Rezaali Domehri Vasati Kolaei; Mohammad Jafari; Hossein Arzani; Seyed Akbar Javadi; Mahmood Arabkhedri
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to compare the condition and management of rangeland before and after replacing the soil condition assessment method in the soil factor of the four-factor method in order to determine the most appropriate rangeland condition method. Rangeland status assessment was performed ...
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The purpose of this study was to compare the condition and management of rangeland before and after replacing the soil condition assessment method in the soil factor of the four-factor method in order to determine the most appropriate rangeland condition method. Rangeland status assessment was performed for both conditions in Poshtkuh rangelands of Mazandaran and then the status, rangeland management methods and their management and improvement programs were proposed and compared with each other. The results of rangeland condition assessment before replacing the soil condition assessment method in soil factor showed that rangelands had poor and very poor condition with a negative tendency and artificial rangeland management method and rehabilitation programs, mulching and seeding were proposed. The results of rangeland condition assessment after replacing the soil condition assessment method in the soil factor showed that the rangeland condition was in the middle and poor class, for which natural and artificial rangeland management methods were proposed, respectively. For the natural rangeland method, periodic-delayed and periodic-rest grazing systems were proposed based on the average status of the rangeland, and the breeding programs of the artificial rangeland method have not changed and are the same as the previous method. The results of comparative statistical analysis showed that there was a significant difference between the mean score of soil factor before and after replacement in the 95% confidence interval, . This method can be used as a method based on quantitative-qualitative evaluation to identify the functional and structural characteristics of ecosystems.
vahideh Abdollahi; Hossein Arzani; Javad Motamedi
Abstract
Ecotourism, as a side activity of rangeland, can be effective in improving the livelihood of rangers and will reduce the pressure on rangelands by economizing rangeland. In this study, with the aim of evaluating the potential rangelands of Dermian , for ecotourism use, based on environmental and ecological ...
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Ecotourism, as a side activity of rangeland, can be effective in improving the livelihood of rangers and will reduce the pressure on rangelands by economizing rangeland. In this study, with the aim of evaluating the potential rangelands of Dermian , for ecotourism use, based on environmental and ecological factors (climate, topography, soil, distance from water sources and vegetation attractions) and infrastructure (distance from the city and from roads), was done. From the combination of maps in the GIS environment and based on the FAO limiting factor approach,, the rangeland suitability was determined. Based on the results, 36.7% of rangelands are in the middle suitability category (S2), 46.5% in the low suitability category (S3) and 16.8% in the non-suitable category (N) in terms of ecotourism. In this regard, 61.5% of the rangelands for livestock grazing, have low suitability (S3) and 38.5%, unsuitable (N). The percentage of vegetation and,, the poor condition of soil erosion, are factors limiting the suitability for ecotourism and livestock grazing. , it is necessary to reduce the number of livestock and graze livestock in accordance with ecological principles; that used the rangeland of the region for ecotourism along with livestock. This, in addition to compensating for the economic problems, will also help restore vegetation. Due to the need to preserve rangeland,, forest parks can be created to accommodate tourists, up to a suitable radius of the desired rangelands, and by placing remote viewing platforms and sidewalks, from the amount of damage to vegetation and reduced soil degradation.
Hamid Reza Saeidi Goraghani; Hossein Arzani; Hossein Azarnivand; Mehdi Ghorbani
Abstract
People's attitudes toward influence of natural resource management projects on their livelihood could be playing a role important in the sustainability of these projects. This paper accomplished with general aim to studying the attitude of rancher towards the effects of range and watershed plans in sustainable ...
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People's attitudes toward influence of natural resource management projects on their livelihood could be playing a role important in the sustainability of these projects. This paper accomplished with general aim to studying the attitude of rancher towards the effects of range and watershed plans in sustainable livelihoods capitals tribal families in Sarduieh of Jiroft county. In this regard, five allotments selected that they were done range management and watershed plans. Sampling was simple Random method and the number of samples was determined by Krejcie and Morgan of 48 ranchers. Data were collected via focus groups and interviews structured questionnaire that its validity and reliability were achieved at an acceptable level. Forms and questionnaires analyzed after the initial review and verify the accuracy of the data. For processing and extraction of quantitative and qualitative data used from software SPSS18 and using statistical techniques appropriate with measurement level of variables. The findings show that there was a significant relationship between natural-ecological capital, human-technical, social and sustainable livelihoods of farmers. The results from multiple regression analysis showed that totally 83% of the variance of sustainable livelihoods is determined by third variable including natural capital, social capital and human capital and technical. Also, the findings of this study showed that the highest standard regression coefficient was related to index of natural capital and ecological indicators.
javad Motamedi(torkan); Hossein Arzani; Mehdi Ghorbani
Abstract
More than 20 sheep breeds having different body size utilize various rangelands in different climate regions which the conversion coefficient of each breed compared to animal unit must be recognized. For this purpose, two herds were selected from each breed sheep grazing at the central region during ...
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More than 20 sheep breeds having different body size utilize various rangelands in different climate regions which the conversion coefficient of each breed compared to animal unit must be recognized. For this purpose, two herds were selected from each breed sheep grazing at the central region during 2001-2007. Among selected herds, 30 animals randomly weighted at various age and sex groups and at various grazing seasons. Mean weight of three and four years old sheep was considered as mature weight of each breed. Conversion coefficient of each breed to animal unit (animal unit equivalent) calculated from the ratio of metabolic weight ((live weight)0.75 to animal unit metabolic weight. According to the results, Naeeini breed classified as light body breeds, Zandi, Kermani and Varamini as medium body and Shaal as heavy body breeds. Equivalent animal unit for each breed to animal unit were 0.7, 0.86, 0.9, 0.97, 1.06 and 1.20. based on proposed conversion coefficient and using MAFF proposed equation, daily requirement of each breed at maintenance condition and at grazing condition were as 4.76, 5.85, 6.12, 6.60, 7.21 and 8.16 MJ per day. Results represent that considering to same forage amount as daily requirement of grazing sheep breed in rangelands in order to calculating grazing capacity, without considering their body size is not valid.
mahshid souri; mina bayat; Hossein Arzani; Morteza khodagholi
Abstract
Climatic factors are the most important factors affecting vegetation growth and production. The impact of each of these factors in each region varies depending on the vegetation type. The effect of climatic factors (rainfall and temperature) on the production of grazed plant species at 6 steppe sites ...
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Climatic factors are the most important factors affecting vegetation growth and production. The impact of each of these factors in each region varies depending on the vegetation type. The effect of climatic factors (rainfall and temperature) on the production of grazed plant species at 6 steppe sites in Fars province over a ten year period (1998 to 2007) was investigated. 60 plots of 2 square meters along 4 transects of four hundred meters were used to measure cover and production was measured by cutting and weighing method in 15 plots along transects. Then, using regression relationship between canopy cover (percent) and production (kg ha-1), the residual plot yield was calculated for that year. Important climatic indices analyzed in this study are: annual rainfall, growing season rainfall (March to June), plus and earlier rainfall, annual temperature, July temperature, August, maximum and minimum temperatures. The results showed that the average canopy cover was 6.3% and the average yield was 128.5 kg / ha and among the different vegetative forms of shrubs had the highest percentage of cover and production and wheat had the lowest cover and production percentage. Among the important climatic indices, annual rainfall and August temperature at all sites and the growing season rainfall at all sites except for the desired site were the most effective indicators on forage production and showed a positive and significant correlation with forage production.
Alireza Eftekhari; Mohamad Jafari; Hossein Arzani; Aliakbar Mehrabi; Mohammad Reza Bihamta; Ehsan Zandi Esfahan; Nadia Kamali
Abstract
Given the role of rangelands in soil conservation and soil fertility, strengthening the soil of rangelands could be achieved by range management plans (RMP). Therefore, in this research, 15 summer rangelands and 16 winter rangelands with RMP were investigated to determine the effects of range management ...
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Given the role of rangelands in soil conservation and soil fertility, strengthening the soil of rangelands could be achieved by range management plans (RMP). Therefore, in this research, 15 summer rangelands and 16 winter rangelands with RMP were investigated to determine the effects of range management plans on some soil properties. In each rangeland with RMP and in each vegetation type, three soil profiles were dug and soil samples were collected at two different depths. Beside each rangeland with a RMP, a rangeland with a same vegetation type and without RMP was selected for comparison and sampling was conducted. Organic matter, nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus were measured in the laboratory. The data from two different range management types were analyzed in an independent sample T test using SPSS software. The results showed that, in summer rangelands, range management plans could increase the amount of some factors like phosphorus, nitrogen, and organic matter, while it had no significant impact on some other factors, including the amount of potassium and increasing the depth of horizon A. However, in the winter rangelands, the plans had no significant effect on strengthening the soil of rangelands and it seems that due to the slow changes of soil in arid areas, more time is needed to make significant changes in the soil.
Hossein Arzani; vahideh Abdollahi; Javad Motamedi; Majid Akhshi
Abstract
Nowadays, most attention is focused on physical and non-destructive methods, such as NIRS, to measure the chemical composition of rangeland species. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to provide calibration models for Infrared NIRS to estimate the forage quality of shrub species, so that in addition ...
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Nowadays, most attention is focused on physical and non-destructive methods, such as NIRS, to measure the chemical composition of rangeland species. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to provide calibration models for Infrared NIRS to estimate the forage quality of shrub species, so that in addition to saving time and cost, the quality of these plants could be estimated with proper accuracy. For this purpose, 654 samples of vegetative, flowering and seeding stages were irradiated by the DA7200 Perten Instrument to estimate the values of nitrogen (N), crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF), dry matter digestiblility (DMD) and metabolizable energy (ME) via NIRS. Then, the data were transferred to the Unscrambler software for multivariate analysis. Before fitting the model, S.Golay and SNV methods were used for normalization of data distribution. Calibration and validation of model were performed using PLS1 method and Cross Validation method, respectively. Then, the predictability of models was evaluated by considering the calibration statistics. A total of 18 calibration programs were developed. Considering the calibration statistics, it could be said that the coefficient of determination was above 80% in all the factors studied. Also, at all growth stages, the correlation coefficient between the reference data and the data estimated by NIR was above 90%. Our results clearly showed that NIR calibrations obtained in this study could be used in current and future programs to assess the forage quality of shrub species used by livestock.
Fazel Amiri; Hossein Arzani
Abstract
Range inventory is the recognition and evaluation of potential and actual production in order of optimal utilization of this valuable natural resource. Determination of range suitability for medical and industrial plants, considering sustainable utilization and creating models for medical and industrial ...
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Range inventory is the recognition and evaluation of potential and actual production in order of optimal utilization of this valuable natural resource. Determination of range suitability for medical and industrial plants, considering sustainable utilization and creating models for medical and industrial plants use in Ghareh Aghach of Semirom watershed by FAO (1991) and GIS, was the main objective of this research. Determination of range suitability for medical and industrial plants use, in Ghareh Aghach of Semirom watershed based on a method suggested by FAO and GIS was the main objective of this research. Two criteria’s of vegetation cover and accessibility to water resources were integrated to determine suitability model of medical and industrial plants on rangeland. In vegetation cover criteria, the samples were randomly collected along 3 two hundred meter transects in each vegetation type. Vegetation cover percentage, composition, abundance, and the presence or absence, diversity, production, application and consumption of medicinal plants and industrial were measured using 1m2 quadrates. Accessibility to road and slope determine and by integrating these two criteria, suitability maps based on FAO method were prepared. The results showed that from 7158.69 hectares of study rangelands, 3.69% ha (0.05%), 1761.1 ha (24.6%), 3217.7 ha (44.95%) and 2176.17 ha (30.4%) of the area were classified to S1, S2, S3 and N suitability classes for medical and industrial plant utilization.
javad Motamedi(torkan); Hossein Arzani; morteza mofidi; esmaeil sheidaye karkaj; sahar babayi
Abstract
The role of shepherds in maintaining, managing and distributing livestock in rangelands is very important. Flock guidance plays a major role in the distribution of grazing and livestock performance in rangelands. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the existing spatial system and it is clear to what ...
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The role of shepherds in maintaining, managing and distributing livestock in rangelands is very important. Flock guidance plays a major role in the distribution of grazing and livestock performance in rangelands. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the existing spatial system and it is clear to what extent livestock are given in appropriate places according to ecological criteria and indices. The present study was conducted to evaluate the role of shepherds in herding and distribution of livestock (sheep) and its adaptation to rangeland suitability map. Record of movement of livestock in different months of the grazing season by GPS and its adaptation to rangeland suitability map which is led by shepherds in areas where the limitations of forage production and sometimes, the sensitivity of soil to erosion, have little value for why. Therefore, the hypothesis of the study that shepherd does not play an effective role in the distribution of livestock on the basis of rangeland merit is confirmed and given that shepherds have given the animals in places where they have little merit for why, it is concluded that the spatial system in the rangelands of the region is not efficient. Therefore, the use of new technologies such as GPS and electrical fences along with native knowledge in order to properly control the herd and reduce the burden of livestock grazing in the areas that are not based on ecological criteria and indicators, do not have the necessary merit, is suggested.
mina bayat; Hossein Arzani; adel jalili; hassan ghalij nia
Abstract
In this study the effects of three important factors: the climatic precipitation, temperature and relative humidity on the amount of canopy cover and forage production in a period of five years (1381-1385) and 1392 in semi-steppe rangelands Reineh and Polur in the Mazandaran province studied. The statistical ...
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In this study the effects of three important factors: the climatic precipitation, temperature and relative humidity on the amount of canopy cover and forage production in a period of five years (1381-1385) and 1392 in semi-steppe rangelands Reineh and Polur in the Mazandaran province studied. The statistical models (simple and multiple regression) to find the relationship between various forms of vegetative cover and annual forage plants using climate variables in different periods of time with Minitab.14 and Excel software was used for data analysis. The results of six years of study in a semi-steppe rangelands Polur and Reineh showed an average canopy cover of 51 percent and the average yield was 372 kg per hectare. The total vegetation cover of Rineh pastures had the most relation with a total rainfall of the growth season and the March and the average temperature. The temperature was more effectively than rainfall in annual yield. And The yield affected by July temperature. The total vegetation cover of polur had not significant relation with climate factors but each of the vegetation form in Different time base had significant relation. The total grazing species yield of plour affected by growth season rainfall. So instead of one year measurement of vegetation cover and production can be estimated the production and vegetation cover fluctuation according to climate parameters. With long-term vegetation cover and production data, can be determined the available forage and pasture capacity to prevent the range degradation.
nayefe adak; Hossein Arzani; Sayed Mahdi Heshmatol vaezin
Abstract
Beekeeping is one of the agricultural production activities that can create employment with a small amount of investment. Beekeeping can be heeded as one approach to increase stakeholder’s income of rangelands, balance between livestock and rangeland resources, enhancing the economic status of ...
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Beekeeping is one of the agricultural production activities that can create employment with a small amount of investment. Beekeeping can be heeded as one approach to increase stakeholder’s income of rangelands, balance between livestock and rangeland resources, enhancing the economic status of the villagers and participation in range management plans. Zhiwar rangelands have great potential of land uses variety .Therefore in this study, we decided to determine the amount of increasing income from beekeeping. some of the factors that can affect the income of beekeepers were studied in this research. some of this factors include individual traits of beekeepers, the unit traits of beekeeping, the Costs, incomes. the datas of questionnaires in this study were collected by interview and filling out questionnaires. Questionnaire analysis was performed by using SPSS software. The results showed that the number of hives, the ratio of sugar to honey had significant impacts on the income of beekeepers and honey production. Among whole costs, sugar had the greatest proportion which causes decreasing in prices and thus, profitability. On one side the Increase of the percentage, causes the ascendancy in production and income, on the other side, it causes reducing in the costs and increasing in expenses. Thus, reducing the profitability is not only because of the high consumption of sugar, it may be also due to poor marketing. But the number of hives due to reducing average costs causes increasing profitability
mahdieh salehi; Hossein Arzani; ِAli Tavili; Mahdi Ghorbani
Abstract
Rrecently, rangeland multiple use has been found to be one of the primary solutions to alleviate livestock grazing pressure while improving stakeholder's welfare and per capita income and sustainable management and development. Beekeeping in rangeland as a profitable approach and one of multiple use ...
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Rrecently, rangeland multiple use has been found to be one of the primary solutions to alleviate livestock grazing pressure while improving stakeholder's welfare and per capita income and sustainable management and development. Beekeeping in rangeland as a profitable approach and one of multiple use components in upper Taleghan basin and Saman Orfi of Narian, Dizan and Mehran were studied. The present study was aimed to determine beekeeping suitability as well as ecological and social issues. According to permanent standards and resource sites priority for comprising of these Samans Orfi reserves 4 criteria to be considered such as vegetation,environmental, physical and social issues.These criteria are included overall 14 sub criteria. So Multi-Criteria Decision Making Methods (MCDM) has used because of problem complexity. The hierarchical formed in the 4 levels that is purpose, criteria, sub criteria and options. One of the criteria were qualitative. For accessing logical results, we benefit specialist cooperation. The results showed that social problem are more important than the other criteria in priority. Also, final results of Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) indicated that Saman Orfi Narian, and Mehran and Dizin were fall into first to third priorities respectively.
razie shahbandari; Hossein Arzani; naser baghestani meybodi; Mohammad Ali Zare Chahouki
Abstract
The most important factor affecting forage quality is phenological stage that if it is recognized correctly, the appropriate grazing time will be determined. In this study, four species including Artemisia sieberi, Salsolakerneri, AelieniasubaphyllaandEurotiaceratoides in different phenological stages ...
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The most important factor affecting forage quality is phenological stage that if it is recognized correctly, the appropriate grazing time will be determined. In this study, four species including Artemisia sieberi, Salsolakerneri, AelieniasubaphyllaandEurotiaceratoides in different phenological stages (vegetative, flowering and seedling) were sampled. Samples were taken from the rangelands of Nodooshan-Yazd in 1389 and 1390. At each stage, five replicates for each plant species were selected and at least five vegetable bases from different locations of vegetation type in the region were selected. Samples were grinded after drying and separating different parts (flower, leaf and stem) and then they were analyzed using infrared spectroscopy in the laboratory. Important indicators of quality such as crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF), dry matter digestibility (DMD) and metabolic energy (ME) were determined. Results showed that the highest percentage of crude protein is found in leaves of A. subaphyllaand in vegetative stage (9.19%), highest percentage of ADF is in shoot and in seedling stage (53.42%) and the highest percentage of DMD (48.13%) and the highest amount of metabolic energy (6.18 MJ/KgDM) is in leaves of A. sieberi and in vegetative stage, respectively. The end of the vegetative period can be considered the best time for grazing.
Hanieh Safari; Hossein Arzani; Ali Tavili
Abstract
Overgrazing and inappropriate use of Taleghan rangelands has led to poor and very poor condition for almost all vegetation types. Taking the importance of rangelands in forage production and other benefits into consideration, management of these rangelands and improving their condition seems essential. ...
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Overgrazing and inappropriate use of Taleghan rangelands has led to poor and very poor condition for almost all vegetation types. Taking the importance of rangelands in forage production and other benefits into consideration, management of these rangelands and improving their condition seems essential. The present research was conducted using data integration of vegetation, condition, slope, soil, precipitation, etc. in a Geographic Information System (GIS) environment. Our study area was located in 50˚, 36َ, 43ً - 50˚, 53َ, 23ً longitude and 36˚, 5َ, 19 ً - 36˚, 19َ, 19ً latitude in the middle area of Taleghan watershed with the area of 37977 hectares. According to the results, improving methods and reforming activities could be suggested including prevention of livestock grazing (enclosure), sowing, inter seeding, broad casting and hoe sowing in areas which have poor and very poor condition (in 6621.325, 1274.381, 694.561, 1215.254 and 2368.101 hectares (areas), respectively). Such activities may improve livestock grazing management as well as watershed conditions, wildlife habitat or other similar purposes.
Ataolah Ebrahimi; valiollah Raufirad; Hosein Arzani; Zahra Shojaei Asadeiye
Abstract
Determination of rangeland species palatability has some functions such as defining the rangeland grazing capacity and plant composition estimation. Despite the importance of palatability in rangeland management, no appropriate palatability indicator has been defined yet. Therefore, developing an accurate, ...
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Determination of rangeland species palatability has some functions such as defining the rangeland grazing capacity and plant composition estimation. Despite the importance of palatability in rangeland management, no appropriate palatability indicator has been defined yet. Therefore, developing an accurate, applicable, general, and simple indicator for plant palatability estimation seems crucial. This research is an effort in this regard. To investigate the relationship between plant secondary compounds and palatability, plant species composition in the study area and in the sheep and goat diet as well as selection index were measured using chronometric and filming method. In the next stage, main plants’ secondary compounds in livestock diet were determined using GC/MSS. Then plants’ secondary compounds were ordinated using principle component analysis (PCA) method. Quantitative value of each plant species Eigen values on each of the main axis of PCA was regarded as a criterion for differentiation of plant species based on its secondary compounds. Finally, correlation between selection index of each plant species by sheep and goat (as dependent variable) with each plant species Eigen values on PCA axis (as independent variable) was determined. The results showed that there is a significant negative relationship between the selection index of the species by sheep and goat with its secondary compounds (P≤0.05). So, it is concluded that secondary compounds are effective factors in animal’s diet selection for grazing. Therefore, secondary compounds are recommended as an important factor for plant palatability determination.
Reza Siahmansour; Hossein Arzani; Mohamad Jafari; Seyed Akbar Javadi; Ali Tavili
Abstract
Fire consider as a factor and basic management in rangeland in order to reform of composition and biological diversity that use in rangeland ecosystems. This project was established to deal with the effect of fire in the research center for rangeland. Zagheh locale where is in 35 km of north eastern ...
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Fire consider as a factor and basic management in rangeland in order to reform of composition and biological diversity that use in rangeland ecosystems. This project was established to deal with the effect of fire in the research center for rangeland. Zagheh locale where is in 35 km of north eastern of Khoramabad with 1960 meters above sea level. The average comparison and analysis show that herbal forbs which use for grazing form density and average o canopy cover have significant difference at the level of %1 between fire and control area. (p < %1). This study shows that in short time, it is possible to replace perennial. The Prevailing type of grass such as Agropyron trichophorum - Bromus tomentellus and festuca ovina with annual grass like Bromus tectorum –Heteranthelium piliferum- Taeniatherum crinitum. These changes indicate perennial grasses and increased annual grasses in short time.
Hossein Arzani; javad Motamedi(torkan); Mahmood Hamidian; Zahra Arzani; Majid Akhshi
Abstract
To achieve the desired level of animal performance providing animal food supplies containing mineral elements is essential. For this purpose, mineral elements of 8 important rangeland species, including Ferula ovina, Prangus uloptera, Medicago sativa, Lotus goeblia, Trifolium montanum, Melilotus officinalis, ...
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To achieve the desired level of animal performance providing animal food supplies containing mineral elements is essential. For this purpose, mineral elements of 8 important rangeland species, including Ferula ovina, Prangus uloptera, Medicago sativa, Lotus goeblia, Trifolium montanum, Melilotus officinalis, Sanguisorba minor and Stachys inflate, were measured at different growth stages in the summer pastures of Taleghan. Therefore, at each growth stage 3 samples were taken and for each sample at least five vegetable bases were removed from different vegetation types. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and to see the sources of variation within groups the Duncan test was utilized. Moreover, T-test was used to compare the values of mentioned elements with the critical level to provide the daily requirements of an animal unit in the maintenance mode. The results show that the values of minerals at the early stages of growth are more than those at the final stages of development (seeding stage). Moreover, the mentioned values in each stage of the growth are not uniform among the studied species. In general, the studied species are in good condition in terms of the calcium, iron, copper, cobalt and manganese values for meeting the daily needs of animals. However, they are not in optimal condition in terms of the highly consumed elements such as sodium and magnesium values at different growth stages, especially at later stages of growth, for meeting the daily needs of animals. This indicates that the desirability of grassland forage at different times of grazing is not identical regarding the mineral elements. It is normal that depending on the year’s conditions the values of plant mineral elements may change slightly; however, due to the cost of determining mineral elements, the results can be used to estimate the daily animal needs in different years.
Seyed Alireza Mousavi; Hossein Arzani; Gholamali Sharzei; Hossein Azarnivand; Mahdi Farahpour; Stephani Engel; Esmail Alizadeh; Aliakbar Nazari-Samani
Abstract
Soil conservation is one of the most important regulative functions of natural ecosystems. This function is of high importance in Taleghan Watershed due to high erosion quantity and sediment accumulation in Taleghan Dam reservoir. Soil loss reduction, sedimentation control and fertility conservation ...
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Soil conservation is one of the most important regulative functions of natural ecosystems. This function is of high importance in Taleghan Watershed due to high erosion quantity and sediment accumulation in Taleghan Dam reservoir. Soil loss reduction, sedimentation control and fertility conservation were considered as different aspects of soil conservation. Effect of land use and vegetation cover on soil conservation was studied by overlaying soil erosion map with other environmental data layers. Abandoned rainfed lands with low cover were considered as benchmark to evaluate the role of rangeland vegetation cover in soil conservation. Economic value of soil loss reduction function was estimated using opportunity cost approach and the benefits of rainfed agriculture. Economic value of sedimentation control also was calculated considering SDR ratio and avoided cost approach. Soil fertility conservation was quantified regarding the volume of soil conserved and nutrient content of soils of the study area. Economic value of this function was estimated using replacement cost approach. Results show that Mid-Taleghan rangelands conserve 60545 cubic meters of soil per annum. Annual economic value of soil loss reduction, sedimentation control and fertility conservation functions were estimated about 6262, 25287 and 8626 US dollars, respectively. These functions are just some limited aspects of rangeland functions and economic valuation of these functions could effectively be utilized for conservation of rangeland ecosystems.
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Ebrahim Gavili; Mohamad Reza Vahabi; Fazel Amiri; Hossain Arzani
Abstract
This research was conducted to recognize Sibak-Sardab watershed rangeland potentials, evaluate and determine of suitability classes for sheep grazing. In this research, we used the proposed method of FAO (1992) and for information layers crossing used in Geographical Information System (GIS). In this ...
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This research was conducted to recognize Sibak-Sardab watershed rangeland potentials, evaluate and determine of suitability classes for sheep grazing. In this research, we used the proposed method of FAO (1992) and for information layers crossing used in Geographical Information System (GIS). In this research, sensitivity to erosion, water resources and forage production are three basic components of this study. We used the MPSIAC model for the sensitivity to erosion. The model of water resource suitability consists of three parameters, quantity, quality and water resource's accessibility. In the forage production model, we estimated the ratio of available forage to the whole produced forage in each vegetation type. According to the result 96% of the rangeland was in low suitability class (S3) and only 4% were in medium suitability class (S2). The most important factors causing the decrease in suitability were lower rates of available forage for the livestock, low forage production of classes, I, II and low palatability percentage. According to Actual use (22170 animal units in season grazing); and grazing capacity (15989 animal units) and also according to the high destruction because of heavy grazing; using a management method that can help to improve the rangeland condition is suggestion.
Jamal Imani; Hossein Arzani; Mohammad Ali Zare Chahouki
Abstract
For assessment and comparison of measuring density methods of Festuca ovina, Bromus tomentellus and prangos ferulacea, three plants communities are selected. In all of plant community, reference area was defined and samples 7000 (70*100) square meter was selected. Whole the area, sampling was accumplished ...
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For assessment and comparison of measuring density methods of Festuca ovina, Bromus tomentellus and prangos ferulacea, three plants communities are selected. In all of plant community, reference area was defined and samples 7000 (70*100) square meter was selected. Whole the area, sampling was accumplished as systematic-random. In each area, 5 transect 100 meter are established. Then in areas 7000 square meter, all of the basic species are counted by strip transect and real plant density is measured. This plant density is remarked as a control and plant density that is measured by others methods are compared with it. Density measuring methods in this research were: species counting counted in quadrate of 1 square meter, point-centered quarter, angle order, nearest-neighbor, random pairs and closest individual methods. The results showed that among these methods for Festuca ovina, neighbor nearest method is most accurate and angle order method has low accurate. Moreover angle order method is the slowest and quadrate method is rapid. In Bromus tomentellus, among these methods for this species, point-centered quarter method is the most accurate. Angle order method has low accurate in these methods. Also angle order method is slowest and counted quadrate method is rapid. In Prangus ferulacea, In these methods for this species, point-centered quarter method is the most accurate and angle order is the least accurate. Moreover angle order method is the slowest and count plant quadrate method is rapid.
F. Amiri; H. Arzani; E. Gavili
Abstract
Existence of pollen and nectar plants in vegetation composition of natural environment is essential for apiculture as one of the utilization types in multiple uses of environmental resources. Therefore, development of this strategy based on indigenous knowledge will increase stakeholder income, which ...
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Existence of pollen and nectar plants in vegetation composition of natural environment is essential for apiculture as one of the utilization types in multiple uses of environmental resources. Therefore, development of this strategy based on indigenous knowledge will increase stakeholder income, which can decrease stocking rate based on range grazing capacity. Due to high dependence of bee to plant flowers, recognition of such plants, studying their phonology and distributed regions is an important issue. Such information can help mangers to classify environmental suitability for bee keeping. The present study investigates the potential of plant species in Ghareh Aghach Watershed in beekeeping. Sample collection was carried out from vegetation species, percentage and composition along two hundred meter transects in three replications and within 30 one square meter quadrates of each Vegetation type. The most import vegetation families utilized by bees in the area were Labiatae, Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Umbelifera, Rosaceae and Cruceferae. Among 114 plant species, 78 species are utilized by bees. These species were not palatable for grazing animals but were dominant in degraded rangelands. Therefore, it is important to define species and flowering time which essential for preparing beekeeping calendar and potential of this utilization type in the area.
Hossein Arzani; Mehdi Moameri; Javad Motamedi; Mashaallah Mohammadpour
Abstract
One of the important factors to make a balance between number of grazing livestock and grazing capacity is whether forage contains sufficient energy and protein during grazing period or not. Therefore in this study, forage quality was evaluated for important species in steppe rangelands of Changuleh ...
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One of the important factors to make a balance between number of grazing livestock and grazing capacity is whether forage contains sufficient energy and protein during grazing period or not. Therefore in this study, forage quality was evaluated for important species in steppe rangelands of Changuleh located in Ilam province. To do this, samples from four species of Hammada salicornia, Salsola lanchnantha, Convolvulus oxyphyllus and Pteropyrum noeanum, those made considerable components of rangelands vegetation in the region, were collected during three phenological stages (active growth, flowering and maturating) over 2008. Then chemical compositions were determined including crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF), dray matter digestibility (DMD) and metabolizable energy (ME). According to the results, maximum CP was obtained from Hammada salicornia in active growth stage. Crude protein component of this species was more than critical level (7%) for sheep in the maintenance condition. Also in this species, ME was in higher critical level (8 Mj/kg) compared with the other species
Maryam Azarakhshi; Behnoush Farokhzadeh; Mohammad Mahdavi; Hossein Arzani; Hassan Ahmadi
Abstract
Iran is located in dry belt of the earth and always involved with drought in different sections. Drought has already caused many losses to natural plant cover, agriculture and human society. For drought monitoring, we can use some drought indecies. In this research, the Standard Index of Annual Precipitation)SIAP),Sandardized ...
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Iran is located in dry belt of the earth and always involved with drought in different sections. Drought has already caused many losses to natural plant cover, agriculture and human society. For drought monitoring, we can use some drought indecies. In this research, the Standard Index of Annual Precipitation)SIAP),Sandardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) were used for assessment of drought effects on rangeland plant production. The research area is located in Qom province that contains eight rangeland sites. Plant production and soil factors were measured in rangeland readiness period from 1997-1998 to 2005-2006 annualy. Regression techniques were used between drought indices and total production and also production of different vegetation forms in seven time scales (early March to late July (growth season) and early February to late July (growth season and the previous month), March to June, March to May, March to April and March (start of growth season). The best drought index was then selected based on the highest correlation coefficient and lowest standard error. The result showed that the best drought indices in Qom rangelands are SPI-3, PDSI, SPI-24 and SPI-6, respectively. Also the most significant time step was resulted growth season and specially early stage of growth season.
H. Arzani; A. Esfandiari; H. Nourozian; M. Ghorbani; J. Torkan
Volume 62, Issue 2 , October 2009, , Pages 175-186
Abstract
Knowledge on animal requirement, available forage and its quality is fundamental for successful livestock and range management. Since sheep is dominant grazing animal of rangelands in Iran and there are over 27 sheep breeds and each breed has special body size, physiological condition and consequently ...
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Knowledge on animal requirement, available forage and its quality is fundamental for successful livestock and range management. Since sheep is dominant grazing animal of rangelands in Iran and there are over 27 sheep breeds and each breed has special body size, physiological condition and consequently different daily nutrition requirement, animal unit should be determinated for dominant breed of sheep in every region to be calculated the forage requirement based on body weight, daily energy requirement and quality of available forage. In this study, two herds of Kermanshah's Sanjabi breed have been weighted including 50 animals in each herd (15 heads three years old ewe, 15 heads four years old ewe, 5 heads three years old ram, 5 heads four years old ram, 5 heads three months old lamb and 5 heads six months old lamb) in three stages. The body weight of Sanjabi breed (based on average body weight of three and four years old ewe) was 60.68 ±0.56 kg. Animal unit equivalent (AUE) for ewe, ram and lamb were 1.29, 1.88 and 0.63 kg, respectively. The results of analysis of variance indicated that there are significant differences between weight of ewes and rams (P
A Azarnivand; M Rabiee; H Arzani; Yones Asri
Volume 62, Issue 1 , June 2009
Abstract
With respect to wide distribution of A. sieberi Besser in Iran, various studies have been done on its habitats and different ecological properties have been referred as effective factors in establishment of this species. In this research, we tried to study the ecological range of A. sieberi and its ...
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With respect to wide distribution of A. sieberi Besser in Iran, various studies have been done on its habitats and different ecological properties have been referred as effective factors in establishment of this species. In this research, we tried to study the ecological range of A. sieberi and its relationship with vegetative characteristics. Therefore, climate properties including annual precipitation, number of days with precipitation, annual, minimum and maximum temperature, absolute minimum and maximum temperature; topographic property including altitude; edaphic properties including pH, EC, SP, texture, lime, gypsum, C, Na, K, Ca, Mg, N and P; and vegetative characteristics including large and small diameter of canopy, height of plant and diameter of most thickness branch were measured in 34 populations. For determination of ecological range, normal curve with histogram of frequency have been drawed for total properties. All populations divided in 3 groups by cluster analysis. Measured properties compared by analysis of variance between 3 groups. The significant properties were: average of annual, minimum and maximum temperature, absolute minimum and maximum temperature, large and small diameter of canopy and height of plant in 0.1 % probability level, altitude and C in 1 % probability level, while annual precipitation, number of days with precipitation, N, P and Na in 5 % probability level.
