reza yari; Gholamali Heshmati; Hamed Rafiee
Volume 28, Issue 4 , November 2021, , Pages 745-758
Abstract
Assessment of the potential ecological and natural capacity of each area with proper planning can lead to sustainable and continuous utilization of natural areas. By increasing the population and psychological pressures resulting from the bustle of cities, ecotourism has become doubly ...
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Assessment of the potential ecological and natural capacity of each area with proper planning can lead to sustainable and continuous utilization of natural areas. By increasing the population and psychological pressures resulting from the bustle of cities, ecotourism has become doubly important as one of the ways to reduce the pressures on people. The development of ecotourism to conserve natural resources should be commensurate with the natural and social potential of the region. Due to the importance of conserving natural resources, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the ecotourism potential of Chaharbagh summer rangelands in Golestan province based on the FAO limiting method and using GIS. The factors assessed include two ecological categories (climate, altitude, slope, soil, water resources, distance to attraction places, value attractive vegetation) and infrastructure (distance to city, amenities, roads, and access routes). The results showed that the total area of the region is 25.36% (2249.29 ha) with medium potential and competence (S2), 28.65% (2542 ha) with low potential and competence (S3), and 45.98% (4079) hectare lacks ecotourism competence and potential (N). The results also showed that water resources, soil, slope percentage, vegetation attraction value, access routes, and distance to attractions are factors that reduce the potential and merit of tourism and altitude factors, distance to city and facilities, welfare as well as climate (temperature) are factors that increase the potential and merit of tourism. Chaharbagh rangelands have suitable facilities and potentials in terms of tourism, and observing the principles of tourism and preserving natural resources, in addition to creating employment and income for the residents of the region, can help the protection and sustainable development of the region.
Reza Hoseinpour; Ali Akbar Mehrabi
Volume 11, Issue 2 , August 2019, , Pages 119-136
Jamshid Khatir Nameni
Volume 12, Issue 3 , August 2019, , Pages 311-334
Farid Dadjou; Ardavan Ghorbani; Mehdi Moameri; Mahmoud Bidarlord
Volume 25, Issue 3 , November 2018, , Pages 577-593
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between rangeland aboveground production based on total aboveground production and life forms of grasses, forbs, and shrubs with 25-year temperature and precipitation data, the year before sampling, and the year of sampling in Hir and Neur ...
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The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between rangeland aboveground production based on total aboveground production and life forms of grasses, forbs, and shrubs with 25-year temperature and precipitation data, the year before sampling, and the year of sampling in Hir and Neur rangelands in Ardabil province. To determine the aboveground production, the amount of production was estimated using the harvesting method in one square meter plots (totally 330 plots) in three elevation classes under the range of 1446-2750 meters. Temperature and precipitation were calculated for each plot. Aboveground production maps were prepared in a GIS environment using extracted regression equations. The results showed that over the years, precipitation decreased and temperature increased, and aboveground production also decreased in relation to those climatic factors. Moreover, there is a significant relationship (P<0.01) between the aboveground production of life forms and total aboveground production with climatic factors, and aboveground production of grasses and total have a direct relationship with precipitation; however the maximum aboveground production of forbs was recorded in the middle ranges and maximum aboveground production of shrubs was recorded in the higher ranges of annual precipitation. Grasses and total aboveground production had an inverse relationship with temperature, and the maximum aboveground production of forbs and shrubs was recorded in the middle and lower ranges of annual temperatures, respectively. According to the accuracy of derived regression equations, the maps prepared by climatic data of 1394 and 1395 were better than 25-year climate data. The results of this study can be used for the supply-demand balance of aboveground production, biomass accounts, and ecosystem carbon balance indicator that is potentially an important tool for sustainable development.
ardashir pounrnemati; ardavan ghorbani; jaber sharifi; farzad mirzaie; masoume amirkhani; mahmoud goudarzi
Volume 24, Issue 1 , May 2017, , Pages 110-125
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between rangeland plants production based on total production and life forms of grasses, forbs, and shrubs with topographic factors (altitude, slope, and aspects) in Sabalan rangelands, Ardabil province. To determine the annual total production, ...
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The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between rangeland plants production based on total production and life forms of grasses, forbs, and shrubs with topographic factors (altitude, slope, and aspects) in Sabalan rangelands, Ardabil province. To determine the annual total production, the amount of production was estimated using harvesting method in one square meter plots (totally of 216 plots) under the altitude range of 1200 to 2900 meters a.s.l. Using topographic maps, the digital elevation model was derived and classified maps of elevation, slope, and aspect were derived. Then, in each plot, information such as elevation, slope, and aspect was extracted. The correlation between life forms and topographic factors was analyzed using multivariate regression method. The results showed that there was a significant relationship between the production of life forms such as grasses (P<0.01), forbs (P<0.01) and shrubs (P<0.05) with topographic factors; however, there was no significant relationship between total production and topographic factors (P>0.05). The production of grasses, forbs and total production had direct relationship with slope; however, the production of shrubs decreased with the increase of slope. The production of grasses increased with altitude, and in the east-faced slopes, it was estimated more than the other aspects. The production of forbs decreased with the increase of altitude and was higher in the east aspect in comparison with the other aspects. The production of shrubs and total production in the middle altitude and in north –faced slopes were more than the other classes and aspects according to the suitable ecological condition and low degradation. Although it is obvious that elevation, slope, and aspect can change and affect the production, this effect is unknown, especially in the connection with life forms and the process of change. Overall, it can be concluded that these results could be used in the management of these rangelands, particularly in the improvement and rehabilitation practices.
Zahra Jafari; Hamid Nik Nahad Gharemakher; Samira mesri
Volume 23, Issue 4 , March 2017, , Pages 680-688
Abstract
This research was aimed to study the vegetation changes under grazing and non-grazing conditions during five years in order to evaluate vegetation improvement or destruction over time.The study of vegetation changes was carried out inside and outside the exclosure within the sample units. Each sample ...
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This research was aimed to study the vegetation changes under grazing and non-grazing conditions during five years in order to evaluate vegetation improvement or destruction over time.The study of vegetation changes was carried out inside and outside the exclosure within the sample units. Each sample unit consisted of two parallel transects with 20 quadrates. Within each quadrate, the canopy cover percentage and composition percentage of each species were estimated. The forage yield was measured by clipping and weighing using one-square-meter quadrates. No significant difference was recorded for the canopy cover of inside and outside the exclosure. Statistical analysis was performed in a completely randomized block design and no significant differences were found among the study years. However, significant differences were found for forage yield of inside and outside the exclosure. Therefore, the reduction in forage yield of outside the exclosure is directly related to the intensity of utilization. The life form of species was determined based on Raunkiaer's system. Hemicryptophytes was the dominant form in the study area. The results showed that although the exclosure caused to improve rangeland vegetation, the difference between inside and outside the exclosure was not significant. Generally, the results indicated that vegetation changes in the study area were slow and gradual and exclosure could not be considered as an improvement method in short-term. Direct human intervention is required for the restoration of rangelands, located in arid regions.
Salahaddin Zahedi; Mina Bayat; Farhang Ghasriani
Volume 23, Issue 1 , June 2016, , Pages 80-91
Abstract
In the past decade, extensive changes have occurred in the land use and land cover of Qeshlaq dam watershed. The rangelands of the study area have undergone extensive changes, converted to other land uses, or lost their quality. The continuation of this process not only reduces the forage production ...
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In the past decade, extensive changes have occurred in the land use and land cover of Qeshlaq dam watershed. The rangelands of the study area have undergone extensive changes, converted to other land uses, or lost their quality. The continuation of this process not only reduces the forage production and consequently livestock production but also increases unemployment and migration to the city, leading to increasing soil erosion and sediment yield as well as reduced size of the dam reservoir and reduced economic life. This research was aimed to detect and provide the map for the land-cover changes in the study area during 1987 and 2010 using TM Landsat 5 satellite images. In this regard, the available data of the study area and the data collected from field were used as ancillary data. Maximum land-use changes, with a reduction of 4857 ha in area, were related to the class II rangelands, followed by class III rangelands with an increase of 2983 ha, and agricultural irrigated lands with an increase of 1641 ha, respectively. Our results clearly confirm the heavy grazing in the study area and conversion of rangelands to agricultural lands.
Vahideh Abdollahi; Ghasemali Dianati Tilaki; Jalil Farzadmehr; Hormoz Sohrabi
Volume 22, Issue 2 , August 2015, , Pages 330-343
Abstract
South Khorasan province with vast rangelands with an arid and semi-arid climate and specific species is one of the most suitable areas for camel breeding. Despite the importance of camel in the province, no research has been conducted on species selection by camel as well as its relation to chemical ...
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South Khorasan province with vast rangelands with an arid and semi-arid climate and specific species is one of the most suitable areas for camel breeding. Despite the importance of camel in the province, no research has been conducted on species selection by camel as well as its relation to chemical factors of plants. Therefore this research was aimed to investigate the relationship between palatability and nutritive value of range species in south of Birjand. For this purpose, the selection of range species by camel was investigated in three phenological stages of vegetative, flowering and seeding using chronometer. For each stage, the study was conducted during three days in the morning and evening. In this technique, each camel was followed for 30 minutes during the feeding. In addition, plant samples were collected for chemical analysis. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 15 software. Results indicated that there were no significant differences between preference value and chemical composition of species. The highest values of DMD, ME and CP as well as the lowest CF, ADF and NDF were recorded for Seidlitzia rosmarinus. According to the obtained results, the effects of chemical composition on species palatability varied from one species to another one. However, these effects depend on different factors including vegetation composition, available forage, species distribution, livestock taste and so forth.
Hossein Arzani; Zeinolabedin Hosseini; Khosro Mirakhorlou
Volume 21, Issue 1 , June 2014, , Pages 24-31
Abstract
This study was aimed to assess the applicability of LANDSAT ETM+ satellite images for estimating vegetation production and cover. The images were digitized using topographic maps and geometrized in 1:25000 scales. Required processes such as spectral ratio measurement and vegetation indices were applied ...
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This study was aimed to assess the applicability of LANDSAT ETM+ satellite images for estimating vegetation production and cover. The images were digitized using topographic maps and geometrized in 1:25000 scales. Required processes such as spectral ratio measurement and vegetation indices were applied on the images. Collection was carried out for vegetation cover and production in various vegetation types in homogeneous units. Sampling points' locations were recorded with GPS. Sampling method was random-systematic in such a way that in each unit, a circle with 20 meters radius was considered. One and 9 sampling plots were placed on the centre and on the perimeter, respectively. The plot size was 1m * 1m. In each plot, vegetation percentage was estimated and the production was calculated using double sampling method. Then, DN values for each sampling unit (9 pixels for one unit) were elicited in respect to primary bands' images, vegetation indices and spectral ratios. Correlation and regression analyses between geo-information and satellite information (Digital numbers) were carried out. Results revealed that 7th and 5th Bands and IR1, MIRV2 and VNIR2 indices had a significant correlation with production and given parameter could be estimated through regression models. Likewise, RA, IR1 and TVI indices had a significant correlation with vegetation percentage and this parameter could be estimated through regression models.
Hashem Keneshlo; Hosein Ameri
Volume 19, Issue 2 , September 2012, , Pages 344-354
Abstract
In order to find some phenological phenomena of Atriplex griffithii with climate properties such as as temperature and precipitation, this study was carried out in the north-east of Semnan province from 2001 to 2004.In this survey, 10 Atriplex griffithii were selected and marked. Phonological stages ...
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In order to find some phenological phenomena of Atriplex griffithii with climate properties such as as temperature and precipitation, this study was carried out in the north-east of Semnan province from 2001 to 2004.In this survey, 10 Atriplex griffithii were selected and marked. Phonological stages (germination, vegetative, flowering, seeding, and regrowth) were measured in 15-day periods while reproductive traits were measured in 7-10 day intervals. Analysis of climatic data and recorded phonological stages showed that the growth of Atriplex griffithii varied with the fluctuations of drought and temperature in different seasons and two distinctive stages (vegetative and seeding) were recognized for each year. The first growth stage started from late winter and continued to mid-August and the second growth stage started from second half of August and ended in second half of December. Flowering started from May and seeds matured in June. Phonological stages also differed among geographical directions due to differences in rainfall, temperature and evaporation rate as flowering and seeding stages in southern slopes occurred in May and June and in northern slopes were in October and November, respectively. Obtained results can help range managers to set a time calendar for livestock entry and exit and also grazing season.
Jamshid Khatir Namani
Volume 14, Issue 1 , January 2007, , Pages 88-96
Abstract
Study of vegetation changes of grazed and ungrazed rangelands is important in range management programs. In order to do this, Chut rangelands located between Dashly Boroon and Maravehtappeh of north Golestan province chosen as the study area. Chut rangeland is saline with slow drainage and 180 mm annual ...
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Study of vegetation changes of grazed and ungrazed rangelands is important in range management programs. In order to do this, Chut rangelands located between Dashly Boroon and Maravehtappeh of north Golestan province chosen as the study area. Chut rangeland is saline with slow drainage and 180 mm annual precipitation. Vegetation type of this rangeland is Poa bulbosa- annual grass and forbs. Two sites of grazed and ungrazed area were selected and factors such as soil erosion, canopy cover, plant composition and vigority of plants were measured and recorded for five years. Results showed that forage production and density of annual grasses and forbs increased inside the exclosure. There was no significant difference between vegetation cover percentage and outside the exclosure (grazed and ungrazed rangelands). Generally, the results indicated that vegetation changes in the study area are slow and gradual.
Syed Ata Rezaei; Hosein Arzani
Volume 14, Issue 2 , January 2007, , Pages 232-248
Abstract
In this research, to identify the functioning of the soil-landscape system and its effects on plant growth for native rangeland, we investigated the relationships between soil properties and Landscape Function Analysis (LFA) indices and between plant growth characteristics and LFA indices. The results ...
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In this research, to identify the functioning of the soil-landscape system and its effects on plant growth for native rangeland, we investigated the relationships between soil properties and Landscape Function Analysis (LFA) indices and between plant growth characteristics and LFA indices. The results interpreted based on statistical analysis and expert knowledge. This research was carried out for a semi-arid rangeland in the Lar aquifer in Iran. Land stratification allowed the study area to be subdivided into Land Units, according to specified criteria including landform attributes (slope, aspect, and altitude), and vegetation type. A factorial model on the basis of a completely randomized design was used to analyze the data collected from 236 land units. The landscape function indices including nutrient cycling index, Infiltration index, Stability index, and Landscape organization index were derived by various integrations of soil surface attributes. Landscape attributes differed from one another in their effects on the different landscape function indices. Increasing slope gradient significantly reduced all landscape function indices as well as soil organic carbon and total nitrogen percentages. Slope class exhibited highly significant interaction effects with vegetation type factors for stability, nutrient cycling, and landscape organization indices. Aspect did not significantly affect stability, infiltration, and landscape organization indices, but significantly affected the nutrient cycling index. The Duncan test indicated that north aspect (shady side) had the highest mean value (28.42) and south aspect the lowest mean value (25.57) for nutrient cycling index. These results are consistent with the effects of aspect on total soil nitrogen and soil organic carbon percentage for which the north aspect had the highest values. The values declined in the sequence east, west, and south aspects respectively. This research indicates that the nature of native rangeland plant communities and their measures of production are closely related to nutrient cycling index.
mahmood Goudarzi; Mahdi Farahpour
Volume 14, Issue 3 , January 2007, , Pages 432-446
Abstract
According to reports, the problem range managers face is impossibility of distinguish between dry land farming and the rangeland, as the reflectance between dry land farming and rangeland are the same. One solution is usage of temporal images, i.e. times that reflectance between these two features is ...
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According to reports, the problem range managers face is impossibility of distinguish between dry land farming and the rangeland, as the reflectance between dry land farming and rangeland are the same. One solution is usage of temporal images, i.e. times that reflectance between these two features is high. For the experiment rainfed cereal farms and rangelands in Taham region of Zanjan province, characterized as a semi arid area, was selected. Crop calendar (seeding, sowing, harvesting) of rainfed crop was drawn. Outstanding dates, over which differences between natural vegetation and crops was high, were distinguished. Corresponding Landsat ETM images, 8 August 2002, and IRS images (multi-spectral and panchromatic), 16 October 2002, were used. Images were georeferenced using available topographic map to a Universal Transverse Mercator projection using control points. For preparation of base map (ground true) IRS panchromatic images were interpreted and land use map was made through digit screen checking boundaries of the map lead to preparation of the final map. Via Image Classification Techniques, supervised (maximum likelihood and Box classification), unsupervised and principal components analysis were used to create a map. The maps were overlaid on base map (ground true) and accuracy of classified map was assessed. The result showed that it is not possible to distinguish between dry land farms and rangeland with the assistance of image classification technique, in panchromatic images however dry lands could be easily distinguished through the pattern, shape and texture found on images.
Hosein Tavakoli; Abbas ali Sanadgol; Uosef Garivani
Volume 13, Issue 2 , February 2006, , Pages 69-73
Abstract
Russian brome (Bromus tomentellus) is a prennial grass with good adaptability to climatic condition of north Khorasan. So, it has promise for using in range improvement projects. Because threre is no enough local information about mangement of this plant, the present experiment has been conducted in ...
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Russian brome (Bromus tomentellus) is a prennial grass with good adaptability to climatic condition of north Khorasan. So, it has promise for using in range improvement projects. Because threre is no enough local information about mangement of this plant, the present experiment has been conducted in Sisab Reaserch Station (SRS) to evaluate the response of this species to grazing intensities and rest grazing. Four grazing intensities of light (20 to 45% of forage removal), moderate (45- 65% of forage removal), heavy (65- 80% of forage removal) and without grazing as control applied by herd of lamb and sheep for three consequent years from 1999 to 2001. The year of 2002 considered as rest period from grazing. Herbage mass and number of plant per unit area measured as an index response. Herbage mass production decreased by reduction in precipitation. Heavy grazing resulted in significant reduction in herbage production and number of plants per unit area, but one year rest from grazing componsated the negative effect of intensive grazing on herbage mass reduction. Management implication based on this results show that plant can tolerate grazing intensity by 45-65% of herbage removal and indicate on the importance of rest grazing on survivance of this plant.
Khosro Mirakhorlo; Zein ... Hosseini
Volume 13, Issue 2 , February 2006, , Pages 127-138
Abstract
Estimating rangelandsۥ production is one of the range management tools. This requires detailed information about the present available forage of the rangelands. The assessment of the parameters is difficult and cost-intensive using clipping method. Therefore, new estimating methods are required. We ...
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Estimating rangelandsۥ production is one of the range management tools. This requires detailed information about the present available forage of the rangelands. The assessment of the parameters is difficult and cost-intensive using clipping method. Therefore, new estimating methods are required. We estimated available forage using remote sensing data in the production model that it extracted from ecological parameters and remote sensing data. For quantifying evaluation of vegetation cover stratified random sampling and transect sampling methods were selected. Plot size calculated from “minimal area and species curve” method. Overall, 28 transects (50m) one transect in each site that contain 280(1m2) sample plots were measured. Modeling performed using NDVI index, animal density and effective ecological factors (altitude, slope, aspect, precipitation, temperature and evaporation) on rangelandsۥ yield. After analyzing of ecological factors of Damavand region, some ineffective factors omitted. Finally three factors namely slope, precipitation and NDVI index were entered in the model for calculating the available forage in the study area. The calculated amount of average standard predict value of forage model is 38% and its standard deviation value is 97%. They show that the validation of model for predicting of forage is fairly acceptable.
Abolghasem Dadrasi; Nahid Sabzevari
Volume 9, Issue 3 , September 2001, , Pages 1197-1202