Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
- Mohammad Zadbar
- Hossein Arzani
- Mojgan Azemi
- Vali ... Mozafarian
- ghanbar ali Shad
- Faredeh Saghafi khadem
- Hossein Tavakoli
- Hassan Amir abadi zadeh
- Somayeh Naaseri
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 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.
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