Hossein Moradi; Mohammad Jafari; ِAli Tavili; Hossein Azarnivand; Mohammad Tahmoures; Esmaeil Alizadeh
Abstract
Integrated rangeland ecosystem management is recognized as an effective strategy for improving vegetation cover, forage production, and enhancing sustainability in arid and semi-arid regions. In this study, the effects of various conservation and ecosystem restoration measures (including seeding, Transplanting, ...
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Integrated rangeland ecosystem management is recognized as an effective strategy for improving vegetation cover, forage production, and enhancing sustainability in arid and semi-arid regions. In this study, the effects of various conservation and ecosystem restoration measures (including seeding, Transplanting, terracing combined with transplanting, contour banding with transplanting, pitting with seeding, and contour furrowing with transplanting) were investigated on vegetation characteristics and forage production in the rangelands of Vardij village, Tehran Province. Sampling was conducted systematically and randomly during the growing season using 4 m² plots along 100-meter transects. Vegetation characteristics were precisely recorded and the related data were analyzed. The results indicated that the aforementioned conservation measures had significant effects on vegetation variables, leading to a remarkable increase in vegetation canopy cover and a reduction in bare soil. The highest mean canopy cover (59.97%) and the lowest percentage of bare soil (7.93%) were observed in the transplanting treatment, whereas the control rangelands had the lowest canopy cover (23.2%) and the highest bare soil percentage (29.2%). Other methods, such as seeding and terrace transplanting, also showed positive effects on vegetation cover improvement. Regarding forage production, the transplanting treatment yielded the highest mean production (423 kg/ha), followed by seeding (367 kg/ha) and terrace transplanting (388 kg/ha). The control rangelands exhibited the lowest forage yield. These findings highlight the crucial role of conservation and restoration measures in enhancing vegetation cover and rangeland sustainability. Accordingly, it is recommended that future management plans utilize a combination of methods, including transplanting and seeding, to improve the quality and sustainability of rangeland ecosystems.
Mehrdad Norouzi; Hamidreza Keshtkar; Seyed Ebrahim Sadeghi; Mohammad Javan Nikkhah; Esmaeil Alizadeh; Jalil Alavi
Abstract
The vast land of Iran, with its diverse climate and geographical location, is known as a suitable habitat for different types of thyme. Thyme (Thymus spp.), a plant of great nutritional and medicinal value, holds a special place among pasture plants. Consequently, investigating the factors that threaten ...
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The vast land of Iran, with its diverse climate and geographical location, is known as a suitable habitat for different types of thyme. Thyme (Thymus spp.), a plant of great nutritional and medicinal value, holds a special place among pasture plants. Consequently, investigating the factors that threaten the survival of this plant is important. Two species of thyme, T. kotschyanus (Boiss. & Hohen) and T. pubescens (Boiss. & Kotschy ex Čelak) have significant habitats in the pastures of Alborz province. In this research, pests and diseases of these two species were investigated in 14 different stations in Alborz province. The samples were collected at three time points (May, July and September) and the collected insects were taken to the laboratory for identification. The results indicated the presence of six types of pests on thyme species: Aphis serpylli, Haplothrips reuteri, Tetranychus urticae, Aeolothrips mongolicus, a mite of the genus Bryobia, and also Cuscuta spp. as a parasitic plant. Alternaria leaf spot was also detected on thyme leaves. The results of this research are reported for the first time It can be used by regional managers and stakeholders and help in the protection of Thymus species in the rangelands of Alborz province.
Hossein Arzani; Esmaeil Alizadeh; Setareh bagheri; Mohammad Jafari
Abstract
Rangelands played an effective role in the country's economic and political development prior to its dependence on oil and its derivatives. Therefore, paying attention to the environmental and social stresses brought to these ecosystems highlights the need to use new technologies to diversify production ...
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Rangelands played an effective role in the country's economic and political development prior to its dependence on oil and its derivatives. Therefore, paying attention to the environmental and social stresses brought to these ecosystems highlights the need to use new technologies to diversify production sources and reduce costs. This study was conducted at the Taleghan range station with the aim of financially evaluating electric fences to encourage pastoralists to use this technology in rangelands. For this purpose, the income from the fencing project was investigated. The financial evaluation of the electric fencing project and the time period for its capital return in 2016 was done using the equations of net present value, benefit-cost ratio, internal rate of return, and net present value criterion at different discount rates. The total fixed and current costs of this project were equal to 330 million rials. The income from animal meat production, medicinal plants, the added value of electricity production, the income from the replacement of shepherds, and the net income were equal to 73%, 23%, 7.5%, 103%, and 120% respectively. The criterion of net present value at different discount rates was equal to 127%. Considering the economic nature of fencing technology and the existence of economic benefits resulting from it in the form of a wide spectrum of ecosystem services for the beneficiaries of rangelands, the importance of promoting the use of new technologies in rangelands to maintain and support the production chain of rangelands is highlighted.
