Monireh Bahrami; Fereydoon Sarmadian; Ebrahim Pazira
Abstract
Rangelands are one of the essential components of natural ecosystems and are known as one of the main sources of forage supply, biodiversity conservation, soil and water resources. The aim of this study was to investigate the ecological potential of rangelands in Alborz province based on the Analytic ...
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Rangelands are one of the essential components of natural ecosystems and are known as one of the main sources of forage supply, biodiversity conservation, soil and water resources. The aim of this study was to investigate the ecological potential of rangelands in Alborz province based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and pairwise comparisons using Geographic Information System (GIS). The digital map of ecological potential (EP) was prepared by weighting and integrating maps of slope, land unit, vegetation cover, land use, and precipitation. The results showed that each of the five criteria had equal importance coefficients (0.2) for determining the EP of rangelands. Overall, 21.77% of the province's area was unsuitable for rangeland use due to rocky outcrops. 15.41% of the province's area had first-degree potential and 37.28% had second-degree potential for rangeland use. Taleqan County had the highest first-degree potential for rangeland use with 56,321 hectares, and Karaj County had the highest second-degree potential with 96,507 hectares. Nazarabad County had no first-degree potential for rangeland use, and Taleqan County had no fourth-degree potential. Nazarabad County and Eshtehard County also had 48.15% and 63.92% potential for third- and fourth-degree rangeland use, respectively. Based on the weighting of different factors, slope was the most limiting factor for rangeland use, accounting for more than 50% of the limitation. In general, determining the EP of rangelands leads to identifying areas that are very suitable for optimal use of natural resources, and can increase rural income and employment both economically and socially.
amir mirzaei mossivand
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the regional effects of fire on the surface cover and soil characteristics of mountainous rangelands of Delfan County, Lorestan province, Iran. which seems has significant effect on vegetation characteristics on the study area. Four fire affected sites were selected ...
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The aim of this study was to assess the regional effects of fire on the surface cover and soil characteristics of mountainous rangelands of Delfan County, Lorestan province, Iran. which seems has significant effect on vegetation characteristics on the study area. Four fire affected sites were selected for sampling and a close area without fire was considered as control. Sampling was carried out using random systematic method and the size of plots was determined using the minimal area framework. The number of plots was determined using statistical method. Totally, the data of eight sites including four fire affected sites and four control sites were measured during four consecutive years in early July of each year after fire. In each site, four transects of 50m length were selected in the direction of slope as well as perpendicular to the slope and five plots were established along each transect. Soils samples from the beginning, middle and end of each transect were taken from a depth of 0-30 cm. Independent t-test was used to compare the mean of the factors in two control and fire zones, and one-way ANOVA and Duncan test were used to compare the years. The results showed that fire caused a significant increase in forage production, cover percentage, perennial grasses density and forbes and percentage of litter cover. Also, the density and percentage of shrub species and bare soil cover decreased significantly. The fire caused an increase in organic matter, electrical conductivity, nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus and soil texture.
Golnaz Kheradmand; Ali Ariapour; Hamidreza Mehrabi
Abstract
Honey bee husbandry is one of the multipurpose uses of rangelands that it affects by biotic and abiotic factors that investigated in this study for Sarab-Sefid rangeland of Borujerd County. To evaluation of honey bee husbandry suitability used FAO model include four main model plant cover, weather, topography ...
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Honey bee husbandry is one of the multipurpose uses of rangelands that it affects by biotic and abiotic factors that investigated in this study for Sarab-Sefid rangeland of Borujerd County. To evaluation of honey bee husbandry suitability used FAO model include four main model plant cover, weather, topography and distance. Four categories used such as S1 (Suitable), S2 (medium Suitable), S3 (low Suitable) and N (None Suitable). Results show that there is no suitable in April for honey bee husbandry in any part of the area. Also according to mountainous and cold weather in spring and summer subsequently short time to plants growth and according to more grasses families of plants whole area was not in class S1. Honey bee husbandry model in April-May it falls in S3 and N classes with 1152.67 (19.66%) and 4711.76 (80.43%) hec respectively. In May-June months 883.42 (15.06%), 2002.86 (34.15%) and 2978.15 (50.79%) hec falls in S2, S3 and N classes respectively. This result was obtained for June-July so that 799.81 (15.06%), 2437.79 41.57%) and 2626.81 (43.37%) hec falls in S2, S3 and N classes respectively and for July-August-September 799.81 (15.06%) hec in S2 class, 2554.54 (43.56%) hec in S3 and 2509.65 (41.38%) hec fall in N class. Consequently, best time to honey bee husbandry is May to September months.
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.
mansoure kargar; zahra yousefi; ALI Taheri
Abstract
According to the important role of rangeland on the exploiters of its and rangeland ecological changes in the economic and social systems, planning and decision-making to assess the current situation is the most important. In this regard, this study intends to determine the difference between experts ...
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According to the important role of rangeland on the exploiters of its and rangeland ecological changes in the economic and social systems, planning and decision-making to assess the current situation is the most important. In this regard, this study intends to determine the difference between experts and exploiters to examine and compare the affecting factors on the utilization of rangelands according to four priority measures including strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities and threats. For this purpose, the SWOT analysis was used to analyze the affecting factors on the exploitation of rangelands. Identified factors using the questionnaire set based on Likert spectrum items and AHP analysis were prioritized and compared by the pastorals and experts. The results of the comparison indicate that prioritize of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats is different between experts and stakeholders, and in some cases there is a considerable distance between experts and pastorals. The factors related to the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and the threats had priority the adaptation of animal species and plant cover-weight with weight 0.117, weighing experienced pastorals resignation with weight 0.026, increase scientific studies on rangeland in research centers, the Department of Natural Resources with weight 0.185 and weighting fluctuations in livestock markets with weight 0.076 respectively.
Morteza Saberi; vahid karimian; Hamid Niknahad Gharemakhar
Abstract
Many regular visits were done to investigate the phenological stages of the plant in Zabol and Saravan habitats. Plant cover of the species was investigated by plot with 4 square meter along to 4 transect with 200 meters. To investigate their physicochemical properties of soil, soil sample were taken ...
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Many regular visits were done to investigate the phenological stages of the plant in Zabol and Saravan habitats. Plant cover of the species was investigated by plot with 4 square meter along to 4 transect with 200 meters. To investigate their physicochemical properties of soil, soil sample were taken from 0-30 cm depth under the species and area without species. Forage quality index was analyzed by 4 replication on three phenological stages (vegetative, flowering and maturity stages). Results indicated that the first leaves of the species were initiated in March and August is the end of growing period. The average of canopy cover and density of Citrullus colocynthis had significant difference in the two regions (P<0.01). The rooting depth of this species was 207 and 123 centimeters in Zabol and Saravan habitats, respectively. The results showed that the electrical conductivity, carbon and organic matter under the studied species were significantly higher than the control area. The results of soil analysis under the species of two habitats also showed that sand, silt, acidity, lime and organic carbon content were significant at 5% level (p <0.05) and organic matter was significant at 1% level (p <0.01). Also, the average of sand, acidity, organic creatinine and organic matter of Zabol habitat was higher than Saravan, but the amount of silt and lime in the plant cover was higher in Saravan than that of Zabol.
Sina NabiZadeh; Ataollah Ebrahimi; Masoumeh Aghababaei; Iraj Rahimi
Abstract
The land use of the watersheds is one of the most affected and highly vulnerable due to developmental process which effect on the other variables such as the hydrological function. The purpose of this research is to monitor land use changes in the past and to investigate predictability of its future ...
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The land use of the watersheds is one of the most affected and highly vulnerable due to developmental process which effect on the other variables such as the hydrological function. The purpose of this research is to monitor land use changes in the past and to investigate predictability of its future using Land Change Modeler (LCM) in the watershed of Farsan County of Chaharmahal-va-Bakhtiari province. For this purpose, the Landsat-5 TM images of 1986 and 2009 as well as the Landsat-8 OLI images of 2017 were analyzed. Land covers including residential areas, agricultural land, dryland farming, rangelands, rocks, water bodies, bare-land and snow were classified for the three periods. The prediction of land cover of 2017 was done using the LCM model based on Artificial Neural Network and Markov chain analysis after assessing model’s accuracy based on Kappa index. The land cover of 2027 was also predicted using a change probability table extracted from occurred changes from 1986-2017. The results show that the rangeland decreased by 4379-ha in the years 1986 to 2017, but the agricultural land increased by 1922-ha. This study proved that the LCM could accurately forecast future changes (85% overall accuracy). An increase of 149-ha of residential area and 100-ha decrease of rangelands in the study area was predicted for 2027. Therefore, while emphasizing the conservation of rangelands, it is necessary to study and use this technique to predict changes, its causes, as well as the consequences of land use changes at the broader scales.
ardavan ghorbani; Farid Dadjoo; null null; Mahmood Bidar lord
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationships between aboveground net primary production (ANPP) and environmental factors (such as elevation above sea level, slope, aspect, compound topographic index, seasonal and annual precipitation, seasonal and annual temperature) which was carried ...
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The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationships between aboveground net primary production (ANPP) and environmental factors (such as elevation above sea level, slope, aspect, compound topographic index, seasonal and annual precipitation, seasonal and annual temperature) which was carried out in the rangelands of Hir and Neur in Ardebil province. Initially, considering the vegetation types and different classes of environmental factors, at the maximum vegetative growth stage, using one square meter plot with clipping and weighing (harvesting) method ANPP was estimated. Using digital elevation model (DEM) map, the maps of slope, aspect, elevation classes and topographic index were extracted. In addition, using gradient equations (calculated from the study areas stations) the seasonal and annual precipitation and temperature maps were extracted. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to evaluate the factors between different sites. Then, to determine the most important environmental factors affecting on the ANPP changes, the principal component analysis (PCA) was used. Also, the ANPP map prepared using regression equation in GIS. The results showed that the variables are significantly different in sampling sites (P<0.01). The results of PCA indicated that the components of one (include annual precipitation, annual temperature, elevation) and two (include slope) with 76.10% had the most effect on ANPP. Also, ANPP map prepared using the extracted regression equation and the accuracy of the map was 0.71, which indicates the validity of the model.
Bakhtiar Fattahi; Mohammad Jafari; Soheila Aghabeigi Amin; mahdieh salehi; ayoub karimi; Azad Karami
Abstract
Abstract This study aimed to investigate the effect of different intensities of grazing on soil chemical properties on Gonbad paired basins-Hamadan. The objective of this research was to characterize the impact of sheep grazing intensity on soil chemical behavior on mountainous in Hamadan rangelands ...
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Abstract This study aimed to investigate the effect of different intensities of grazing on soil chemical properties on Gonbad paired basins-Hamadan. The objective of this research was to characterize the impact of sheep grazing intensity on soil chemical behavior on mountainous in Hamadan rangelands (Gonbad paired basins). Grazing intensity was classified as light, moderate and heavy, then the soil samples from the three depths of 0-10, 10-20 and 20-30 cm were collected. The soil data was analyzed via SPSS (ANOVA). Results showed that the soil OC, total N content and organic matter decreased significantly with grazing intensity and they were greatest at the surface and decreased with depth. The amount of Calcium and Magnesium won't be affected by grazing intensity. The decreases in soil OC suggest Carbon storage in the soil of grassland declined as grazing intensity increased. Combined with the decreases in soil TN content, this also means heavy grazing could lead to decreases in soil quality and fertility. Uneven grazing intensity is an inherent feature of a season long-grazing system and there are risks to avoid quality and environmental health.
samira hajipuor; Hossein Barani; hassan yaganeh; Ahmad Abadi Sarvastani
Abstract
Observing livestock grazing time in rangelands is quite important for conservation of rangelands and protecting them against degradation. This study was aimed at assessessment of factors that contribute to observing grazing time in rangelands of Kouhdasht County in Lorestan province. This study is a ...
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Observing livestock grazing time in rangelands is quite important for conservation of rangelands and protecting them against degradation. This study was aimed at assessessment of factors that contribute to observing grazing time in rangelands of Kouhdasht County in Lorestan province. This study is a survey research and the statistical population is composed of nomadism pastoralists of Koohdash County. Based on Cochran formula, sample size was defined 310 persons out of 1038 pastoralists. Many different variables including socio-economic conditions of users and factors contributing to grazing management were assessed in this study. Among the econometric models, Logit Model was used in order to assess factors impacting on time management of grazing. Logit model parameters were estimated with maximum likelihood method. Coefficient of determination and accurate prediction percentage were used in order to assess the finesses of sample’s data. Results showed that there is a significant differencebetween different groups of users in terms of considering grazing time. Having winter pastures, early arrival date, and late exit of pastoralism from summer rangelands had the highest effect. Based on achieved results, when heads of families were pastoralists, households were much more dependent on rangelands as a source of livelihood. Therefore, they entered earlier to summer rangelands. Besides, those who did not have winter pastures were less inclined to care about grazing time. In this regard, if they are further supported through handy feeding, they will be motivated to observe grazing time. Kuhdasht is an active center in livestock farming. Entrance into and exit of livestock out of the rangeland leaves direct and indirect impacts upon local life. It has as well negative effects on rangeland vegetation. Defining factors that affect on livestock entrance and exit will help planners to take appropriate measures for removing problems.
Reyhane Azimi; Mohammad Jankju; Hamid Reza Asghari
Abstract
Improved pasture establishment in plants, especially in arid and semi-arid is very important Application of biological fertilizers in pasture can be considered as a useful approach. that is one of the sources of the symbiotic fungus.. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the possibility ...
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Improved pasture establishment in plants, especially in arid and semi-arid is very important Application of biological fertilizers in pasture can be considered as a useful approach. that is one of the sources of the symbiotic fungus.. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the possibility of enhancing seedling establishment and growth rate of Bromus kopetdaghensis under natural habitats by inoculation with mycorrhiza species, Seeds of alfalfa were sown under greenhouse for 20 days and inculcated with two species of Glomus intraradices and Glomus mosseae. After one month growth, the inoculated seedlings were transplanted into the natural as sub plots as split plot based on RCBD (Randomized complete block design) were evaluated with three replication. Inoculation percent with G.mosseae was 62/7 % and with of G. intraradices 81/3%. Symbiosis increased establishment of alfalfa at the early and late growth stages, with stronger effects G,intra than G.mosseae. Furthermore leaf and root dry matter, total dry matter and the ratio of above ground to underground plant parts was increased in association with G. intraradices, where as such effects were not associated with G.mosseae. In conclusions, it Glomus intraradices can be used as a biological fertilizer for establishment of alfalfa in semiarid rangeland of Bahar Kish rangeland, Quchan.
M. Jankju; F. Noedoost
Abstract
Ecological studies on range plants enhance our knowledge on the rangeland ecosystems which are useful for their planning and management. By doing field and laboratory experiments during 2008-2009, ecological conditions were studied in the main habitats of Z. atriplicoides in the rural and winter ...
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Ecological studies on range plants enhance our knowledge on the rangeland ecosystems which are useful for their planning and management. By doing field and laboratory experiments during 2008-2009, ecological conditions were studied in the main habitats of Z. atriplicoides in the rural and winter rangelands of Northern Khorasan province (NKP). Forage quality was also studied at different phonological stages. According to the results, Z. atriplicoides grows in the habitats with mean annual rainfall ranging from 260-380 mm, temperature 8-16 ºC, and altitude 680-1200 meter a.s.l. Topography was as plains and rolling lands, with geologic formations being conglomerate, marl, shale and sandstone. Soil texture was silty loam, weak alkaline, and poor in phosphorus and nitrogen. Vegetative growth and flowering stages were simultaneously occurred at early April till early June, but seed ripening and shedding happened at late June-mid August. Toward the end of growing season, ADF and NDF increased while crude protein decreased, which led to a gradual decrease in forage quality. Ability for growing in different habitats – from cold dry to warm humid- and having protein content and metabolic energy higher than the critical level for rangeland livestock are the relative advantages, whereas significant leaf reduction in response to drought and heat stresses, inability for growing in saline lands and low palatability and preference values are the major disadvantage for Z. atriplicoides in the rangeland of Iran. The most suitable time for livestock grazing and seed collection of Z. atriplicoides in the NKP are May-June and July, respectively.
