The Effects of Stachys byzantina invasion on vegetation under some environmental disturbances (Case study: Vaz Chamestan Summer Rangelands, Mazandaran province)

Gholami, Parviz; Ghorbani, Jamshid; Shokri, Maryam; Tarkesh, MOstafa; Safaeian, Nosratollah

doi:10.22092/ijrdr.2017.114896

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

¹ Ph.D student in Rangeland Science, Department of Range Management, Sari Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources University, Sari, Iran

² Associate Professor, Department of Range Management, Sari Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources University, Sari, Iran

³ Professor, Department of Range Management, Sari Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources University, Sari, Iran

⁴ Assistant Professor, Department of Rangeland and Watershed Management, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22092/ijrdr.2017.114896

Abstract

Stachys byzantina is one the major increaser species in rangelands of north face of Alborz Mountain in Mazandaran province. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of its invasion on vegetation under some disturbances in Vaz Chamestan summer rangelands in Mazandaran province. Vegetation sampling was carried out in exclosure, and invaded rangelands including abandoned dryland, moderate grazing and heavy grazing sites. The vegetation and some characteristics of Stachys were sampled in 1 m² quadrates along transects. The results showed that Stachys byzantina had greater quantities in abandoned dryland and rangelands under moderate grazing. The cover percentage of total perennials, perennial grasses and forbs significantly reduced from exclosure to heavy grazing and abandoned dryland. Total annuals plants, annual grasses and forbs significantly increased in abandoned dryland. A significant negative correlation was found between cover percentage of perennials and the cover and density of Stachys byzantina. Moreover, the forage production of forbs was negatively correlated withthe cover and density of Stachys byzantina. Multivariate analysis showed that species composition significantly changed under invasion, showing a reduction for palatable species.

Keywords

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The Effects of Stachys byzantina invasion on vegetation under some environmental disturbances (Case study: Vaz Chamestan Summer Rangelands, Mazandaran province)

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Volume 24, Issue 4January 2018Pages 870-880

Volume 24, Issue 4
January 2018
Pages 870-880