Kian Najafi Tireh Shabankareh
Volume 11, Issue 1 , September 2019, , Pages 83-112
Mahmoud Mohammadi
Volume 10, Issue 1 , August 2019, , Pages 17-38
Esmael Aliakbarzadeh; Hasan Yeganeh; Hadi Afrah
Volume 23, Issue 3 , January 2017, , Pages 567-577
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the production characteristics and the consumption rate of dominant forage species in different phenological stages. The study was conducted in Sabalan, Ardebil Province for four years. In this study, for each species, four average individuals were selected and marked ...
Read More
The aim of this study was to evaluate the production characteristics and the consumption rate of dominant forage species in different phenological stages. The study was conducted in Sabalan, Ardebil Province for four years. In this study, for each species, four average individuals were selected and marked inside and outside the exclosure, and the production was harvested. The total forage production and consumption was calculated using the production and density data of average individuals in the exclosure. In order to assess the effects of year and months of harvesting on the production and consumption of the study species, the data were analyzed by combined analysis of variance in a completely randomized design using SAS software. Mean comparison was performed by Duncan's test at 5% level for the effects of year, species and month on forage production and consumption. According to the results, a significant difference was found among the species in terms of production and consumption in the months of growth season and grazing period, as well as the study years. The total forage production of plants was different among the study years. The highest and lowest forage production (1971.19 and 1635.35 kg/ha) were recorded for the years 2010 and 2008, respectively. In addition, the highest and the lowest forage consumption (with 86.72 and 67.71 kg/ha had) was obtained in the years 2008 and 2009, respectively. Since the interaction effect of year and month was significant for most of the species, it can be concluded that forage production and consumption are affected by the year and its prevailing conditions.
Ahmad Mousavi; Ali Ehsani; Farhad Aghajanlou
Volume 23, Issue 2 , September 2016, , Pages 208-197
Abstract
Phenology studies are one of the appropriate tools to determine the utilization time of rangelands.This research was aimed to study the phenology of Festuca ovina in the Bademestan rangelands of Zanjan province, located at 45 km northeast of Zanjan for four years. The results showed that the study species ...
Read More
Phenology studies are one of the appropriate tools to determine the utilization time of rangelands.This research was aimed to study the phenology of Festuca ovina in the Bademestan rangelands of Zanjan province, located at 45 km northeast of Zanjan for four years. The results showed that the study species had a very special reaction to the rainfall amount and time, especially during the growing season i.e., from the onset of spring to July. In other words, no reproductive growth and formation of flowers were recorded in 2007-2008, whose rainfall was much less than average during the growing season (57.2 mm in the spring quarter). A sharp decline in rainfall during the spring caused the species not to complete its phenology and produce seeds. The year 2009-2010 had much less rainfall as compared with the year 2007-2008; however, due to the good rainfall in spring 2010, Festuca ovina could complete all phenological stages and flowering stage occurred. Therefore, it seems that the spring rains are vital for this species to complete the plant life cycle.
Seyed Morteza Abtahi; Amrali Shahmoradi; Abbas Kianipour
Volume 23, Issue 1 , June 2016, , Pages 37-50
Abstract
This research was aimed to investigate the autecology of Stipagrostis karelini in the sand dunes of Isfahan province. Initially, the habitat map was prepared and characteristics including topographyclimate, soil, associated species, and the presence of this species in vegetation cover were determined. ...
Read More
This research was aimed to investigate the autecology of Stipagrostis karelini in the sand dunes of Isfahan province. Initially, the habitat map was prepared and characteristics including topographyclimate, soil, associated species, and the presence of this species in vegetation cover were determined. In addition, the phenology and root system of the mentioned species was investigated. According to the results, this species grows on the sand dunes of Kashan (Rig Boland) at an altitude of 750 to 1150 meters above sea level on all slope aspects. The habitat has a sandy and sandy-loam textured soil. Soil electrical conductivity varies in different parts of the habitat as well as at different soil depths, ranging between 2.5-3 ds m-1. Soil pH of the habitat ranges between 7.5 and 8.2. The average annual precipitation in the natural habitats of this species is 80-140 mm. The mean minimum and maximum temperatures are 3.8 °C and 33.6 °C respectively The absolute minimum and maximum temperature are -12 °C and 47.8 °C, respectively. The vegetative growth of this species starts from late March. The flowers appear in May and seeds ripen in mid-June. The study species has a fibrous root system, around which is covered with sand and the root penetrates the sand up to one meter at a radius of about 2 meters.
Farideh Saghafi Khadem; Ali Ehsani; Masoumeh Shahabi
Volume 23, Issue 1 , June 2016, , Pages 92-107
Abstract
Studying the phenology of range species is an important factor in management actions for optimal utilization of these species. On the other hand, drought and stresses arising from it cause to the changes in plant growth stages, affecting forage yield. Bromus kopetdaghensis ، Festuca arundinacea ...
Read More
Studying the phenology of range species is an important factor in management actions for optimal utilization of these species. On the other hand, drought and stresses arising from it cause to the changes in plant growth stages, affecting forage yield. Bromus kopetdaghensis ، Festuca arundinacea ، Stipa arabica and Poa bulbosa are the main elements of semi-steppe areas to dry forests of Khorasan rangelands as relatively palatable species, grazed by livestock. In the current research, phenology of the mentioned species was studied during 2007-2010. Moisture conditions and drought classes were also studied by Standardize Precipitation Index (SPI) in rangelands of Binalood, Khorasan Razavi province in a twenty-year period. Effects of different drought periods were investigated on emergence of plant organs and the period length of vegetative and reproductive stages. Results showed that reproductive growth was shorter during drought period. Under drought conditions of 2008, vegetative growth was started earlier compared to other years and the change from vegetative to reproductive stage occurred in a shorter period. Results of growth degree-day showed that the range was from 2814.12 in 2010 to 2406.95 centigrade degree in 2008. Consequently, GDD model could be used with relatively high accuracy in determining the appropriate time for livestock entry and exit.
Hashem Keneshlou; Mohammad Yousef Achak
Volume 22, Issue 1 , June 2015, , Pages 86-99
Abstract
Management, conservation, utilization and rehabitation of species habitats require identifying the characteristics of the habitat and effective ecological factors. In the current research, after specifying the habitats of Salvadora oleiodes, six sites were selected to investigate silvicultural characteristics, ...
Read More
Management, conservation, utilization and rehabitation of species habitats require identifying the characteristics of the habitat and effective ecological factors. In the current research, after specifying the habitats of Salvadora oleiodes, six sites were selected to investigate silvicultural characteristics, geological structure and soil properties. Three elderlyandmiddle-aged trees were selected in each site to record the phonological stages. Salvadora oleiodes is native to Asia (arid and semi-arid regions of north-west India, Pakistan, warm humid areas of Arabian Peninsula and South East of Iran) and tropical parts of Africa. It has been planted in Egypt and China. According to the obtained results, Salvadora oleiodes is distributed in warm regions of southern Balochistan from sea level (40-50 m a.s.l) to 1400 m a.s.l with an annual rainfall of 92-141mm and annual daily temperature of 24.6- 28.3ْC. The soil texture of the habitats was light to moderate with a mean pH and EC of 8.19 and 7.27dS/m, respectively, mainly on the sediments of Quaternary (52%) and Tertiary (48%). An average density of 6-40 trees per hectar, a mean total height of 4m, an average collar diameter of 10-35 cm, a mean crown cover of 54 m2 and a coverage percentage of 0.5 to 50 % were recorded at different habitats. Flowering period is from November to April and fruit ripening starts in June and July in different habitats. The species regenerates naturally by seed, sprout and root sucker. Young seedlings, out of reach of livestock, are able to establish under the shelter of mother trees and other species.
Saeed Rashvand
Volume 22, Issue 1 , June 2015, , Pages 143-157
Abstract
Studying the phenology of range species is important in determining the time for livestock entry to and exit from rangeland. This research was conducted in semi-steppe rangelands of Alamoot, Qazvin for four years during 2007 to 2010. Among 82 species, six key species were selected of which four species ...
Read More
Studying the phenology of range species is important in determining the time for livestock entry to and exit from rangeland. This research was conducted in semi-steppe rangelands of Alamoot, Qazvin for four years during 2007 to 2010. Among 82 species, six key species were selected of which four species were grass (Dactylis glomerata, Bromus tomentellus, Festuca ovina, and Agropyron intermedium) and two were shrub (Thymus kotschyanus and Artemisia aucheri). From each species, 10 individuals were selected to study their phenology. Vegetative stage of key grasses started from the first half of May and was completed by the end of month. Flowering stage started from the last week of May and continued to the first half of June for 15-18 days, and seeding stage started from the second half of June and lasted for 10-15 days. The vegetative stage of Thymus kotschyanus started from the first half of May and was completed after 30-35 days. Flowering stage started from the second decade of June and was completed after 15-17 days. Seeding stage started from the third decade of June and lasted for 10-13 days. The vegetative stage of Artemisia aucheri began from the second half of May and was completed by the first decade of July, continuing for 45-55 days. Flowering stage started from the second decade of July and continued to the second decade of September. Seeding stage started from the early second decade of September and lasted to the end of October. According to the results of soil analysis, soil moisture is very low in the end of May, suitable for livestock entry to the rangeland. Our results clearly showed that early June was the time for livestock entry to the rangeland, and the second half of August was determined as the time for livestock exit from rangeland.
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 ...
Read More
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.
Ali Ehsani; Mamak Ahmadian; Saeed Rashvand; Mohammad Ali Dehghani Tafti; Mostafa Zare
Volume 21, Issue 1 , June 2014, , Pages 13-23
Abstract
Study of the phenology of range key species is important to regulate and apply proper management for sustainable utilization of rangeland forage. In this study, the phenological stages of Artemisia aucheri were examined as a key species at three sites of different semi-steppe regions during 2007-2010. ...
Read More
Study of the phenology of range key species is important to regulate and apply proper management for sustainable utilization of rangeland forage. In this study, the phenological stages of Artemisia aucheri were examined as a key species at three sites of different semi-steppe regions during 2007-2010. For this purpose, in each site, 10 individuals were selected and different phenological stages were recorded in 15-day and 7-day intervals for vegetative stage and reproductive stage, respectively. In addition, meteorological data including temperature and precipitation were recorded from the nearest synoptic station for each site. Results indicated that the occurrence of phenological phenomena of Artimisia aucheriwas more affected by temperature and precipitation indices of the growing season. According to the obtained results, the start and end of grazing were determined as early May to late October for Shirkooh (Yazd province), late May and early June to mid-July for Anjadan (Markazi province), and second half of May to mid September for Alamoot (Ghazvin province). Consequently, a complete understanding on the phenological stages of Ar. aucheri enables us to plan grazing management in order to determine the time of livestock entry into and exit from rangelands, optimal number of livestock for grazing and proper grazing systems.
Mohammad Jangju; Fereidoon Mellati; Zohreh Atashgahi; Majid Vatanpour
Volume 20, Issue 1 , June 2013, , Pages 145-160
Abstract
Autecology of three range plant species, i.e. Prangos latiloba Korov., Convolvulus commutatus Boiss, Stachys trinervis Aitch., was studied in the Northern Khorasan Province. These species provide forage for the grazing livestock in the rural rangelands, especially on the sheil formations. Geographical ...
Read More
Autecology of three range plant species, i.e. Prangos latiloba Korov., Convolvulus commutatus Boiss, Stachys trinervis Aitch., was studied in the Northern Khorasan Province. These species provide forage for the grazing livestock in the rural rangelands, especially on the sheil formations. Geographical distribution was studied, in addition to topography, soil characteristics, and climate conditions of their natural habitats. Forage quality was assessed by measuring crude protein, ADF, NDF, dry matter, and ash. S. trinervis was growing in most of the rural rangelands, on the conglomerate, sandstone and shale formations, and under the arid and semiarid climate conditions. All species started their yearly growth at early April. For P. latiloba and C. commutatus, flowering and seed ripening stages similarly occurred at the early June and early August, respectively. For S. trinervis, phenological stages were overlapped, in which flowering, seed ripening and seed shedding were simultaneously found from the early May till early September. There was a sharp reduction in crude protein and increase in ADF and NDF factors, which led to significant reduction in the forage quality of all three species. The major limiting factors on geographic distribution of C. commutatus were: its high forage palatability and quality which had led to high effect of livestock grazing. For P. latiloba the main limiting factors were seed predation by pests and herbage harvesting by farmers. On the other hand, higher distribution of S. trinervis was due to having higher essences, lower palatability, overlap of phonological stages, and probably higher adaptation to climate and soil conditions.
Ali Ehsani
Volume 19, Issue 4 , March 2013, , Pages 737-747
Abstract
The objective of study on phenology of range plant species is to assess the changes of different phenology stages (germination, flowering, seed maturity stages, autumn growth and winter dormancy) in order to adjust range utilization programs, prevention of early or late grazing, recognition of nutritional ...
Read More
The objective of study on phenology of range plant species is to assess the changes of different phenology stages (germination, flowering, seed maturity stages, autumn growth and winter dormancy) in order to adjust range utilization programs, prevention of early or late grazing, recognition of nutritional value of the plant species, determining livestock entry and exit time and seed collection. Artemisia sieberi is a shrubby species with an appropriate forage value distributed as a dominant species in arid and semi arid steppe regions of Iran. It is resistant to drought and relative salinity which widely grows in loamy, sandy and loamy clay soils. In this study, phenological stages of Artemisia sieberi were investigated in six different sites of steppe regions of Iran. Accordingly, data of the phenological stages were recorded for vegetative and reproductive stages respectively in 15-day and 7-day intervals. With regard to the direct relationship between phenological stages and climatic factors especially temperature and precipitation, these data were taken from the nearest synoptic station for each site. According to the results, vegetative growth stage of Artemisia sieberi starts from early March early April and continues to July if moisture is available. The flowering stage starts from early July and continues to late October. Seed ripening stage gradually starts from early September to late January. The start of the winter dormancy is late January which continues to early February. Our results show a long-term phenology for Artemisia sieberi indicating its resistance to environmental conditions. Consequently, comprehensive recognition of phenological stages of Artemisia sieberi as a key species enables us to manage the grazing, adjust the entry and exit time for livestock, grazing intensity and appropriate grazing systems to be applied by range managers and utilizers.
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 ...
Read More
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.
Ebrahim KAzemi; Amrali Shahmoradi; Mohsen Padyab; Ardeshir Shafiee; Yaser Ghasemi Aryan
Volume 17, Issue 4 , November 2011, , Pages 564-574
Abstract
Autecology consederd as study a plant species behaviour and function and also determining its relationship with other biotic and abiotic components includes an important part of ecological studies in natural resources science. In the current research, autecology of Dorema aucheri, ...
Read More
Autecology consederd as study a plant species behaviour and function and also determining its relationship with other biotic and abiotic components includes an important part of ecological studies in natural resources science. In the current research, autecology of Dorema aucheri, a perennial plant from Apiaceae family, was studied in range ecosystems of Kohgiloye and Boyerahmad. First of all vegetation map was provided using 1:50000 topographic maps and all characteristics including topography, climate, soil, and also companion species, root system, phenology, regenerarion, preference value, chemical compounds and frequency were studied. According to the results, Dorema aucheri grows in an elevation range of 1600 to 3400 m above sea level and in semi arid and moderate mediterian climates. The highest density of Dorema aucheri was recorded at 2300 to 3000 m above sea level. Soil texture in the study area was silty clay loam, silty clay, clay, silty loam and loam. Soil EC differed from 0.21 to 0.5 ds/m and a pH range of 7.5 to 8.2 was obtained. Average annual precipitation is 750 mm and temperature differed from -11 to 35 centigrade degree. Vegetative growth starts in early March and ends in early April. Its flowering stage is from mid April to May. Seed ripening stage is in mid July and no autumn growth was recorded. Root spreads in vertical (>200cm) and horizontal (>150cm) dieractions. Despite this plant is not palatable, it is used by livestock in absence of other palatable species. Human also utilizes this species as food or medicinal purposes.
Hosein Azarnivand; Ali Tavili; Ali Sadeghi Sangdehi; Mohammad Jafari; Mohamad ali Zare Chahouki
Volume 18, Issue 3 , September 2011, , Pages 372-383
Abstract
Understanding ecological needs of range species is of utmost importance for range managers in conservation and utilization of rangeland ecosystems. The current research was conducted to find out ecological characteristics of Astragalus squarrosus in Kashan. In each study area, soil sampling was performed ...
Read More
Understanding ecological needs of range species is of utmost importance for range managers in conservation and utilization of rangeland ecosystems. The current research was conducted to find out ecological characteristics of Astragalus squarrosus in Kashan. In each study area, soil sampling was performed at depths of 0-30 and 30-60 cm along four transects. Vegetation sampling was done in three phonological stages of vegetative growth, flowering and seed ripening. Soil studies of the mentioned species showed that it mainly grew in soils with sandy loam to loamy sand textures, EC of 0/4 -4/2 ds/m and pH of 7/49 -8/17. According to the results of the vegetation studies, average of the current yield was 78/3 kg/ha and 1322/9 species per hectare was estimated as average of the density of A. squarrosus. Forage quality analysis at three phonological stages of vegetative growth, flowering and seed ripening showed that the amount of CP and OC were reduced up to 3.6% and 0/82 respectively. Decrease of DMD and ME and increase of ADF values at seed ripening stage was associated with a considerable decrease in palatability and subsequently forage quality.
Mir samad Mousavi; Khadejeh Mahdavi; Ahmad Ahmadi
Volume 18, Issue 3 , September 2011, , Pages 486-497
Abstract
Preservation, regeneration, development and management of renewable natural resources (especially vegetation cover) need precise and comprehensive knowledge. In this research, autecology of Caragana grandiflora sp. was studied in Poldasht, West Azarbayjan province. This species is a perennial plant from ...
Read More
Preservation, regeneration, development and management of renewable natural resources (especially vegetation cover) need precise and comprehensive knowledge. In this research, autecology of Caragana grandiflora sp. was studied in Poldasht, West Azarbayjan province. This species is a perennial plant from Fabaceae family. To study the autecology of this perennial plant species, the habitat was determined by field observations and available reports and then climatic and edaphic characteristics of the habitat, plant root system, phenology, reproduction and food compounds were analyzed. The results showed that the habitat of this species was very limited and scattered throughout the North West of the study area. Mean annual precipitation of the habitat was 312.6 mm and mean annual temperature was 12.8 ċ. This species grows in calcic soils with a sandy texture and a PH of 7.5 to 7.67 and an EC of 7.05 to 1.22 ds m-1. The roots of this species is straight, branched and rhizomic that penetrates up to 1.2 m into soil and spreads out up to 3.2 m when encounters a hard and impervious layer. Study of this plant showed that its canopy cover was from 18.63% to 31.12%. Phenological phenomena begin when it sprouts at late February and continues till middle April in the study area. The flowering period is from May to June. It is full of the fruits from middle June and the seed ripens in July. The Laboratory data was analyzed by SPSS software mean comparison was done by Duncan test. Aboveground organ of the plant contains 21.94, 29.37 and 14.25 crude protein respectively in growth, flowering and seeding periods. This species is recommended for range improvement and reclamation in rangelands which have similar ecological condition to West Azarbayjan.
Maliehe Oushib Nataj; Hasan Shekarchi; Maryam Keshavarzi,; Mohammad Akbarzadeh
Volume 18, Issue 1 , May 2011, , Pages 90-106
Abstract
Autecology is the study on behavior and performance of a plant species and its relationship with other living and non living components of a habitat. These kinds of studies provide basic information for management in rangeland ecosystems. In the current research, autecology of Lolium perenne was studied ...
Read More
Autecology is the study on behavior and performance of a plant species and its relationship with other living and non living components of a habitat. These kinds of studies provide basic information for management in rangeland ecosystems. In the current research, autecology of Lolium perenne was studied in Mazandaran province. Geographical distribution, phenology, companion species, dryness index, edaphic and climatic parameters were considered as effective factors on distribution of Lolium perenne. According to the results, the altitude range for the mentioned species was from -22 to 1700 m above sea level. This species is frequently found in different places like road sides, irrigation canals, clay slopes, rocky and sandy hills, and also as a weed in farm fields. Presence percentage in lowlands was also more than that in uplands. Lolium perenne is resistant to cold and harsh conditions and grows mainly in humid to sub humid climates and alpine to Mediterranean and semi-arid habitats. Our results indicatedthat Lolium perenne prefers clay, clay loam, loamy sand, silty clay loam and silty clay soils. These observations show that Lolium perenne can grow in a wide range of ecological conditions.
Taghi Mir haji; Abbas ali Sanadgol; Mohammad hasan Ghasemi; Soheila Nori
Volume 17, Issue 3 , October 2010, , Pages 362-376
Abstract
Phenology of four range species including Elymus transhircanus, Elytrigia libanotica Stipa bromoides and Stipa capillata were studied in Homand Absard Research Station, 70 km far from east Tehran, for five years (2003-2007). 20 plants were selected for each species and four important phenological stages ...
Read More
Phenology of four range species including Elymus transhircanus, Elytrigia libanotica Stipa bromoides and Stipa capillata were studied in Homand Absard Research Station, 70 km far from east Tehran, for five years (2003-2007). 20 plants were selected for each species and four important phenological stages including early and vegetative growth, flowering, seed milk stage, seed maturity and autumn regrowth were recorded. Data recording was done once each week and once 15 days in growing and inactive seasons respectively. Phenological data were recorded during five years and interpreted using climatic data (temperature and precipitation) to calculate Growth Degree Days in each stage. The purpose of this study was to identify and introduce important phenological stages with a view to livestock grazing and farm management based upon phenology and Growth Degree Days. The results showed that onset and end of growth varied in different years and these changes occurred based upon temperature. Phenological period of all studied species in cool years was longer than that of warm years. But required Growth Degree Days for all mentioned species were almost similar. For example, Elytrigia libanotica required 833.3, 830.8, 834, 832 and 846.3 GDD for vegetative stage in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 respectively. For flowering stage, 1342.1, 1342.8, 1355, 1344.8 and 1346.3 GDD were calculated from 2003 to 2007. In other words, Elytrigia libanotica species needs the mentioned GDD so that it can start seed milk stage. Start of growth varied in different years according to plant type and climatic condition and it was usually from mid to early March. Active growth continued to early July and then stopped. All studied species had an autumn regrowth in wet season.
Jaber Sharifi; Amrali Shahmoradi; Ali Akbar Emani
Volume 17, Issue 2 , September 2010, , Pages 221-233
Abstract
In order to recognize, find and use applicable information in range management and forage production, surveying of ecological characteristics of Astragalus brachyodontus were carried out. The method of studying was as following. At the first step, we used a map of vegetation cover and surveyed range ...
Read More
In order to recognize, find and use applicable information in range management and forage production, surveying of ecological characteristics of Astragalus brachyodontus were carried out. The method of studying was as following. At the first step, we used a map of vegetation cover and surveyed range ecosystems to determine the habitats of this species in Ardebil province. Then, in every region, considering area and vegetation cover, we selected about six sites to study different ecological characteristics of the plant. In each of these areas, The factors related to total canopy cover, species frequency and amount of forage yield were measured. Also some qualitative characteristics such as root system, stem, seed quality, regeneration, preference value and chemical composition of the plant were studied. Results showed that this species is found between 1100 m to 2200 m above sea level in Ardabil province. Generally, the individuals of this species are distributed in mountain hills. Slopes of the habitats are 5 to 30 percent with south and south eastern aspects. Mid-term average of annual precipitation is 385 millimeters and average annual temperature is 17 degree centigrade. This species grows on soils with pH of about 7 and soils textures of sandy lome to clay lome. In terms of canopy cover, this species includes 5 to 15 percent of the vegetation. Depth of root system in soil vary form 30 to 80 centimeters. In habitats with 1500 meters elevation, vegetative growth starts in mid April. Completion of vegetative growth is in late May. Full flowering, seed ripening, and seed dissemination occurs in early June, early July, and late July, respectively. For this plant species, seed production and regeneration is relatively high in exclosure areas which are protected against grazing. In grazed areas, however, regeneration is low. Based on feeding minutes, preference value of this range plant species is very high. Considering forage digestibility and the amount of crude protein for this species, the best time to graze it is the time of flowering stage. The important pest of this species is a kind of small wasp from Eurytomidae family that feeds from the kernels of seeds and causes hollowness in them.
Hamid Hoveizeh; Amrali shahmoradi
Volume 16, Issue 2 , December 2009, , Pages 200-208
Abstract
Accessibility to a major portion of basic information about vegetation function of rangeland ecosystems is provided via autecologcal study of range plant species. These information are required for proper management of related rangelands. This research was conducted to examine the autecology of Cenchrus ...
Read More
Accessibility to a major portion of basic information about vegetation function of rangeland ecosystems is provided via autecologcal study of range plant species. These information are required for proper management of related rangelands. This research was conducted to examine the autecology of Cenchrus ciliaris in Khuzestan Province of Iran. Some topographic, climatic, and edaphic characteristics, as well as the boundaries of its natural habitats were determined. Also, the phenological stages of the plant were observed. Results showed that the habitats of this plant species are mainly located in south western and south eastern sections of the province, with east and south topographic aspects and altitudes ranging from 60 to 420 meters above sea level. This range plant generally grow on sandy loamy soils of the province. The soils of these habitats are slightly to moderately accompanied with debris and sandstones. Average annual precipitation at its habitats is 233-341 millimeters. Fall vegetative growth of this species began earlier than accompanied native species.
Mohammad Abolghasemiy; Amrali Shahmoradi; Naser Baghestani; Sadegheh Zarekia
Volume 16, Issue 2 , December 2009, , Pages 254-261
Abstract
Recognition of the autecology of plants and understanding their importance in soil protection, as well as forage production for livestock, is a proper strategy for management, conservation, and development of renewable natural resources, specially vegetation. This investigation was carried ...
Read More
Recognition of the autecology of plants and understanding their importance in soil protection, as well as forage production for livestock, is a proper strategy for management, conservation, and development of renewable natural resources, specially vegetation. This investigation was carried out on autecology of Stipagrostis pennata in Yazd province. For this plant, ecological characteristics such as geographic distribution, climatic properties, topography, and soil were studied. Also phenology and root system of the plant were examined. For this purpose , three study sites of Mansoorieh (in Tabas area), Masjed-e-shokr (beside Yazd-Tabas high way), and Bafgh were determined. The results showed that Stipagrostis pennata is a psammophyte plant with standing stems and branches. This plant grows in low-height sand dunes and sandy hills. Elevation range for areas in which this plant grows is 700-1600 meters above sea level. Measure of soil acidity (pH) is 8.25-8.53 and electrical conductivity (EC) is 0.48 to 1.2 ds. This species starts its vegetative growth at the end of February and flowers in early May. Its seeds ripen in mid June. During summer and autumn, the plant is in dormancy stage. Due to high aerial organs, Stipagrostis pennata has a good resistance against sandy storms and winds. So it is highly recommended for mobile sand dune stabilization and control of soil erosion in desert areas. It also produces a fairly good amount of forage for livestock and wildlife.
Ebrahim Farahani; Amrali Shahmoradi; Sadegheh Zarekia; Farhad Azhir
Volume 15, Issue 1 , January 2008, , Pages 86-94
Abstract
Studying the behavior and the way a plant species functions, and investigating on its relationship with biotic and abiotic components of its habitat is considered as autecology of that plant species. This type of studies provide valuable information which is necessary for rangeland ecosystems management. ...
Read More
Studying the behavior and the way a plant species functions, and investigating on its relationship with biotic and abiotic components of its habitat is considered as autecology of that plant species. This type of studies provide valuable information which is necessary for rangeland ecosystems management. This research was conducted to study the autecology of Stipa barbata. In this study, some topographic, climatic, and edaphic characteristics of the rangeland ecosystem, in which the plant species grows, were determined. Names of accompanied plant species in the ecosystem were listed. Based on physiognomy, this plant is the dominant species in most of its habitats. Its canopy cover, density, and frequency are 4.5%, 32750 plant/ha, and 82.5%, respectively. Phenology, root system, and the way of presence of Stipa barbata in the ecosystem were evaluated. The results showed that the habitats of this species are located in elevation range of 890 to 3300 meters above sea level while the major habitats are include elevation range of 1100 to 2800 meters above sea level. The species grows on slopes of 0.5 to 100%. Mean annual precipitation are 221 mm and 485 mm in Eshtehard and Zidasht Taleghan, respectively. Mean annual temperature are 15.5 and 24.5 degree Centigrade in Firoozkooh and Rood Shoor, respectively. The habitats for this plant species include very shallow to deep soils. Vegetative growth starts in early March and ends in early April. Its flowering stage is from mid May to mid June. Seed ripening stage is from late June until mid July. The plant has a shallow fibrous root system.
Hosein Gharadaghi; Hosein Arzani; Hasan Ebrahimzadeh; Mohammad reza Ghnnadha; Naser Baghestani
Volume 14, Issue 1 , January 2007, , Pages 19-32
Abstract
Rangelands are one of the important natural ecosystems in our country that were deteriorated during recent decades because of many causes especially earlier and intensive grazing. Grazing management need to determine beginning of grazing season and intensity in rangelands. It is very important to know ...
Read More
Rangelands are one of the important natural ecosystems in our country that were deteriorated during recent decades because of many causes especially earlier and intensive grazing. Grazing management need to determine beginning of grazing season and intensity in rangelands. It is very important to know much about physiological and phenological status of rangeland species. Total nonstructural carbohydrates (TNC) and their changes during seasonal growth is one of the important physiological parameter in perennial plants. Also these reserves are primary source of energy in respiration, growth and survival of perennial plants during their quiescence and growth season and regrowth after grazing or cutting. In this research seasonal changes of TNC reserves in three perennial and desirable grass species(Bromus tomentellus, Festuca ovina, Dactylis glomerata) were studied in Polor summer rangelands(altitude, 2600m; annual precipitation, 535mm; with cold mountain climatic) at the north of Tehran province. Samples were collected in ten stages of plants phenology stages with three replications from above and underground matter (canopy and roots). Samples were oven dried at 70◦C during 48 houres. TNC concentration were measured by phenol-solpheric method (mg per gr dry matter). Data of all attributes were analyzed in the frame of rondomized compeletly block design by using Minitab software, and ANOVA one and two ways. Seasonal changes of TNC reserves in any of studied species and also their root and canopy were shown in annual curves. The results indicated that all species have distinct seasonal changes and they had the lowest TNC reserves at early spring and end of the seasonal growth and then increased. The results showed significant differences in TNC reserves between phenology Stages in root and canopy during seasonal growth (P= 0.05 & 0.01) and all species had higher amount of TNC reserves in root than canopy (P=0.01). The rate of TNC restoration was different between studied species. These differences were related to phenology and seasonal growth along. So in this area Dactylis glomerata is more sensitive to grazing and Bromus tomentellus conversely is more resistant to grazing. At the end we concluded that critical period for all species in relate of their TNC reserves is from starting growth in early spring till early May and at the end of seasonal growth, mid August. Beginning of grazing season from late may until early August is recommended for this area.
Farhad Azhir; Amrali Shahmoradi
Volume 14, Issue 3 , January 2007, , Pages 359-367
Abstract
Accessibility to a major portion of information about vegetation cover function of rangeland ecosystem is provided by the way of autecological study of range plant species. Autecological study of a range plant named Ferula ovina was accomplished in Tehran province. Topographic, edaphic, and climatic ...
Read More
Accessibility to a major portion of information about vegetation cover function of rangeland ecosystem is provided by the way of autecological study of range plant species. Autecological study of a range plant named Ferula ovina was accomplished in Tehran province. Topographic, edaphic, and climatic characteristics of the species's habitat were determined. The canopy cover, density, frequency, and preference value of the plant were measured. Names of other species which are accompanied with Ferula ovina in its major ecosystem were listed. The results showed that habitat elevation for this species is 2000 to 3200 meters above sea level. Topographic aspect is not a major limitation for its growth. At its habitats, average annual precipitation is about 400 mm. Mean annual temperature is 8 centigrade. Its major ecosystem includes geological layers of tuff, limestone, shale, conglomerate, sandstone, siltstone and clay stone. This plant prefers loamy and/or sandy-loamy soils. Electrical conductivity of soil at different parts of the habitat indicates less than 1.0 ds/m. A range of 7.0 – 7.5 was observed for soil pH. In rangelands in which vegetation is dominated by this species, its percent canopy cover, frequency, and density are 12.35% , 81.62%, and 16750 plants per hectare, respectively. Its root system includes a main root and a few distributed roots. Vegetation growth of this plant starts in early May. Its flowering stage is in 5th to 20th of June, and seed ripening stage is in the fourth week of June. The plant propagates only by seeds. When plant is green, it is not grazed by livestock such as sheep and goat. However, it is harvested and stored as livestock fodder in fall and winter. The main insect seen on the plant is a butterfly named Malocosma sp.
Hosein Tavakoli; Amr ali Shahmoradi; Ali asghar Paryab; Abass ali Farhanghi
Volume 13, Issue 1 , February 2006, , Pages 39-47
Abstract
A vast area of Iran is covered by sand dunes and shifting sands in wich threat the living of habitants in these regions. Biological control is an approprate method for sand dune fixation. So, it is essential to regonize characteristics of psamophyte plant species and introducing suitable speciecs ...
Read More
A vast area of Iran is covered by sand dunes and shifting sands in wich threat the living of habitants in these regions. Biological control is an approprate method for sand dune fixation. So, it is essential to regonize characteristics of psamophyte plant species and introducing suitable speciecs for sand dunes. For this perpose, the ecological characteristics of Ammodendron persicum including phenology, adaptability, soil condition of habitates, response to cutting and grazing, regeneration strategy and seed germination were studied . Ammodendron persicum is a shrub and psamophyte plant with the age of 10 to 50 years. Phenoligically, the growth started in March, flower in about 7 May and reach to seed maturity by 20 June. The seed shaded after maturity but the duration of plant growth depend to amonnt of annual rainfall. Ammodendron is a drought resistant plant, because it is grow well in an area with an average of 150 mm rainfall per year. Ammodendron regenerates by seed and vegetative propagules. Grazer animals use this plant by end of growing season. In general this plant has approparate ecological characteristies in terms of establishment over sand dune and has perspective for using in other sand dune areas. The later case is under investigation.