, nominal logistic regression was used by SPSS version 22. The study factors were family size, number of males, age of household head, household head's years of education, number of family members graduated from high school and university, family members' average years of education and human capital. According to the obtained results, among independent variables, just household head's age and education class affected the dependence of rural framers on rangeland and these factors could explain the dependence on rangeland varying between 8.6 to 11.5%.
reza siahmansour; Morteza akbarzadeh; Ehsan Zandi Esfahan
Volume 24, Issue 2 , July 2017, , Pages 418-428
Abstract
This research was carried out at the Zagheh research station in Lorestan province. A number of 440 individuals in each year and 2200 individuals in five years were cut and weighted inside and outside the exclosure. The difference in weight between the individuals outside and inside the exclosure indicates ...
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This research was carried out at the Zagheh research station in Lorestan province. A number of 440 individuals in each year and 2200 individuals in five years were cut and weighted inside and outside the exclosure. The difference in weight between the individuals outside and inside the exclosure indicates the amount of consumption. According to the results, there is a significant difference between the mean value of forage production and consumption in months and in different species (P<0.01). For the average of four years, the highest and lowest forage production was recorded in the third and second year, respectively. On average, forage production was calculated to be about 1,177 kg per year. On average during four years, 80% of the production was used by livestock. In all years, the highest amount of forage was produced in May. Ono.melanotricha, As. Remotijogus and As.bungei are consumed up to the basal area, while the highest consumption rate for Cen.virgata was obtained in June. Perennial grasses of the study site like Hor. bulbosum, Br.tomentellus, Festuca ovina, Stipa wiesnerii are also under severe grazing pressure. Under heavy grazing over a season, some species like Picris strigosa are not able to rejuvenate and their roots are shattered with little stress. Therefore, the imbalance between production and exploitation and inappropriate distribution is a major factor in the degradation of vegetation and rangeland ecosystems.
zahra jafari; Hamid Niknahad gharmakher; maryam ghasemi; isa jafari
Volume 24, Issue 1 , May 2017, , Pages 80-88
Abstract
Todays, conversion of forests and rangelands to croplands has made concern about soil and environmental degradation and global climate change. Knowledge of the effects of land use change on soil properties is necessary and can be a solution for identifying sustainable managements in any region in order ...
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Todays, conversion of forests and rangelands to croplands has made concern about soil and environmental degradation and global climate change. Knowledge of the effects of land use change on soil properties is necessary and can be a solution for identifying sustainable managements in any region in order to prevent soil degradation and reach to sustainable production and environmental purposes, either. In the past decades, large part of Avard rangelands has been converted to croplands. In recent years, gardening on these low efficiency agricultural lands has been suggested. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of gardening on some soil physical and chemical properties compared with rangeland and cropland in Avard region. At first, the study area was identified by field survey and then, three composite soil samples were obtained from depth of 0-30 cm of key area of each treatment (rangeland, walnut Garden, walnut – apple garden, cereal farm, and frijol farm). Some soil physical and chemical properties including texture, aggregate stability, bulk density and porosity, organic carbon, pH, and electrical conductivity were measured in laboratory and soil erodibility index was calculated by using the modified clay ratio relation. Data analysis was performed by SPSS.16.0 software and one way analysis of variance. In order to compare the means of studied parameters, tukey test at a significance level of 5% was applied. The results demonstrated that soil aggregate stability and electrical conductivity were significantly improved (P<0.5) as a result of gardening on the low efficiency agricultural lands, but other soil properties such as soil organic carbon were not significantly improved (P>0.5). According to the results, it can be concluded that the best land use in the study area is natural rangelands. Establishment of orchards in the low efficiency arable lands of the study area is recommended, either.
parisa heydari; Saeid Hojati; naieme enayati; amir raiat pishe
Volume 24, Issue 1 , May 2017, , Pages 181-192
Abstract
Soil is a major reservoir of terrestrial carbon, but human activities around the world including land use change lead to a significant emission of carbon from the soil. It seems that soil organic carbon has been significantly decreased due to the land use changes over the last century in Iran. Therefore, ...
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Soil is a major reservoir of terrestrial carbon, but human activities around the world including land use change lead to a significant emission of carbon from the soil. It seems that soil organic carbon has been significantly decreased due to the land use changes over the last century in Iran. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effect of land use change (rangeland to agriculture) on organic carbon stock and some biological indices of soil quality (soil organic carbon (SOC), basal soil respiration (BSR), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), microbial quotient (MQ), and metabolic coefficient (qCO2) in east of Khuzestan province. Soil samples were collected in eight replicates and two depths (0-15 and 15-30 cm) in both land uses. Results showed that except qCO2, the amount of TOC, MBC, and MQ in agricultural use decreased significantly as compared to rangeland. According to the results, C stock of agricultural lands in 0-15 and 15-30 cm layers was 19.5 and 8.3 Mgha-1, showing 34 and 47 percent decrease when compared to natural rangeland with 29.7 and15.9 Mgha-1 C stock. The SOC content in 0-10 cm soil layers of agricultural use and natural rangeland was (8.47 and 5.28 gKg-1) and (13.29, 6.55 gKg-1), respectively, demonstrating 60 and 71 percent reduction in agricultural lands. In addition, in 0-15 and 15-30 cm layers of agricultural lands, MBC (60 and 71 percent), MQ (37 and 65 percent) showed reduction and qCO2 increased 3-4 times when compared to natural rangeland. Results show that agricultural activities lead to considerable loss in total organic carbon and half of organic carbon stock in the soil. Limitation of organic carbon in agricultural land use makes noticeable reduction in MBC than other properties. Thus, it can be used as a suitable indicator for monitoring changes of organic carbon in the soil.