Shadi Hazhir; Reza Erfanzadeh; Hassan Ghelichnia; Bahar Razavi; Peter Torok
Abstract
This research was conducted with the aim of comparing the effect of livestock grazing on the soil seed bank and some soil characteristics in two saline and non-saline regions. For this purpose, two habitats with different degrees of salinity were selected in Golestan province, Iran. In each region, two ...
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This research was conducted with the aim of comparing the effect of livestock grazing on the soil seed bank and some soil characteristics in two saline and non-saline regions. For this purpose, two habitats with different degrees of salinity were selected in Golestan province, Iran. In each region, two sites of grazed and ungrazed (20 years) were selected and 15 plots of 1 m2 were established at each site. Soil samples were taken from inside the plots by auger at two depths of 0-5 and 5-10 cm. The harsh environmental conditions prevailing in the saline habitat caused no seeds from the soil of this saline region to germinate in the greenhouse. In the non-saline habitat, the removal of livestock grazing caused a significant increase in the density of the soil seed bank. The highest density, diversity and richness of the seed bank were respectively 1389.50 (m2), 1.24 and 5.2 in ungrazed site at the depth of 0-5 cm, and the lowest values were respectively 173.26 (m2), 29.0 and 1.46 were recorded in the grazed site at the depth of 5-10 cm. Although the soil characteristics such as organic matter and nitrogen were not significantly affected by the removal of grazing in the non-saline area, soil disturbance in the grazed site probably led to an increase in soil surface temperature and a significant increase in substrate-induced respiration and urease enzyme activity was reduced. In the saline soil, the grazing removal caused the soil characteristics to show different responses. At the ungrazed site, pH and basal respiration decreased significantly
Maryam Abbasi Kesbi; Bakhtiar Fattahi; Reza Erfanzadeh; Anna Sher
Abstract
The paper is conducted to investigate the coverage and the seed bank in the areas the Riparian of the Gyan river in Nahavand city in Hamadan province. Five sampling sites along the river were determined. At each site, a transect perpendicular to the river flow and along each transect at least 6 plots ...
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The paper is conducted to investigate the coverage and the seed bank in the areas the Riparian of the Gyan river in Nahavand city in Hamadan province. Five sampling sites along the river were determined. At each site, a transect perpendicular to the river flow and along each transect at least 6 plots of 1 square meter (three on each side of the river) are established. The Soil sampling was done from two depths of 0-5 and 5-10 cm at 10 points randomly from each plot. The soil samples are cultivated in the greenhouse the seeds germinate in them and are identified. Then diversity indices, calculated for cover and soil seed bank in each plot. Each of the above factors are compared in the intervals of 0-10, 10-20 and 20-30 meters from the center of the river by one-way ANOVA. Also, Sorenson's index is used to check the similarity of the species composition of cover and the soil seed bank of the Riparian area. The results show that the highest diversity related to the soil seed bank is at a depth of 0-5 cm at a distance of 10-20 meters, which is due to the dominant of Cyperus difformis annual plants at this depth. The percentage of similarity of surface-ground cover in the areas of Riparian and seed bank of the first depth and the second depth (20-7) percent, which was very low due to the washing of seeds by the river currents and the movement of seeds by grazing. This study showed that recovery of the vegetation of the river riparian is possible via the soil seed bank.
Reza Erfanzadeh; Mohammad Jafari; Misagh Ghasempour
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effect of Juniperus sabina (evergreen) and Berberis integerrima (deciduous) and herbaceous patches on some soil properties (pH, EC, aggregate stability, microbial respiration, organic carbon and nitrogen) in their habitats. In June, when maximum growth of the dominant ...
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This study aimed to investigate the effect of Juniperus sabina (evergreen) and Berberis integerrima (deciduous) and herbaceous patches on some soil properties (pH, EC, aggregate stability, microbial respiration, organic carbon and nitrogen) in their habitats. In June, when maximum growth of the dominant plant species in rangelands of central Alborz was occurred, of each plant patch, 10 patches were randomly selected and soil were collected beneath of the canopy species in each from two depths: 10-0 and 20-10 cm (in total 60 soil samples). Then, soil physico-chemical characteristics were measured in the laboratory. In order to examine the differences between each soil characteristics associated with patches and depths, two-way ANOVA using GLM was applied. In addition, one-way ANOVA and post-hoc tests were used to compare soil characteristics between patches, in each depth separately. The results showed different effect of different patches on the soil characteristics. In upper soil layer, the highest contents of organic matter (4.62%) and aggregate stability (36.08) were observed under J. sabina, while the highest total nitrogen was found under B. integerrima. In deeper soil layer, the highest content of organic matter (5.19%) was found under J. sabina. The highest microbial respiration contents in both depths were observed under herbaceous patch. The variation of other soil characteristics were less pronounced by type of patches. In general, the results of this study cleared that different woody plant species have different effects on soil characteristics, should be mentioned in the rangeland development and improvement projects.
moslem yazdani; reza erfanzadeh; Asghar Mosleh Arani
Abstract
Study of the effect of woody plant species on the production, diversity and richness of substratum herbaceous species, especially in the arid and semiarid regions, is essential for the proper management of these ecosystems. Therefore, the rangelands of Chenarnaz region in Khatam city in Yazd province ...
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Study of the effect of woody plant species on the production, diversity and richness of substratum herbaceous species, especially in the arid and semiarid regions, is essential for the proper management of these ecosystems. Therefore, the rangelands of Chenarnaz region in Khatam city in Yazd province were selected and then, using 0.5m×0.5m quadrats, vegetation sampling was performed under the selected 15 sites from Daphne mezerum, Amygdalus scoparia and Ebenus stellate (growing in equal topographical conditions) canopies, and outside of the canopies (as control). In each quadrat, the cover percentage of each plant species was visually estimated and the productions were measured by clipping and weighing method. The species diversity and richness indices were calculated using Past software through introducing the plant covers into the software. The results showed that the most values of Shannon-Weaner and Simpson diversity indices were found under A. scoparia (2.07 and 0.80, respectively) and the lowest values were found under E. stellata (1.010 and 055, respectively). In addition, the highest values of Menhinik and Margalef richness indices were found under A. scoparia (4.90 and 3.43, respectively) and D. mezerum (4.25 and 3.12, respectively), while the highest production was found under E. stellata (64.76 g/m2). The results of this study showed that different woody species had the desired but different effects on the herbaceous species, in such, A. scoparia and D. mezerum had significant positive effects on species diversity and E. stellata increased significantly species production; therefore, conservation of all woody species is emphasized in the region.
Alirostam Khanizadeh; Reza Erfanzadeh; Reza Siahmansur
Abstract
The aim of this study was to quantify the response of Bromus tomentellus, Hordeum bulbosum and Agropyron trichophorum to continuous grazing of sheep in semi-arid rangelands of Lorestan. In two areas, grazed and ungrazed, 4 transects of 200 meters were established and 10 random points were selected along ...
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The aim of this study was to quantify the response of Bromus tomentellus, Hordeum bulbosum and Agropyron trichophorum to continuous grazing of sheep in semi-arid rangelands of Lorestan. In two areas, grazed and ungrazed, 4 transects of 200 meters were established and 10 random points were selected along of each transect and at each point the nearest plant considered for further study. Morphological traits of each selected plant were measured i.e. height, internode distance, root length, root weight, production and mass. After reviewing the data normalization, the averages between grazed and ungrazed were compared by non-paired t-test. The effect of livestock grazing on height, shoot internode, length and root weight, biomass and yield of H. bulbosum and A. trichophorum were significant. The mean weight of H. bulbosum in the ungrazed and grazed areas was 117.1 gr and 16.1 gr, respectively, and the height of A. trichophorum was 525.1 mm in the ungrazed and 334.7 mm in the grazed areas, respectively. Grazing of livestock had no significant effect on the height and internode distance of B. tomentellus (p>0.05). Animal grazing significantly increased root length of 58.35 mm in B. tomentellus. In general, the results of this study showed that different species of plants exposed different reactions and trade-off against grazing depending on the type of plant species. Knowledge about of the morphological changes of plant species against grazing can greatly help us for the management of sustainable grazing in the rangelands.
parisa niknam; Reza Erfanzadeh
Abstract
In this study, the effect of cushion plants on spatial distribution of soil seed bank was studied in mountainous and hilly rangelands in Vaz watershed, Mazandaran province. Therefore, we selected randomly 20 Onobrychis cornuta individuals and sampled from soil at four positions around each individual ...
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In this study, the effect of cushion plants on spatial distribution of soil seed bank was studied in mountainous and hilly rangelands in Vaz watershed, Mazandaran province. Therefore, we selected randomly 20 Onobrychis cornuta individuals and sampled from soil at four positions around each individual (upslope, downslope, center and, outside as control). Soil samples spread out under natural conditions in greenhouse to germinate the seeds. Germinated seeds were identified then, the seed density per square meter and species richness were calculated and both of them were compared between the four sampling positions. Two and one-way ANOVA, T-test and Duncan test were used to compare the effect of location, depth and their interaction on soil seed bank characteristics. The results showed that the effect of the location and depth of the density and species richness at level of 0.01% were significant. The results of Duncan test showed that seed density in the upslope and center positions (average 5473 and 4099.5 seed/m2, respectively) was significantly higher than seed density in the downslope and outside positions (average 2685.5 and 2413.8 seed/m2, respectively). Similarly, species richness in the upslope and center positions (the average 9.7 and 9.5, respectively) was significantly higher than species richness in the downslope and outside positions (average 7 and 6.4, respectively). Density and species richness of soil seed bank at depth of 0-5cm was significantly greater than the depth of 5-10cm. This study clarified the positive significant effect of canopy of cushion plants on seed density and richness.
Reza midipour; Reza Erfanzadeh; Marzban Faramarzi
Abstract
Intensive livestock grazing is one of the most important destructive factors in rangelands that leads to decrease of diversity and causes disappearance of sensitive plants. On the other hand, considering the scales in assessment of diversity is very importance to study the variability of plant diversity ...
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Intensive livestock grazing is one of the most important destructive factors in rangelands that leads to decrease of diversity and causes disappearance of sensitive plants. On the other hand, considering the scales in assessment of diversity is very importance to study the variability of plant diversity patterns in different scales. Therefore, current study aimed to investigate the impact of livestock grazing on diversity components in different scales using additive partitioning methods in western country rangelands in the Ilam province. Sampling was carried out in 40 plots of 4m2 in 8 rangeland sites including 4 exclosures and 4 grazing sites. Based on additive partitioning diversity methods, the total diversity was partitioned into additively components within and among samples. The results showed that diversity among sites (β2) had the highest contribution of total diversity that indicated the importance of this scale for conservation practices, and it was due to the variation of composition between sites. In addition, the results represented that exclosure in the semi-arid areas can increase diversity at plot scale, while in the regional scales (diversity among sites or β2) livestock grazing leads to increase in diversity. Therefore, exclosure of rangelands does not necessarily lead to increase in diversity. Also, long terms exclosure can lead to increase evenness that resulting in increasing competition among plants, therefore it could decrease plant diversity.
leila avazpour; mahdi ghorbani; reza erfanzadeh
Abstract
Social capital is the prerequisite of co_management. Evaluation of social capital for achieving community-based management is therefore of capital importance. Detection of key actors in local communities for co_management of natural eco_systems is as well quite important. These people are generally regarded ...
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Social capital is the prerequisite of co_management. Evaluation of social capital for achieving community-based management is therefore of capital importance. Detection of key actors in local communities for co_management of natural eco_systems is as well quite important. These people are generally regarded as local leaders and they have the potential to play a key role in co_management. Social Network Analysis method was applied and macro level and micro level indexes of rangeland users’ network in traditional boundary of Hagh-ol-Khaje in Mayamey District were analyzed as a way for measuring the social capital and recognizing influencial local leaders. It was found out that the level of social capital of beneficiaries based on trust tie was moderate and based on collaboration tie it was low. Sustainability of ties and network balance were as well weak and trust and collaboration ties were not optimally established. Low speed of exchange in trust and collaboration ties and lack of unity among beneficiaries are other important challenges in rangeland co_management. Gh_Gh and Es_Sa were recognized as the corest actors among Hagholkhaje rangeland users. These people can play important role in co_managements because of their authority and social influence and they can act as gatekeepers connecting governmental institutions and other users for sustainable rural development.
Mina Bashmaghi; Reza Erfanzadeh; Mahdi Abedi
Abstract
In the current study, the variation of soil seed bank density was evaluated in two different fire severities, i.e. low and high. Soil sampling was done in Sharlegh site, Golestan national park. Therefore, 5 soil samples for both grass patches and shrub patches in each burnt and control sites were selected. ...
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In the current study, the variation of soil seed bank density was evaluated in two different fire severities, i.e. low and high. Soil sampling was done in Sharlegh site, Golestan national park. Therefore, 5 soil samples for both grass patches and shrub patches in each burnt and control sites were selected. In burnt sites, grass and shrub patches were considered as low and high fire severities, respectively. For data analysis, GLMM and T test were applied.The seed germination method was used in green house to identify soil seeds. Altough, the results of statistical R software indicated that avrage soil seed bank density in burnt-site (74.5) had no significant difference compared with unburnt-site (132.3); however, fire had significant effect on plant functional groups. The results showed that soil seed bank density of different plant functional groups were affected differently by fire severities,. Total seedlings of annual forb was increased (1785 to 3543)and decreased (5000 to 1471) in low and high fire severities, respectively. Total seedlings of pernnial grasses were significantly decreased (7114 to 842.9) in low fire severity while high fire severity had no significant effect on perennial grasses seed bank density. Fire severity had no significant influence on soil seed bank richness. Our results indicated that the surface and severity of fire should be included and interpreted in the future studies.
Leila Zandi; Reza Erfanzadeh; Hamid Joneidi-Jafari
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the effect of land use changes from rangeland to horti-agricultural lands on the most important qualitative characteristics of soil such as total soil carbon and particulate organic matter, in Salavatabad region, Sanandaj. In the present study, one rangeland, two cultivated ...
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This study aimed to determine the effect of land use changes from rangeland to horti-agricultural lands on the most important qualitative characteristics of soil such as total soil carbon and particulate organic matter, in Salavatabad region, Sanandaj. In the present study, one rangeland, two cultivated pea lands, two cultivated wheat lands and two gardens were selected in growth season in the end of spring, 2014. Forty two soil samples were taken randomly and systematically from the study region. Then, soil micro- and macro aggregates were separated using 0.25 mm and 2 mm sieves. Total soil carbon and particulate organic matter of soil samples were measured in the laboratory. The results showed that land use changes from rangeland to horti-agriculture significantly decreased total carbon and particulate organic matter in micro-aggregates. While total carbon and particulate organic matter in macro-aggregates was not changed by land use changes from rangeland to horticultural land. We suggested that if rangeland will be converted into agricultural land, horticultural land is the best for land use changes.
Mostafa Firuzruz; Mahdi Ghorbani; Reza Erfanzadeh
Abstract
Indigenous knowledge of each land is the manner of understanding and attitude of people towards world that shows the outcome of ancestors' experiences for years on optimal utilization of resources around human beings. Emphasis on technology transition and disregard for indigenous knowledge cause not ...
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Indigenous knowledge of each land is the manner of understanding and attitude of people towards world that shows the outcome of ancestors' experiences for years on optimal utilization of resources around human beings. Emphasis on technology transition and disregard for indigenous knowledge cause not only destroys the relationship between humans and the environment, but also causes disruption in sustainable development programs. This research with the overview of some part of indigenous knowledge of the Baladeh region of Noor city, emphasizes on local traditions on manufacture and management of sheep dairy products in Takor village. The study method of this research is based on filed studies, that qualitative methods including directs observations, cooperative observation and organized interviews with target groups have been used to generate information and data. The results of this research include analysis of pastoralists’ knowledge for livestock management and evaluation of different aspects of milk derivatives processing and dispensation in the form of traditional cooperatives named “Ayargiri” and “Shakhupi”. Based on the research results can be stated that pastoralists in the study village have found a social organization based on local traditions and customs toward dairy products management. This organization will be a kind of social capital for stakeholders. Eventually, it can be stated that stability of subsistence economy of residents in the study area depends on sustainability and improvement of social cohesion and capital in social network of rangeland utilizers
Seyed Hamzeh Hosseini Kahnuj; Reza Erfanzadeh; Hossein Azarnivand
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effect of habitat kind on soil seed bank characteristics viz. density diversity, richness and similarity between seed bank and above ground vegetation. Two different habitats (grassland and forest) were selected in Vaz, Mazandaran province. The grassland habitat located ...
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This study aimed to investigate the effect of habitat kind on soil seed bank characteristics viz. density diversity, richness and similarity between seed bank and above ground vegetation. Two different habitats (grassland and forest) were selected in Vaz, Mazandaran province. The grassland habitat located in the upper end of the forest habitat, adjacent to each other. Then in each habitat, 7 transect perpendicular to slope gradient with 25 meter distance between transect were established; 10 1*1 m plots were selected along each transect. In each plot, 10 soil subsamples were collected and divided into two depths: 0-5 and 5-10 cm. soil sampling was done in winter, 2010. Soil samples were then transferred to and spread in the greenhouse. Germinated plant species were identified, counted and then removed. On the other hand, the above-ground cover of plant species in each plot was recorded in the next growing season. Finally, the number of seeds germinated in the greenhouse was recalculated per meter square and then the similarity between seed bank and aboveground vegetation was calculated in each plot using Sorenson similarity index. Non-paired and paired t-test was applied to compare soil seed bank characteristics between the two habitats and between the two depths, respectively. The results showed that all seed characteristics (with the exception of similarity between aboveground vegetation and soil seed bank in depth 5-10 cm) were significantly higher in grassland than forest. The lower seed characteristics in forest habitat could be related to lower seed input to soil, higher litter percentage and moisture in the above ground of forest habitat. These factors particularly soil moisture and litter could encourage the decomposition of seeds before penetrating soil. In total, the seed of only two shrublands species were germinated in the greenhouse.
Moharram Ashrafzadeh; Reza Erfanzadeh
Abstract
This study was carried out to investigate the effect of crown canopy of Ziziphus spina-christi on seed bank characteristics (density and similarity with above ground flora) in two sites with saline-alkaline and alkaline soils. In each soil, forty plots were established, half in and half outside of Z. ...
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This study was carried out to investigate the effect of crown canopy of Ziziphus spina-christi on seed bank characteristics (density and similarity with above ground flora) in two sites with saline-alkaline and alkaline soils. In each soil, forty plots were established, half in and half outside of Z. spina-christi cover. In each plot, soil sampling was done from 0-5 and 5-10 cm depths. Paired and un-paired t-test were used to compare soil seed bank characteristics between the depths, between two different soils and between in- and outside the tree canopy. The results showed that the density of seed bank in 0-5 cm depths was significantly higher than 5-10 cm depths in both soils. The density of seed in both depths was significantly higher in saline-alkaline than alkaline soils. The similarity coefficient between soil seed bank and above-ground was significantly different between under tree canopy of two soils in 0-5 cm. Soil seed density was highest under crown cover in both soils. The crown canopy of trees in dry rangelands can play an important role in reservation of soil seed bank. Therefore, the conservation of individual trees in these areas should be concerned of the managers.
Paria Kamali; Reza Erfanzadeh; Hasan Ghelichnia
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effect of animal grazing on soil seed bank characteristics in the northern slopes of Alborz. For this purpose, soil seed bank characteristics were compared between grazed and ungrazed areas. Therefore, four transects perpendicular to the sides of exclosure inside and ...
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This study aimed to investigate the effect of animal grazing on soil seed bank characteristics in the northern slopes of Alborz. For this purpose, soil seed bank characteristics were compared between grazed and ungrazed areas. Therefore, four transects perpendicular to the sides of exclosure inside and outside of it were established. Then soil samples were collected within 28 plots inside and 28 plots outside of exclosure along the transects from two different depth: 0-5 and 5-10 cm. Soil samples were then spread in the greenhouse and the plant species germinated in the greenhouse were identified and removed one time per 12 days. General linear model and factorial was used to study on the effect of grazing, depth and interaction between grazing and depth on soil seed bank characteristics. In case that the interactions became significant, unpaired t-test was used to compared seed bank characteristics between grazed and ungrazed in each depth, separately. In addition, paired t-test was applied to compare seed bank characteristics between two depths in grazed and ungrazed areas, separately. The results showed that all seed bank characteristics were significantly higher in ungrazed than grazed area particularly in upper layer of soil. All seed bank characteristics were also significantly higher in upper layer than the deeper layer of soil. The results implied that soil seed bank is a reliable source to recover the over grazed degraded points in the study area.
Sayed Hamzeh Hosseini; Reza Erfanzadeh; Paria Kamali
Abstract
The study on the livestock dietary and preference value of different species are essential forrangeland management. Therefore, this study was carried out to evaluate the preference indicesof 14 plant species in Kahnuj, during two different phenological stages (vegetative growth andafter-seed-dispersal). ...
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The study on the livestock dietary and preference value of different species are essential forrangeland management. Therefore, this study was carried out to evaluate the preference indicesof 14 plant species in Kahnuj, during two different phenological stages (vegetative growth andafter-seed-dispersal). The close observation method was used to measure the preference indexfor three age classes of Rainian goat (one, three and five years). The results showed that mainand interaction effects of goat age, plant phenological stage and the kind of plant species onpreference values were significant. Older goat consumed a higher time to graze in the studyarea. Stipa capensis had the highest preference index and Rhazya stricta had the lowest. Thepreference index of most plant species was significantly variable between two phenologicalstages. In addition, in each phenological stage, the preference value of plant species wassignificantly different. In the vegetative growth stage that annual plant species were abundant,goats mostly focused on these plant species for grazing. However, in the after-seed-dispersalstage in which the annual cover decreased, goats (particularly older ones) focused on shrubs forbrowsing. As a result, Rainian goat is a grazer in the normal situation and he can be a browserin the hard condition. It was suggested that the cover of Taverniera cuneifolia to be increased inthe study area in order to compensate the deficiency of forage in long term. Artificial foragingis useful to reserve the performance of goats (particularly younger ones) in short term.
