Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
Abstract
Rangeland as a dynamic ecosystem changes by accruing abundance and if cross the rangeland health threshold may be disturbed. By determination rangeland health attributes, we could judge about management practices effects. In this research for determination three attributes (soil and site stability, hydrologic function and biotic integrity) , seventeen indicators used include rill, water flow pattern, pedestals and terracettes, bare ground, gullies, wind scour and depositional area, litter movement, soil resistance to erosion, soil surface loss or degradation, plant composition, soil compaction, plant functional/structural groups, plant mortality, litter amount, annual production, invasive plant and reproductive capability. This method was conducted in six steps. to test this new concept in arid and semi arid zone , thus by using vegetation and soil studies in Orazan (Taleghan) region and Zarand Saveh, selected five treatment included: three grazing intensity and two cultured area and then modified indicators table categorized under three ecosystem attributes in five classes. Because of grazing and cultured treatment rangeland health attributes reduced and showed significant differences by references area. Most treatment crossed the rangeland health threshold. By increasing grazing intensity stractural plant characterestics and soil characteristic beetwin plants disturbed.inreliced cultivated area soil stability and hydrologic function attributes modified but plants health attribute in comperation with references area have a little change. Results showed that soil surface resistance decrease and water flow pattern degradation are the most important causes in rangeland health decrease.
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