Mohammadamin Soltanipoor; Saeedeh Nateghi; Abolhamid Hajebi; Mahshid Souri
Volume 29, Issue 2 , July 2022, , Pages 145-155
Abstract
Calculating rangeland capacity and determining the allowable use for important rangeland species is necessary for sustainable range management. By having the rangeland capacity and presenting accurate management plans, the destruction of vegetation and soil and the reduction of water ...
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Calculating rangeland capacity and determining the allowable use for important rangeland species is necessary for sustainable range management. By having the rangeland capacity and presenting accurate management plans, the destruction of vegetation and soil and the reduction of water resources can be prevented. Suitable grazing intensity causes continuous and economic use in the rangeland. Therefore, a study was conducted on the effects of different harvest intensities on forage production of three species Halocnemum strobilaceum, Desmostachya bipinnata, and Aeluropus lagopoides Hormozgan province three years from 2008 to determine the most appropriate level of exploitation. Experimental treatments included four harvesting intensities of 25, 50, and 75% and control (without harvest). In each treatment, ten rootstocks of the species were considered replicates and evaluated on each of the dependent variables. The results were analyzed in SAS software. The results showed that harvest intensity affected the forage production and all treatments were significantly different from the control. Therefore, up to 50% of the allowable use for Aeluropus lagopoides and Desmostachya bipinnata, and up to 75% for Halocnemum strobilaceum is suggested to maintain the health and vigor of these species during the harvest years. According to the above findings, this allowable use can be considered for similar areas in terms of climate together with information about other plants.
Javad Motamedi; Esmaeil Sheidai Karkaj; Azizeh Babazadeh; Morteza Mofidi Chelan
Volume 29, Issue 2 , July 2022, , Pages 166-175
Abstract
One of the objectives in rangeland management is the accurate and rapid determination of forage production to determine grazing capacity. The relationship between forage production and morphological characteristics was investigated in this study. For this purpose, two grazed and non-grazed units were ...
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One of the objectives in rangeland management is the accurate and rapid determination of forage production to determine grazing capacity. The relationship between forage production and morphological characteristics was investigated in this study. For this purpose, two grazed and non-grazed units were selected in the mountainous rangelands of Nazlouchay, Urmia. In each of them, the morphological characteristics of A. aucheri, as the only dominant plant species that accounts for more than 50% of the plant composition, were measured within 60 one-square-meter plots located along with 100-meter transects in July 2017. After cutting off bases growth, the dry weight of the samples was determined, and its regression relationship with morphological characteristics was examined using hierarchical regression. The results showed that it was possible to estimate A.aucheri production in the unit where the plant bases were not grazed using multiple linear regression models based on diameter, average crown size (D1), collar diameter (D2), and height (H). In the grazed units, where plant bases were grazed in the fall of last year, only the average diameter of the crown (D1) and height (H) was validated with multiple linear regression models, as the best model with RMSE equal to 3.53 and coefficient of 0.52. Due to the relatively good performance of the model and the preference for combining several morphological features in production estimation, separating models into inside and outside the exclosure can play a role in rangeland monitoring and production estimation to calculate grazing capacity and assess the intensity of rangeland utilization.
Hasan Ghelichnia; Hajar Nemati
Volume 28, Issue 4 , November 2021, , Pages 631-639
Abstract
(Festuca ovina) is one of the most important and palatable rangeland species in the rangelands of Mazandaran province and has a wide range of distribution in mountain rangelands that, in addition to nutritional value for livestock, plays a role in the breeding and rehabilitation program of mountain rangelands. ...
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(Festuca ovina) is one of the most important and palatable rangeland species in the rangelands of Mazandaran province and has a wide range of distribution in mountain rangelands that, in addition to nutritional value for livestock, plays a role in the breeding and rehabilitation program of mountain rangelands. Due to the importance of this species, several populations of F. ovina species, whose seeds were collected from different rangelands of the province, were planted in plastic trays. After germination and a short period of operation, in early spring, in the area of Poshtkuh research station in the southeastern heights of Sari, they were planted on two 20-meter-long lines so that 40 bases of each accession were placed on the planting line. Their spacing on rows of 50 m and line spacing of 1 m were considered. The experiment was conducted during 2011-2015. The evaluation began in the spring of 2013. Evaluation criteria for plant selection were phenological stages, plant height at the time of cluster emergence, canopy level, forage production, and seed production. Various phenological stages, including vegetative stage, flowering, seed formation, and fall regrowth, were recorded with weekly reference from the bases that have been nailed for this purpose. The obtained data were statistically analyzed in SPSS16. The results of the combined analysis of variance of the data related to the performance of the evaluated factors showed that there is a significant difference at the level of (p≤0.01) between the six populations of the studied species. The highest amount of canopy cover, plant height, viability, seed production, and forage production is related to the population of Siahsang rangeland, and the lowest values of the mentioned factors are related to the populations of Kangeloo and Doona rangelands. Therefore, to produce and strengthen forage vegetation, the seeds of this population can be used in the mountain rangelands of the central regions of Mazandaran province.
Eshagh Omidvar; Hossein Arzani; Saeed Mohtashamnia; Seyed Akbar Javadi; Mohammad Jafary
Volume 28, Issue 1 , April 2021, , Pages 1-10
Abstract
Regardless of rangeland plant production, it is not possible to plan and manage livestock and rangeland. Attention to rangeland forage production is essential for efficient and effective rangeland management. This importance is determined by identifying the relationship between forage ...
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Regardless of rangeland plant production, it is not possible to plan and manage livestock and rangeland. Attention to rangeland forage production is essential for efficient and effective rangeland management. This importance is determined by identifying the relationship between forage production of plants and climatic variables which affect them in the field. For this purpose, the annual forage production values of rangeland index species were measured in Omidabad Eastern site during the years of 1998-2008 for 10 years in the national plan for rangeland assessment of different climatic zones and their re-measurement during the years of 2017-2018 for two years by cutting and weighing in 60 random plots of two square meters along four 300-meter tracts. The amount of rainfall and monthly temperature in this time interval were also calculated using the data of Abadeh meteorological station in all months separately each year. The amount of annual dry forage production of each species as a dependent variable and the amount of rainfall and temperature calculated as independent variables and relationships between them were investigated using a linear multivariate regression program in SPSS software. The results showed that rainfall, winter, and fall temperatures had a significant effect on species production and spring rains as well as the temperature of the growing season, in April and May, alone did not affect the forage production of the species and based on the results research, with the availability of rainfall and temperature data, the annual forage production of the studied species and the annual production of the coming years can be estimated with high accuracy.
Rahman Adabi Firozjaii; Jamshid Ghorbani; seyd hasan Zali
Volume 27, Issue 1 , April 2020, , Pages 112-124
Abstract
Invasive species are the major threats to natural ecosystems worldwide. Pteridium aquilinum has the widest distribution of any pteridophyta in the world. This study aimed at investigating the impact of Pteridium aquilinum invasion on species composition, richness and diversity, and forage production ...
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Invasive species are the major threats to natural ecosystems worldwide. Pteridium aquilinum has the widest distribution of any pteridophyta in the world. This study aimed at investigating the impact of Pteridium aquilinum invasion on species composition, richness and diversity, and forage production in summer rangelands of Bandpay Babol, Mazandaran province, Iran. Vegetation was sampled in four invaded vegetation types including Fagus orientalist forest, Crataegus shrubland, Crataegus+Berberis shrubland, and rangeland. Also, vegetation sampling was done in surrounding uninvaded rangelands. The cover of species was estimated in 1 m2 plot for herbaceous and 25 m2 for shrubs. In all plots, the cover of P. aquilinum was estimated and then all fronds were cut at ground level, counted and frond length was measured. The forage of palatable species was measured by clipping and weighing. Findings showed different species composition among invaded and uninvaded areas. A total of 25 species were found only in invaded areas whereas only 11 species were detected in surrounding uninvaded rangelands. Cover, density and height of P. aquilinum fronds significantly influenced the species composition. Annuals significantly decreased by Pteridium aquilinum invasion. Except for Crataegus+Berberis shrubland, in other invaded areas the forage production was not significantly different from that in surrounding uninvaded rangeland. There was a reduction of desirable rangeland species due to P. aquilinum invasion. Also, we found that species richness significantly increased when invaded by Pteridium, while the diversity significantly decreased. The current understory floristic composition showed a low potential to support future restoration after P. aquilinum control. This result emphasizes the need for adding the seeds of desirable species
Mohammadali Dorri
Volume 12, Issue 2 , September 2019, , Pages 103-120
Jaber Sharifi; Morteza Akbarzadeh
Volume 26, Issue 1 , June 2019, , Pages 40-48
Abstract
Knowing the ecological characteristics of plants and consequently changes in forage production during the season of grazing for grazing management is essential. Therefore, understanding the annual and monthly production of different rangeland types is essential for efficient ...
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Knowing the ecological characteristics of plants and consequently changes in forage production during the season of grazing for grazing management is essential. Therefore, understanding the annual and monthly production of different rangeland types is essential for efficient and effective forage management. Consequently, relationships between forage production and climatic variables should be considered. For this purpose, the annual forage production was measured in the research exclosure of Arshaq Site rangelands in Ardabil province during 2007-2010 by clipping and weighing method. The monthly rainfall in this period was calculated using Mashkin-Shahr synoptic station data and then the amount of cumulative rainfall in winter and spring of each year was calculated. Afterward, the relationship between production and winter and spring rainfall as well as rainfall of different months of winter and spring was studied separately. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS software. According to the results, the average forage production during four years was calculated of which 28.95% belonged to Artemisia fragrans, 26.35% to Kochia prostrate, 19.55% to Stipa hohenackeriana, 4.77% to Astragalus brachyodonuts and 20.38% to the other species. Analysis of variance showed that the production of species among years were significant (P<0.01). In terms of stability (interactions of year × month), Artemisia fragrans and Kochia prostrata were stable, with a high yield; however, Astragalus brachyodonuts and Stipa hohenackeriana were stable with a low yield.
Javad Moetamedi; Hosein Arzani; Mohammad Jafari; Mehdi Farahpour; Mohammad Ali Zarechahouki
Volume 26, Issue 1 , June 2019, , Pages 241-259
Abstract
The calculation of the grazing capacity requires the consideration of factors affecting it. Due to the effective factors, the long-term grazing capacity model was designed, and then the capacity of the rangelands was calculated. Grazing capacity was calculated by the proposed ...
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The calculation of the grazing capacity requires the consideration of factors affecting it. Due to the effective factors, the long-term grazing capacity model was designed, and then the capacity of the rangelands was calculated. Grazing capacity was calculated by the proposed model in four steps including estimating the average good production, calculation of available metabolic energy, the daily requirement of the animal unit and grazing capacity. Due to the drought condition of habitats and fluctuation of forage production in different years, one cannot calculate grazing capacity with once production measurement for the long-term. Hence, the average good production of habitats was determined and based on that, long-term grazing capacity was calculated. The average good production of Golestan Kouh, Vardast, and Pashmakan habitats in the statistical period of 6-7 years was estimated to be 425, 233.8 and 343.3 kg/ha, which are related to normal years in terms of rainfall. The grazing capacity of habitats in a quarterly period of four months was calculated to be 0.8, 0.3 and 0.5 animal unit per hectare so that if there is a drought for 12 consecutive months, there will be no damage to vegetation. Meanwhile, there is not much damage to the beneficiary and he will not have to sell too much of his livestock. The area needed for grazing of an animal unit in the rangelands was suggested to be 1.3, 3.3 and 2 hectare. This amount is recommended to be one hectare for a 30-year period based on a common method in range management plans. This indicates the need to pay attention to the factors affecting the grazing capacity and emphasizes the application of the proposed model in order to calculate the rangeland capacity.
Daryoush Ghorbanian; Heydar Sharifeh; Mohammad Amirjan; Rasoul Mirakhorli
Volume 25, Issue 4 , February 2019, , Pages 761-769
Abstract
Use of saline and low yield soils for forage production is an important step towards optimal efficacy of low-quality water and soil resources from agricultural point of view. Atriplexcanescens and Atriplexverrocifera as drought and salinity tolerent species, are able to produce ...
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Use of saline and low yield soils for forage production is an important step towards optimal efficacy of low-quality water and soil resources from agricultural point of view. Atriplexcanescens and Atriplexverrocifera as drought and salinity tolerent species, are able to produce forage in saline and low yield soils. To investigate the possibility of establishing and measuring the amount of forage production in saline and low yield soils, and determining the appropriate planting method, two salinity areas (salinity up to 20 ds / m and salinity up to 40 ds/m) were first selected through soil testing. Then in each region, 45 seedlings of each mentioned species were planted in three replications. The results of the present study showed that the use of Atriplex canescens and Atriplex verrocifera for establishment and forage production is possible in in areas with high salinity (up to 40 ds/m). Analysis of variance of canopy growth and annual production of the mentioned species showed that in saline lands with a maximum of 40 ds/m, the growth rate of the first year of At. verrosifera was more than At. canescens. But in the region with low salinity, At. canescens growth was more than the other species. The production amount of established species shows that the production of At. canescens is more than At.verrusifera. But this difference in salt area is minimized. Therefore, the effect of salinity on the production of At. canescens is tangible and effective. But the production rate of At. verrucifera is more in areas with low salinity. So, this species has more resistance and tolerance.
Jaber Sharifi; Farhang Ghasriani; Younes Rostamikia
Volume 25, Issue 4 , February 2019, , Pages 829-838
Abstract
Festuca sulcata L. as a perennial grass is special to semi- steppe rangelands in alpine regions. In order to evaluate the growth quality, forage and seed yields, five extensions of this species were planted under rainfed conditions in a completely randomized block design ...
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Festuca sulcata L. as a perennial grass is special to semi- steppe rangelands in alpine regions. In order to evaluate the growth quality, forage and seed yields, five extensions of this species were planted under rainfed conditions in a completely randomized block design with three replications at Samian station in Ardebil. After establishment of the seedlings, traits, such as viability percentage, crown cover, shrub height, seedling vigor, and forage and seed yields were measured from 2010 to 2014, at the end of the growing season. The data were analyzed using SAS software and comparison of the means of the evaluated traits was performed by Duncan's multiple range tests at P ≤ 0.05. The results showed that the greatest percentages of crown cover (997.77 cm2), shrub height (45.88 cm) and seed viability (100%) were belonged to Sarein-Alvaris accession. Average values of forage and seed yields were 528.58 and 93.33 kg ha-1 y-1, respectively. There was no significant difference between accessions in term of seed yield but there was a significant difference (P ≤ 0.01) between years. The average seed production in the studied ecotypes was 95.33 kg ha-1. Consequently, superior accessions of this species with great potential for foliage production can be used in the process of restoration and development of semi- steppe rangelands in alpine region.
Seyed Taghi Mirhaji; Morteza Akbarzadeh; Farhad Azhir
Volume 25, Issue 1 , April 2018, , Pages 54-62
Abstract
Awareness of annual and monthly production of various rangeland types is essential for efficient management of rangelands. It would be achievement by determining the relationship between plant forage production and climatic variables affecting them especially rainfall which would make easier management. ...
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Awareness of annual and monthly production of various rangeland types is essential for efficient management of rangelands. It would be achievement by determining the relationship between plant forage production and climatic variables affecting them especially rainfall which would make easier management. Achieving this goal is facilitated by determining the relationship between the amount of forage production and climatic variables affecting it, especially rainfall, in rangelands. Firuzkuh rangelands were studied to determine the relationship between rainfall and shrub forage production during 2006-2010. For this purpose, the annual and monthly forage production was measured during plant growth season in research exclosure plots by clip and weigh method. Each plant species studied had a specific production during the grazing season in different years. Relationship between forage production and precipitation in periods of winter and spring as well as each month of winter and spring was estimated. Results showed that correlation between the forage production of study species and precipitation in different periods including crop year (0.06 - 0.42), winter and spring (0.01-0.23), March and spring (0.13 -0.35), March and May (0.06 – 0.45), February to June rainfall (0.13 – 0.40), was positive and reached its highest level in June (0.63 -0.94). A significant relationship was found between the forage production of Acantholimon erinaceum, Acanthophyllum spinosum, Astragalus gossypinus, Onobrychis cornuta and Thymus fedtschenkoi and June rainfall.
Mohammad Farzam; Hosein bagherzadeh
Volume 23, Issue 3 , January 2017, , Pages 618-626
Abstract
It is very difficult to provide water for irrigating plants in arid areas. However, range and desert plants are usually drought tolerant and may need no additional water for growth. Therefore, determining the best cultivation method (irrigation or rainfed) in terms of seed production economy is an important ...
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It is very difficult to provide water for irrigating plants in arid areas. However, range and desert plants are usually drought tolerant and may need no additional water for growth. Therefore, determining the best cultivation method (irrigation or rainfed) in terms of seed production economy is an important issue for seed producers. This research was aimed to compare the seed yield of three rangeland shrubs, Salsola rigida, Kochia prostrata and Eurotia ceratoides under rainfed and irrigation regimes, at the Seed Production Station of Sharak-Imam Neyshabur. For sampling, five belt transects (30 m length and 50 cm width) were randomly established, along which the number of plants established were counted for each species. Forage production was estimated by cut-and-weight method. The highest seed yield was recorded for Salsola under irrigation (1074 kg/ha) and the lowest for Eurotia under rainfed cultivation (209 kg/ha). Irrigation regime increased plant density, seed yield, seed number, and forage yield in Eurotia; plant density and forage yield in Kochia, and plant density in Salsola. Accordingly, for seed production in Shahrak Imam, we suggest sowing Eurotia under irrigation, but Kochia and Salsola need no watering after the initial establishment.
Ghader Karimi; Hasan Yeghaneh; Hasan Barati; Farhang Ghasriani
Volume 21, Issue 4 , March 2015, , Pages 631-642
Abstract
A proper utilization of rangelands could result in preventing degradation, maintaining desirable species and improving range condition, leading to longterm and economic production. This research was aimed to investigate the allowable use of Stipa hohenckeriana in Kordan rangelands. In this study, a reference ...
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A proper utilization of rangelands could result in preventing degradation, maintaining desirable species and improving range condition, leading to longterm and economic production. This research was aimed to investigate the allowable use of Stipa hohenckeriana in Kordan rangelands. In this study, a reference area of one hectare was selected and fenced in the first year of the study. Treatments included four harvesting intensities of 25, 50 and 75% and 0 (control group). Finally, data were analyzed using split plot design in time with 10 replications for each treatment. Data analysis was performed by SAS software. Results showed that the effects of harvesting intensity, different years and their interactions on the forage production were significant at 1% level of probability, indicating that in different years, production rate varied with varying climate conditions. According to the results, an allowable use of 25% is recommended for Stipa hohenckeriana in the study area. The recommended allowable use can be used in determining the allowable use for the study area and areas of similar climate, along with information from other plants.
Hamidreza Saeedi Geraghani; Ghodratollah Heydari; Hosein Barani; Seyed Zakaria Alavi
Volume 21, Issue 3 , December 2014, , Pages 435-446
Abstract
Holistic ecosystem approach in range management requires knowledge on all ecosystem components and their relationships. This is essential for sustainable management and proper planning in rangelands. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of grazing management indices on range condition ...
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Holistic ecosystem approach in range management requires knowledge on all ecosystem components and their relationships. This is essential for sustainable management and proper planning in rangelands. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of grazing management indices on range condition and forage production under three methods of utilization including collective property, private property and council property. The study was carried out in Damavand summer rangeland in Amol county, Mazandaran province. In this regard, 15 ranches were selected and according to the research objectives and hypotheses, 88 questionnaires were completed through direct interviews with exploiters in the region. Range condition was determined using four-factor method and forage production was estimated by clipping method. The results of this study indicated that there was a significant positive correlation between the eight indicators of grazing management and range condition and forage production at 1% level of significance. In addition, the results of correlation analysis between individual items or indicators of grazing management and range condition showed that there was no significant correlation between three items (including considering the proper time of beginning and ending of grazing in rangeland and the number of allowable livestock by ranchers) and range condition in different ranches. However, other indicators of grazing management showed significant correlation with range condition and the highest correlation was obtained for exclosure program.
Farhang Ghasryani; Mina Bayat; Afsaneh Jabarzare; Mirtaher Ghaemi
Volume 21, Issue 3 , December 2014, , Pages 507-517
Abstract
The calculation of carrying capacity and allowable use of key species is necessary for sustainable range management. Vegetation degradation and soil and water loss can be prevented in the rangeland through calculating the actual carrying capacity. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effects ...
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The calculation of carrying capacity and allowable use of key species is necessary for sustainable range management. Vegetation degradation and soil and water loss can be prevented in the rangeland through calculating the actual carrying capacity. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effects of different harvesting intensities on forage production of Puccinellia distans in saline lands of West Azarbaijan Province. Initially, an area of 0.5 hectare was selected in saline rangelands, located around the Urmia Lake and in the first year of the study excluded from grazing. Forty individuals of the studied species were selected and harvested monthly by clipper at harvesting intensities of 25%, 50%, and 75%. Ultimately, the effects of harvesting intensities on phenological characteristics, forage production, vigor and vitality and mortality of each species were investigated. According to the obtained results, increased harvesting intensity resulted in decreased vitality of the studied species. Our results clearly showed that a harvesting intensity of 50% could be recommended with the least negative effects on plant characteristics and optimal use of forage.
Sedigheh Zarekia; Niloofar Zare; Ali Ehsani; Farhang Jafari; Hasan Yeganeh
Volume 19, Issue 4 , March 2013, , Pages 614-623
Abstract
Each of the range species has certain production in different months and years of grazing seasons. Without understanding the production characteristics of species during grazing season, planning and livestock management is not feasible. Therefore, understanding the annual and monthly production of different ...
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Each of the range species has certain production in different months and years of grazing seasons. Without understanding the production characteristics of species during grazing season, planning and livestock management is not feasible. Therefore, understanding the annual and monthly production of different rangeland types is essential for efficient and effective management of livestock grazing. Consequently, relationships between forage production and climatic variables should be studied. For this purpose, annual forage production was measured in research exclosure of Khoshkerood-Saveh during 2007-2010 by clip and weigh method. Monthly rainfall in this period was calculated using Saveh synoptic station data and then the amount of cumulative rainfall in winter and spring of each year was calculated. Afterward, the relationship between production and winter and spring rainfall as well as rainfall of different months of winter and spring was studied separately. Statistical analysis was performed using Minitab software. Results showed that winter rainfall had no significant impact on the production of perennial species. However, cumulative rainfall in winter and spring showed different effects on forage production of the species. In other words, a significant relationship was observed between the production of Artemisia sieberi and Salsola laricina and rainfall while no significant relationship was recorded between the production of Stipa hohenackeriana and Poa sinaica and rainfall. Also, there was a significant relationship between cumulative rainfall in March and April and annual production of the species
Jahan bakhsh Pairanj; Ata... Ebrahimi; Abalfazl Ranjbar; Mohammad Hasan zadeh
Volume 18, Issue 4 , September 2012, , Pages 593-607
Abstract
Evaluation of forage production is an important issue in determining grazing capacity of rangelands. There is no doubt that all forage production in rangelands is not evenly accessible and different factors affect the accessibility of forage. In this research, factors affecting forage availability were ...
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Evaluation of forage production is an important issue in determining grazing capacity of rangelands. There is no doubt that all forage production in rangelands is not evenly accessible and different factors affect the accessibility of forage. In this research, factors affecting forage availability were studied. After a wide literature review, factors of distance from water supplies, density of shrubs, slope and land uses were identified as the main factors preventing forage accessibility. Forage production and shrub density were respectively measured using clip and weighing method in quadrates and distance method. Forage production measurements in representative area were extrapolated to the whole area using IRS satellite images. In this research, 18 vegetation indices were examined as forage production data (independent factor) were regressed against vegetation indices values (dependent factor) using SPSS. Map of forage production was created based on the best fit regression. Then, with adjusting all limiting factors, the map of accessible forage production was created based on the tables. The maps were illustrated and available forage was calculated after implementing adjustment of each factor. Statistical results showed significant differences (p≤0.05) between forage production with considering slope and shrub density and forage production based on all limiting factors of forage accessibility. While distance from water supplies and other land uses had no significant effect on forage production
Saeid Rashvand; Hoshmand Safari; Parvaneh Ashouri sanjabi
Volume 19, Issue 2 , September 2012, , Pages 355-369
Abstract
In this study, sustainability of forage production in some rangeland species of mountainous rangelands of Alamut Qazvin was investigated. These mountainous rangelands are located in the highlands of North-Eastern city of Qazvin as a part of south basin of central Alborz Mountains. The rainfall of these ...
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In this study, sustainability of forage production in some rangeland species of mountainous rangelands of Alamut Qazvin was investigated. These mountainous rangelands are located in the highlands of North-Eastern city of Qazvin as a part of south basin of central Alborz Mountains. The rainfall of these natural environments is 400 mm per year. Long dry season is considered as the main characteristics of the natural environments of these ecosystems. Production per hectare of 24 species was studied during four years. Combined analysis of variance for dry forage production (kg/ha) showed significant differences (p>0.01) among species and the years. According to the results of mean comparisons (Duncan’s multiple test) and cluster analysis (Ward method), Eryngium billardieri, Cousinia esfandiari, Artemisia aucheri, Verbascum speciosum, Agropyron intermedium, and Cirsium haussknechtii had higher forage production. Interaction effect of species * year was significant at 1% probability level and sustainability parameters were calculated based upon average forage production. Parameters of CVi, S2di and R2 had similar trends in introduction of sustainable species and most of them showed low forage production based upon these parameters. Parameters of Bi, W2i and S2i also showed the same trend in expression of sustainability and on the basis of these three parameters, an average forage production was recorded for most of sustainable species. In general, Cousinia esfandiari and Artemisia aucheri showed appropriate production sustainability based upon most sustainability parameters. Agropyron intermedium and Cirsium haussknechtii were not sensitive to adverse conditions while Verbascum speciosum and Eryngium billardieri were sensitive to adverse conditions. Therefore, Agropyron intermedium and Artemisia aucheri could be introduced for range improvement programs.
Jallal Abdolahi; Hossean Arzani; Mohammad hosein Savaghebi; Mojgan Azimi; Hosein Naderi
Volume 19, Issue 1 , June 2012, , Pages 45-59
Abstract
Our country’s rangelands are mainly located in arid and semi-arid regions. Due to the low amount of precipitation and high rate of evapotranspiration, water stress is considered as the most crucial environmental stress for vegetation in this region. This study was conducted at Khud-e-sofla ...
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Our country’s rangelands are mainly located in arid and semi-arid regions. Due to the low amount of precipitation and high rate of evapotranspiration, water stress is considered as the most crucial environmental stress for vegetation in this region. This study was conducted at Khud-e-sofla rangelands for nine years (1378- 1386) to investigate the effect of precipitation fluctuation on canopy cover and production of important plant species. For this purpose, four dominant species were selected and their canopy cover and production were monitored every year in permanent and random plots, respectively. Precipitation data were collected from the nearest synoptic station. According to the data of precipitation, cumulative rain amount was calculated at various periods. The relationship between variables of plant parameters and cumulative rain amount was analyzed by step wise regression method in SPSS 13. The results showed that plant species often reacted to the precipitation fluctuations. However, various species reacted differently to the precipitation fluctuation in terms of cover and production. The total vegetation cover as well as canopy cover of Artemisia aucheri hada negative and significant correlation with winter precipitation.Whereas, precipitation of January to April and the past year precipitation exhibited a high correlation with canopy cover of Iris songarica and Stipa barbata. The forage production was also influenced by seasonal precipitation. According to the results, total yeild and the yield of Artemisia aucheri, Lactuca orientalis, Stipa barbata could be estimated by precipitation data While, estimation of forage production through the precipitation data was not enough accurate for Iris songarica.
Mohammad Zadbar; Hossein Arzani; Mojgan Azemi; Vali ... Mozafarian; ghanbar ali Shad; Faredeh Saghafi khadem; Hossein Tavakoli; Hassan Amir abadi zadeh; Somayeh Naaseri
Volume 18, Issue 2 , September 2011, , Pages 231-243
Abstract
Rangelands play a key role in country's economy not only for livestock grazing but also for soil and water conservation and other services.This research was based upon a national plan of rangeland monitoring performed in different climatic regions of Iran. Three sites including Asalmeh Bajgiran, Tavakal ...
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Rangelands play a key role in country's economy not only for livestock grazing but also for soil and water conservation and other services.This research was based upon a national plan of rangeland monitoring performed in different climatic regions of Iran. Three sites including Asalmeh Bajgiran, Tavakal bagh Quchan and Shah jahan Esfarayen were selected based on the vegetation cover which represents a part of vegetation of mountainous rangelands in north Khorasan.The experiment was carried out on six linear transects, each transect included ten quadrates of 1.1 m2 and canopy cover, density and plant production were monitored during the period of four years (2004 to 2007).Average of the canopy cover in the mentioned sites were 69.94% ,41.38% and 48.44% respectively, containing perennial grasses, shrubs, grass-like species, and annual or perennial forbs. Average of the annual production was obtained as 654, 356 and 506 (kg/ha/year) respectively.In Asameh rangeland, there is no spring for drinking water and that is why livestock grazing is light with a good condition of vegetation. In Tavakal Bagh, grazing time is longer due to the vicinity to the village. In Tavakal Bagh and Shah Jehan Esfarayen early and heavy grazing are observed. Therefore, with regard to the same precipitation, it could be concluded that grazing is the effective factor in reduction of the range lands production.
Mohammad Kafi; Gholamreza Zamani; Mohsen Poyan
Volume 17, Issue 2 , September 2010, , Pages 276-291
Abstract
In order to study the possibility of growing four annual desert halophyte species including Kochia scoparia, Suaeda dimorphestegia, Salsola crassa and Atriplex arcuata in desert environments, irrigating with saline ground water, a research project comprising of three separate experiments was performed ...
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In order to study the possibility of growing four annual desert halophyte species including Kochia scoparia, Suaeda dimorphestegia, Salsola crassa and Atriplex arcuata in desert environments, irrigating with saline ground water, a research project comprising of three separate experiments was performed during three successive years, 2002-2003, 2003-2004 and 2004-2005. Field experiment carried out in a split plot design in which three levels of saline irrigation water (1.5, 9.5 and 26.0 dS/m) were arranged as main and four halophyte species as sub plots with three replications. There were high significant differences in ground covering, electrolyte leakage, dry matter accumulation and plant hight among halophyte species. Suaeda produced at least twice of dry matter as any other species at any level of salinity. The average dry matter production of this species in three years and at three levels of salinity was 11850 kg/ha, while this amount was 4725, 5136 and 3616 kg/ha for Kochia, Salsola and Atriplex, respectively. Ratio of leaf to shoot weight was varying from 39% in Atriplex to 56% in at full flowering stage. In conclusion, germination and plant stablishment of these four annual halophytes should be explored for domestication. High dry matter production of these species in watering with saline waters of more than 70% of seawater, make them capable for production in very high saline lands, as well as irrigation with high saline waters.
Farhad Aghajanloo; Mortezah Akbarzadeh; Ahmad Musavi
Volume 16, Issue 4 , January 2010, , Pages 493-504
Abstract
As the documents and reports reveal, the condition of rangelands of Iran is poor or very poor in most areas; therefore, the percentage of invader species is dominant. The study of vegetation changes under strict exclosure and grazing is critical to understand the extreme problems of rangelands of Iran. ...
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As the documents and reports reveal, the condition of rangelands of Iran is poor or very poor in most areas; therefore, the percentage of invader species is dominant. The study of vegetation changes under strict exclosure and grazing is critical to understand the extreme problems of rangelands of Iran. The effect of exclosure and grazing was studied on the direction of vegetation changes of rangelands at Arquin site of Zanjan province at 1450 meter above sea level from 2001 to 2006. Three fixed pairs of transects with a total number of 60 plots were established inside of exclosure area and outside too. The annual forage production was measured by randomized plots. Comparison of the data in first and last years of the study were done by T student sample test. The results showed that the total canopy cover of Arquin exclosure is increased inside in comparison with outside, and it is statistically significant (P<0.01). The response of growing forms to exclosure and grazing was different, and the canopy cover of Astragalus achtalensis (P<0.05) and Stipa barbata (P<0.01) increased significantly in 2006 in comparison with 2002. The vegetation composition changed also in the study area. The relative increase of increasers in last year, was by 160 percent to that of the first year inside the exclosure; whereas the changes were not apparent. The rate of plant production was specially depended on precipitation fluctuation and the amount of organic mater and nitrogen content at 0 to 15 cm of soil depth inside and outside of the exclosure and that of 15-30 cm outsid has been increased significantly.
Ghasem Asadian; Morteza Akbarzadeh; Mohammad reza Sadeghimanesh
Volume 16, Issue 3 , December 2009, , Pages 343-352
Abstract
Study of vegetation changes of grazed and ungrazed rangelands is most important in range management programs. Vegetation changes were studied for four years (1996-99) inside and outside of the exclosure in Gian rangelands of Hamadan province. Measurements were made in permanent plots that have been established ...
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Study of vegetation changes of grazed and ungrazed rangelands is most important in range management programs. Vegetation changes were studied for four years (1996-99) inside and outside of the exclosure in Gian rangelands of Hamadan province. Measurements were made in permanent plots that have been established in study areas since 1996. Forage production was measured in randomized plots each year. Data were compared whit T test analysis. Results showed that there were significant differences in total cover of perennials during study period inside exclosure and the cover increased about 80 percent. The cover of all plant forms, such as shrubs, grasses and forbs increased significantly inside the exclosure in this period. The cover of perennials increased about 16 percent outside of exclosure during this period too, but there were significant differences in shrubs and grasses and no difference in forbs. Decreasers and increasers increased and invaders decreased inside, but outside of exclosure there was an opposite trend. Frequency of good quality plants increased inside and decreased outside. Range condition increased from poor to fair inside and decreased to very poor outside of exclosure. A positive and negative trend was observed inside and outside the exclosure area. In second year of study, rainfall was greater and In final year annual precipitation was more than first year but seasonal rainfall that is effective in growth, was less than the first year. Relationship between species canopy cover and annual and seasonal rainfall evaluated, however the correlation coefficient between rainfall and some species was significant. Overall, in comparison inside and outside, exclosure improved vegetation condition, forage production and range condition, under this climatic condition. Because of good precipitation condition of these years, it is necessary to continue the study to cover a series of drier years.
Gholam reza Ghaderi; Ali Gazanchian; Mahmood Yousefi
Volume 15, Issue 2 , January 2008, , Pages 256-268
Abstract
Intercropping is considered for increasing and stability of yield in per unit. In general, mix cropping legumes and grasses species has been applied to enhancement of nutrient value and supply energy and protein on grasses and legumes respectively. A field experiment, was conducted to compare forage ...
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Intercropping is considered for increasing and stability of yield in per unit. In general, mix cropping legumes and grasses species has been applied to enhancement of nutrient value and supply energy and protein on grasses and legumes respectively. A field experiment, was conducted to compare forage production of mixed alfalfa (Medicago sativa v. cody) and wheatgrass (Agropyron desertorum) species with proportion of 33, 50 and 66 percent and pure cropping in the north Khorassan (Sisab station) from 1994 to2001 with two levels 15 and 20 kg/ha of seeding rate. The seeds were sown into furrows with 40 cm wide for row intercropping and broadcasting for mixed cropping treatments. The treatments were arranged in split plot and randomized complete block design with four replications. Forages harvested at flowering and heading stage of alfalfa and wheatgrass, respectively. Dry matter weight considered for comparison of yield production of the treatments. The average forage yields of alfalfa and wheatgrass were 1.8 and 1.2 ton/ha respectively in pure stands. Alfalfa standes gradually dominated the wheatgrass in mixed and row intercropping. The highest yield was obtained in the mixed cropping of 66% alfalfa and 33% wheatgrass. There were no differences between seeding rate treatments. However, the results suggest that the best combination species for improving production is 66% alfalfa and 33% wheatgrass. This ratio could be used for renovation of pastures in the poor and dry areas in north Khorassan province.
Ali Ehsani; Hosein Arzani; Mahdi Farahpoor; Hasan Ahmadi; Mohammad Jafari; Adel Jalili; Hamid Reza Mirdavodi; Hamid reza Abbasi; Mojgan Azimi
Volume 14, Issue 2 , January 2007, , Pages 249-260
Abstract
The effects of climatic factors on four dominant range land species of Markazi province, Iran, were studied. Species were Artemisia sieberi, Salsola rigida, Noaea mucronata, Stipa barbata and were monitored from 1998 to 2005. Site is located in steppe lands and called Nemati range, Akhtarabad of Saveh. ...
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The effects of climatic factors on four dominant range land species of Markazi province, Iran, were studied. Species were Artemisia sieberi, Salsola rigida, Noaea mucronata, Stipa barbata and were monitored from 1998 to 2005. Site is located in steppe lands and called Nemati range, Akhtarabad of Saveh. Climatic factors were annual rainfall, rainfall of grazing season plus rainfall of previous year, temperature, solar radiation and wind velocity. Among the main indicators, as results shows, growing season plus previous rainfalls is the most effective indicator on forage production with high and significant correlation. Total yield have positive and significant correlation with growing season rainfall and previous rainfall as well as production of Artemisia sieberi, Salsola rigida. Soil and water regime in dry and semi-dry areas, in growing season, is in a way that plants are dependent on stored moisture. Shrubs, with their deep roots, are more capable of using this moisture. Therefore stored moisture could be known as an indicator of rain quantity. Result of this research showed that rainfall indicator in growing season and previous season is a variable that plays fundamental rule in production, showing a linear relationship. Negative correlation was shown between number of sunny days, total yield and yield of two species, Salsola rigida and Artemisia sieberi.