Journal of Range and Watershed Managment 5044-2008 66 3 2013 10 23 Environmental capability evaluation of land to develop range management plan (Case study: parcel A of Gheshlagh dam watershed) Environmental capability evaluation of land to develop range management plan (Case study: parcel A of Gheshlagh dam watershed) 321 334 36510 10.22059/jrwm.2013.36510 FA Fazlolah Ahmadi Mirghaed Environment Graduate Student, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Kurdistan, Iran Babak Souri Assistant Professor, Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Kurdistan, Iran Mahtab Pir Bavaghar Assistant Professor, Department of Forestry, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Kurdistan, Iran Journal Article 2011 07 13 Rangelands are among the natural resources which have a considerable effect on environment and man’s life. Iranian rangelands mostly have poor condition and exhausted by intensive over grazing, should be utilized according to their ecological capability and land suitability. The main objective of this study is to evaluate ecological capability and land suitability of Gheshlagh dam’s watershed area-parcel A (In Kurdistan province, western Iran) to develop range management plan. Following data collection; determination of the important parameters for evaluation of rangelands environmental capability in the study area was carried out and then obtained parameters were given values based on Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. Finally, the obtained values were applied to the important parameters for evaluation of rangelands environmental capability according to technique for order performance by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS). The results approved that suitability of a land is classifiable for various types of land uses using MCDM methods. Also according to the results specified that the physical criteria of land have more effective than other parameters to develop range management plan. Moreover, land evaluation of study area showed that eastern parts of the watershed had higher suitability to develop range management plan. Rangelands are among the natural resources which have a considerable effect on environment and man’s life. Iranian rangelands mostly have poor condition and exhausted by intensive over grazing, should be utilized according to their ecological capability and land suitability. The main objective of this study is to evaluate ecological capability and land suitability of Gheshlagh dam’s watershed area-parcel A (In Kurdistan province, western Iran) to develop range management plan. Following data collection; determination of the important parameters for evaluation of rangelands environmental capability in the study area was carried out and then obtained parameters were given values based on Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. Finally, the obtained values were applied to the important parameters for evaluation of rangelands environmental capability according to technique for order performance by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS). The results approved that suitability of a land is classifiable for various types of land uses using MCDM methods. Also according to the results specified that the physical criteria of land have more effective than other parameters to develop range management plan. Moreover, land evaluation of study area showed that eastern parts of the watershed had higher suitability to develop range management plan.

Journal of Range and Watershed Managment 5044-2008 66 3 2013 10 23 Effective factors on ranges insurance acceptance by rangers of Semnan Province Effective factors on ranges insurance acceptance by rangers of Semnan Province 335 346 36511 10.22059/jrwm.2013.36511 FA Hosein Raheli Associate Professors, Department of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran Baballah Hahati Associate Professors, Department of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran Ghader Dashti Associate Professors, Department of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran Amin Shakeri Graduate student of Agricultural Management, Department of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran Jafar Seyyed Akhlaghi Expert, Organization of Forest and Range, Semnan Province, Iran Journal Article 2011 01 11 Insurance industry is one of the effective factors of developing sustainable agriculture. Natural resources that are more pone to influence than other phenomenon such as: Drought, there are limited areas under insurance. From 86.4 million hectares of country Ranges, there are nearly 3 million hectares under insurance. Semnan province are compared to other areas has more Range insured. Therefore, in this research effective factors in accepting Range insurance by Semnanian's livestock have been investigated. This research is experimental and applied in the purpose also collected information and documents library. Desired statistical community is all Range man in the Semnan. Among this number of 147 persons using a random sampling as a statistical sample was selected for the 75 samples insurance range men receiver and 72 samples of range men were incompliant insurance. Logit model estimated results show that the class extension, the amount of range feed production, and to borrow the amount preserve and income are efficacious and the number of cattle is negative and significant in the acceptance of ranges insurance. Insurance industry is one of the effective factors of developing sustainable agriculture. Natural resources that are more pone to influence than other phenomenon such as: Drought, there are limited areas under insurance. From 86.4 million hectares of country Ranges, there are nearly 3 million hectares under insurance. Semnan province are compared to other areas has more Range insured. Therefore, in this research effective factors in accepting Range insurance by Semnanian's livestock have been investigated. This research is experimental and applied in the purpose also collected information and documents library. Desired statistical community is all Range man in the Semnan. Among this number of 147 persons using a random sampling as a statistical sample was selected for the 75 samples insurance range men receiver and 72 samples of range men were incompliant insurance. Logit model estimated results show that the class extension, the amount of range feed production, and to borrow the amount preserve and income are efficacious and the number of cattle is negative and significant in the acceptance of ranges insurance.

Journal of Range and Watershed Managment 5044-2008 66 3 2013 10 23 A new approach to economic valuation of the function of forage production of rangelands (Case Study: summer rangelands of Nour-rud Watershed in Mazandaran Province) A new approach to economic valuation of the function of forage production of rangelands (Case Study: summer rangelands of Nour-rud Watershed in Mazandaran Province) 347 357 36512 10.22059/jrwm.2013.36512 FA Shafagh Rastgar PhD, Graduate. Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran Ali Darijani Assistant Professor, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran Hossein Barani Associate Professor, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran Mohammad Ghorbani Professor, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran Jamshid Ghorbani Assistant Professor, Sari University of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources, Sari, Iran Vahed Bordi Sheikh Associate Professor, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran Journal Article 2012 05 06 Forage is the main product of rangelands. So, determining its economic value as one of the main important nonmonetary functions can help managers to improve planning and optimal utilization management of rangelands. The main purpose of this study is to estimate the economic valuation of the forage of summer rangelands in Nour-roud watershed basin in Mazandaran province. Consequently, total forage production estimated by using double method in 12 unit works. According to the heterogeneity of range forages in terms of economic and lacking organized market for transaction, have been used barely and using Replacement Cost Method (RCM). In order to homogenize the value of all forage plants, Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN) of each plant multiplied to its forage product to calculate the nutrition value of forage per rangeland unit work. According to the specified T.D.N of barely, the equivalent weight of barely, identified for each range/ha in different price scenarios (guaranteed, international and farm prices), total value of forage production calculated based on barely price. Results showed that, Forage yield equivalent to barely was estimated 276.5 kg per ha of 89826.7 usable summer rangelands. Its economic value was equivalent to 713280 Rials per hectare. Also, its average annual economic value by 3 price senarios estimated, 64.6 Milyard Rials. This amount of economic value was equal to 718900 Rials per hectare of Nour-rud rangelands. Also, the estimated forage values are only 25 percentage of total economic value of rangeland ecosystem that has been exploited as natural bequest without any investment. Forage is the main product of rangelands. So, determining its economic value as one of the main important nonmonetary functions can help managers to improve planning and optimal utilization management of rangelands. The main purpose of this study is to estimate the economic valuation of the forage of summer rangelands in Nour-roud watershed basin in Mazandaran province. Consequently, total forage production estimated by using double method in 12 unit works. According to the heterogeneity of range forages in terms of economic and lacking organized market for transaction, have been used barely and using Replacement Cost Method (RCM). In order to homogenize the value of all forage plants, Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN) of each plant multiplied to its forage product to calculate the nutrition value of forage per rangeland unit work. According to the specified T.D.N of barely, the equivalent weight of barely, identified for each range/ha in different price scenarios (guaranteed, international and farm prices), total value of forage production calculated based on barely price. Results showed that, Forage yield equivalent to barely was estimated 276.5 kg per ha of 89826.7 usable summer rangelands. Its economic value was equivalent to 713280 Rials per hectare. Also, its average annual economic value by 3 price senarios estimated, 64.6 Milyard Rials. This amount of economic value was equal to 718900 Rials per hectare of Nour-rud rangelands. Also, the estimated forage values are only 25 percentage of total economic value of rangeland ecosystem that has been exploited as natural bequest without any investment.

Journal of Range and Watershed Managment 5044-2008 66 3 2013 10 23 Comparison estimate precipitation loss methods in HEC-HMS model to simulation runoff (Case study: Kan basin) Comparison estimate precipitation loss methods in HEC-HMS model to simulation runoff (Case study: Kan basin) 359 371 36513 10.22059/jrwm.2013.36513 FA Ghobad Rostamizad PhD. Student, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran Shahram Khalighi Sigaroodi Assistant Professor, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran Mohammad Mahdavi Professor, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran Journal Article 2010 01 25 Parameters as interception, infiltration, water storage on surface holes and soil profile, evapotranspiration are factors of loss water in a watershed and avoid from changing of precipitation to runoff. In this study, by use of HEC-HMS model and comparison of results of different methods of precipitation loss evaluation (Initial and constant, Green & Ampt, SCS curve number, Deficit & Constant and Exponential loss) consider to various purpose function percent error in peak tried to classify the methods. In this way, based on every purpose function, the method with least percent difference of observed discharge to calculated discharge take place in first preference and other methods take place in next preferences. Result show that, Exponential loss method placed in first preference and it selected as optimum method for simulation of runoff and Green & Ampt, Initial and constant, SCS curve number, Deficit & Constant methods placed in next preferences respectively. Parameters as interception, infiltration, water storage on surface holes and soil profile, evapotranspiration are factors of loss water in a watershed and avoid from changing of precipitation to runoff. In this study, by use of HEC-HMS model and comparison of results of different methods of precipitation loss evaluation (Initial and constant, Green & Ampt, SCS curve number, Deficit & Constant and Exponential loss) consider to various purpose function percent error in peak tried to classify the methods. In this way, based on every purpose function, the method with least percent difference of observed discharge to calculated discharge take place in first preference and other methods take place in next preferences. Result show that, Exponential loss method placed in first preference and it selected as optimum method for simulation of runoff and Green & Ampt, Initial and constant, SCS curve number, Deficit & Constant methods placed in next preferences respectively.

Journal of Range and Watershed Managment 5044-2008 66 3 2013 10 23 Effects of land use changes on flood characteristics using HEC-HMS model (Case study: Taleghan watershed) Effects of land use changes on flood characteristics using HEC-HMS model (Case study: Taleghan watershed) 373 386 36514 10.22059/jrwm.2013.36514 FA Samaneh Razavizadeh Ph.D student, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Sari, Iran Ali Salajegheh Associate Professor, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Iran Shahram Khalighi Sigaroudi Assisstant Professor, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Iran Mohammad Jafari Professor, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran Iran Journal Article 2010 11 01 Land use change is one of the main factors in the process of changing the regime of flood in watersheds. Taleghan watershed has been subjected to many land use changes over years, which probably effects on flood characteristics of Taleghan River. In present study the effects of land use change on some parameters including peak flow, volume and flood base time, in part of Taleghan basin, was investigated by using Geographical Information System (GIS) and HEC-HMS model. Land use maps of 1987 and 2002 were prepared and integrated with soil hydrological groups and pasture conditions maps in GIS with the aim of providing of CN map. Then by using curve number and SCS unit hydrograph in sub basins and also Muskingum routing method, HEC-HMS model was calibrated and validated, for 10 incident rainfall - runoff views. Results of the simulation showed that due to the changes in land use (the reduction in the level of agricultural lands and increases in pasture areas), peak flow and flood volume in 2002 than in 1987 showed the average reduction of 46% and 34%, respectively. The evaluation of base time of flood showed no change in the parameter in flood hydrograph at the study period. On the whole the results showed that the trend of land use changes have the positive effect on reducing flood productions in study area. Land use change is one of the main factors in the process of changing the regime of flood in watersheds. Taleghan watershed has been subjected to many land use changes over years, which probably effects on flood characteristics of Taleghan River. In present study the effects of land use change on some parameters including peak flow, volume and flood base time, in part of Taleghan basin, was investigated by using Geographical Information System (GIS) and HEC-HMS model. Land use maps of 1987 and 2002 were prepared and integrated with soil hydrological groups and pasture conditions maps in GIS with the aim of providing of CN map. Then by using curve number and SCS unit hydrograph in sub basins and also Muskingum routing method, HEC-HMS model was calibrated and validated, for 10 incident rainfall - runoff views. Results of the simulation showed that due to the changes in land use (the reduction in the level of agricultural lands and increases in pasture areas), peak flow and flood volume in 2002 than in 1987 showed the average reduction of 46% and 34%, respectively. The evaluation of base time of flood showed no change in the parameter in flood hydrograph at the study period. On the whole the results showed that the trend of land use changes have the positive effect on reducing flood productions in study area.

Journal of Range and Watershed Managment 5044-2008 66 3 2013 10 23 Preparing the spatial distribution of soil factors by interpolation methods in east rangeland of Semnan Preparing the spatial distribution of soil factors by interpolation methods in east rangeland of Semnan 387 399 36515 10.22059/jrwm.2013.36515 FA Mohammad Ali Zare Chahouki Associate Professor, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran Lyla Khalsi Ahvazi PhD Student, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Gorgan, Karaj, Iran Hossein Azarnivand Associate Professor, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran Asghar Zare Chahouki PhD Student, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Yazd, Karaj, Iran Journal Article 2010 07 13 The aim of this study preparation of the predicted soil maps by using kriging and Inverse Distance Weighting methods in east rangeland of Semnan. Sampling was done within each unit of sampling parallel transects and 1 vertical transect with 750m length. Soil samples were taken from 0-20 cm in starting and ending points of each transect. There were used kriging and Inverse Distance Weighting methods by Gs+ and GIS software to predict clay, sand, lime, EC and available moisture factors. For comparing these methods, cross validation were used by statistical parameters of MAE and MBE. Results showed that kriging method is better than Inverse Distance Weighting method in all factors except clay factor. The aim of this study preparation of the predicted soil maps by using kriging and Inverse Distance Weighting methods in east rangeland of Semnan. Sampling was done within each unit of sampling parallel transects and 1 vertical transect with 750m length. Soil samples were taken from 0-20 cm in starting and ending points of each transect. There were used kriging and Inverse Distance Weighting methods by Gs+ and GIS software to predict clay, sand, lime, EC and available moisture factors. For comparing these methods, cross validation were used by statistical parameters of MAE and MBE. Results showed that kriging method is better than Inverse Distance Weighting method in all factors except clay factor.

Journal of Range and Watershed Managment 5044-2008 66 3 2013 10 23 Soil erosion risk assessment and its relationship with some environmental parameters (Case study: Vazroud watershed, Mazandaran) Soil erosion risk assessment and its relationship with some environmental parameters (Case study: Vazroud watershed, Mazandaran) 401 415 36516 10.22059/jrwm.2013.36516 FA Jalal Zandi Ph.D Student in Watershed Management Engineering, Department of Watershed Management, College of Natural Resources Sciences, Sari University, Mazandaran Province, Iran Mahmoud Habibnejad Roshan Professor, Department of Watershed Management, College of Natural Resources Sciences, Sari University, Mazandaran Province, Iran Karim Solaimani Professor RS and GIS Center, Department of Watershed Management, College of Natural Resources Sciences, Sari University, Mazandaran Province, Iran Journal Article 2012 01 07 Soil erosion is a serious environmental problem in Vazroud watershed, which is located in the centre of the Mazandaran Province, Iran. Unfortunately, Vazroud watershed like most Iran watersheds don’t have recorded data and erosion and sedimentation gages to research, monitor and model soil erosion at large watershed. In order to assess the soil erosion risk, soil erosion modeling at the watershed scale are urgently needed to be undertaken. This study integrated the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) with a Geographic Information System (GIS) to estimate soil loss and identify the risk erosion areas in the Vazroud watershed. Multi-source (map-, space- and ground-based) datasets were used to obtain factors of RUSLE, and an integrated analysis was carried out in raster format of GIS and it was classified into five categories ranging from minimal risk to extreme erosion risk. Extensive field observations verify soil erosion risk map and total accuracy (90%) obtained. The soil erosion map was linked to land use, elevation and slope maps to explore the relationship between soil erosion and environmental factors and identify the areas of soil erosion risk. The slopes between 25 to 45 degree, the altitudes between 1180 to 2180 from sea level and bare lands have the high and extreme erosion risk in this study area. The results allow decision makers to implement management strategies to prioritization area and soil erosion reduction in Vazroud watershed. The integrated approach presented is relatively easy, fast, and straightforward, showing good potential for successful application in other areas. Soil erosion is a serious environmental problem in Vazroud watershed, which is located in the centre of the Mazandaran Province, Iran. Unfortunately, Vazroud watershed like most Iran watersheds don’t have recorded data and erosion and sedimentation gages to research, monitor and model soil erosion at large watershed. In order to assess the soil erosion risk, soil erosion modeling at the watershed scale are urgently needed to be undertaken. This study integrated the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) with a Geographic Information System (GIS) to estimate soil loss and identify the risk erosion areas in the Vazroud watershed. Multi-source (map-, space- and ground-based) datasets were used to obtain factors of RUSLE, and an integrated analysis was carried out in raster format of GIS and it was classified into five categories ranging from minimal risk to extreme erosion risk. Extensive field observations verify soil erosion risk map and total accuracy (90%) obtained. The soil erosion map was linked to land use, elevation and slope maps to explore the relationship between soil erosion and environmental factors and identify the areas of soil erosion risk. The slopes between 25 to 45 degree, the altitudes between 1180 to 2180 from sea level and bare lands have the high and extreme erosion risk in this study area. The results allow decision makers to implement management strategies to prioritization area and soil erosion reduction in Vazroud watershed. The integrated approach presented is relatively easy, fast, and straightforward, showing good potential for successful application in other areas.

Journal of Range and Watershed Managment 5044-2008 66 3 2013 10 23 Land vulnerability evaluation related to erosion and climate change impacts in Abyek region with use of Microleis system Land vulnerability evaluation related to erosion and climate change impacts in Abyek region with use of Microleis system 417 431 36517 10.22059/jrwm.2013.36517 FA Raziyeh Safiyari MSc. Student of Soil Science department, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran Fereydoon Sarmadian Professor of Soil Science department, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran Ahmad Heidari Associate Professor of Soil Science department, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran Shirin Younesi MSc. Student of Soil Science department, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran Journal Article 2010 11 13 Evaluation soil erosion is an important matter to protecting it from destroying in future due to the excessive use of the inherent capacity of soil and also improper management. Therefore, in this study land vulnerability related to water and wind erosion of Abyek for crops and pasture land has been evaluated, using Raizal model as one of the Microleis sub-models. Morphological and physical and chemical analysis data were obtained of studying and evaluating the 32 soil profiles. Agricultural - climatic and management information including temperature and precipitation data were collected from Bagh-e-Kosar climatological station for the last 17 years. To study the effect of climatic changes in the assessment of land area for the year 2080 AD (for 70 future year), the reports of International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) allocated to West Asia have been used. Utilization types considered for evaluation, including wheat, corn, barley and alfalfa. The results obtained of Land vulnerability evaluation studies related to water and wind erosion using Raizal model part have been prepared as maps in the GIS environment. Information obtained from Land vulnerability models related to wind erosion for crops and pasture land, also implies vulnerability risk fora wide percent of the region lands under the current management, that the results evaluation of the proposed management methods express the improvement of destroying ability classes. Evaluation soil erosion is an important matter to protecting it from destroying in future due to the excessive use of the inherent capacity of soil and also improper management. Therefore, in this study land vulnerability related to water and wind erosion of Abyek for crops and pasture land has been evaluated, using Raizal model as one of the Microleis sub-models. Morphological and physical and chemical analysis data were obtained of studying and evaluating the 32 soil profiles. Agricultural - climatic and management information including temperature and precipitation data were collected from Bagh-e-Kosar climatological station for the last 17 years. To study the effect of climatic changes in the assessment of land area for the year 2080 AD (for 70 future year), the reports of International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) allocated to West Asia have been used. Utilization types considered for evaluation, including wheat, corn, barley and alfalfa. The results obtained of Land vulnerability evaluation studies related to water and wind erosion using Raizal model part have been prepared as maps in the GIS environment. Information obtained from Land vulnerability models related to wind erosion for crops and pasture land, also implies vulnerability risk fora wide percent of the region lands under the current management, that the results evaluation of the proposed management methods express the improvement of destroying ability classes.

Journal of Range and Watershed Managment 5044-2008 66 3 2013 10 23 Simulating discharge and sediment production using SWAT in Chehelchai Watershed of Golestan Province Simulating discharge and sediment production using SWAT in Chehelchai Watershed of Golestan Province 433 446 36518 10.22059/jrwm.2013.36518 FA Akram Arefi Asl M.Sc. Postgraduate, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sci. & Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran Ali Najafinejad Assistant professor, Watershed management department, Gorgan University of agricultural sciences and natural resources, Gorgan, Iran Farshad Kiani Assistant professor, Soil sciences department, Gorgan University of agricultural sciences and natural resources, Gorgan, Iran Abdolrassoul Salmanmahiny Associate Professor of Environmental Sciences, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sci. & Natural Resources Journal Article 2012 04 10 Runoff and sediment measurement is difficult in mountain watershed because of many different problems such as time and financial limitations. So using simulation model is necessary in this regard. Accuracy and precision evaluation of models for different watershed of Iran is necessary. The aim of this study was the evaluation of SWAT model efficiency in simulation of runoff and sediment yield in Chelchay watershed in Golestan province, Iran and also calibration and validation of SWAT. SUFI2 algorithm was used for calibration and validation. Nash-Sutcliff for calibration period (2001-2005) and validation period (2006-2009) for average daily discharge was 0.5 and 0.4 respectively and for sediment concentration was 0.71 and 0.92 that is good according to past research results. Because SWAT is complex and integrated model and can be used as a management tool in watershed management so it is suggested that it would be used for evaluation of management activities effects in Chelchay watershed. Runoff and sediment measurement is difficult in mountain watershed because of many different problems such as time and financial limitations. So using simulation model is necessary in this regard. Accuracy and precision evaluation of models for different watershed of Iran is necessary. The aim of this study was the evaluation of SWAT model efficiency in simulation of runoff and sediment yield in Chelchay watershed in Golestan province, Iran and also calibration and validation of SWAT. SUFI2 algorithm was used for calibration and validation. Nash-Sutcliff for calibration period (2001-2005) and validation period (2006-2009) for average daily discharge was 0.5 and 0.4 respectively and for sediment concentration was 0.71 and 0.92 that is good according to past research results. Because SWAT is complex and integrated model and can be used as a management tool in watershed management so it is suggested that it would be used for evaluation of management activities effects in Chelchay watershed.

Journal of Range and Watershed Managment 5044-2008 66 3 2013 10 23 Capability two timing and preference index methods to determine palatability Capability two timing and preference index methods to determine palatability 447 455 36519 10.22059/jrwm.2013.36519 FA Mohhamad Fayaz Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands, Range Research Division , Karaj , Islamic Republic of Iran Saeedeh Nateghi PhD student of Combat Desertification, Hormozgan Universit Hassan Yeganeh Young Researchers Club, Ardestan Branch , Islamic Azad University , Ardestan , Iran Taghi Mirhaji Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands, Range Research Division , Karaj , Islamic Republic of Iran Seyed Ahmad Mousavi Dep. of Forest & Rangeland, Zanjan Research Center for Agriculture and Natural Resources Journal Article 2010 07 16 In this study the effect of month, place and different years on the preferencevalue of Bromus tomentellus in semi-steppe region was studied. The preferencevalue of the Bromus tomentellus was studied in two years and four months in three sites as cheshme anjir (Fars), Badamstan (Zanjan) Firuzkuh (Tehran). To determine the preferencevalue of species the two methods of as preference index and timing method was used. To compare preferencevalue in different sites times the factorial completely randomized design was used. Mean comparison was performed using Duncan's Multiple Range Test at 5% level. And to compare two methods whit each other the T test was used. The results of preference index showed that sites were significant at 1% level. But the other factors were insignificant differences according to the results of timing method all the factors were insignificant. Comparison of two methods by T test showed that the two methods were different. In this study the effect of month, place and different years on the preferencevalue of Bromus tomentellus in semi-steppe region was studied. The preferencevalue of the Bromus tomentellus was studied in two years and four months in three sites as cheshme anjir (Fars), Badamstan (Zanjan) Firuzkuh (Tehran). To determine the preferencevalue of species the two methods of as preference index and timing method was used. To compare preferencevalue in different sites times the factorial completely randomized design was used. Mean comparison was performed using Duncan's Multiple Range Test at 5% level. And to compare two methods whit each other the T test was used. The results of preference index showed that sites were significant at 1% level. But the other factors were insignificant differences according to the results of timing method all the factors were insignificant. Comparison of two methods by T test showed that the two methods were different.

Journal of Range and Watershed Managment 5044-2008 66 3 2013 10 23 Performance of rangeland hydrology and erosion model for estimating sediment yield on rangeland’s hill slopes in dry regions (A Case study: Shahid Noori watershed, Khorasan Razavy) Performance of rangeland hydrology and erosion model for estimating sediment yield on rangeland’s hill slopes in dry regions (A Case study: Shahid Noori watershed, Khorasan Razavy) 457 467 36520 10.22059/jrwm.2013.36520 FA Ali Golkarian Assistant Prof., College of Natural Resources and Environmental studies, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad Davoud Davoudi Moghaddam M.Sc. Student, College of Natural Resources and Marine Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University Seyed Amir Naghibi M.Sc. Student, College of Natural Resources and Marine Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University Masoud Eshghizadeh Ph. D. Student, Faculty of Natural resources and Desert Studies, University of Yazd, I.R. Iran Journal Article 2013 04 06 Soil erosion is undoubtedly one of the most important problems in natural areas and has a devastating impact on grassland ecosystems. The present study was conducted to assess the ability of Rangeland Hydrology and Erosion Model for estimating sediment yield on rangeland’s hill slopes in dry regions at Shahid Noori paired watershed of Kakhk. RHEM is a mathematical, distribution and physical model that is capable to simulate hydrological and erosional processes with climatic data and hill slope’s characteristics. Measuring of sediment yield performed on 18 erosion plots in both disturbed and undisturbed rangeland conditions. In order to implement the model, the parameters of climate, soil texture, slope length, slope steepness, canopy cover and ground cover were measured and entered into the model to estimate amount of runoff and sediment yield in each year. The analysis showed no significant difference between observed and estimated values at 5% level in both all erosion plots and the average of measured values of all three different aspects. The results indicate that the model is capable to determine the quantity effects of rangeland conservation practices in hydrological and soil erosion processes. Overall, the present study suggested good potential for application of the model in the same rangelands of dry regions. Soil erosion is undoubtedly one of the most important problems in natural areas and has a devastating impact on grassland ecosystems. The present study was conducted to assess the ability of Rangeland Hydrology and Erosion Model for estimating sediment yield on rangeland’s hill slopes in dry regions at Shahid Noori paired watershed of Kakhk. RHEM is a mathematical, distribution and physical model that is capable to simulate hydrological and erosional processes with climatic data and hill slope’s characteristics. Measuring of sediment yield performed on 18 erosion plots in both disturbed and undisturbed rangeland conditions. In order to implement the model, the parameters of climate, soil texture, slope length, slope steepness, canopy cover and ground cover were measured and entered into the model to estimate amount of runoff and sediment yield in each year. The analysis showed no significant difference between observed and estimated values at 5% level in both all erosion plots and the average of measured values of all three different aspects. The results indicate that the model is capable to determine the quantity effects of rangeland conservation practices in hydrological and soil erosion processes. Overall, the present study suggested good potential for application of the model in the same rangelands of dry regions.

Journal of Range and Watershed Managment 5044-2008 66 3 2013 10 23 Calibration of IMDPA model with regarding to land criteria to present regional model for desertification intensity (Case study: Abuzaidabad, Kashan) Calibration of IMDPA model with regarding to land criteria to present regional model for desertification intensity (Case study: Abuzaidabad, Kashan) 469 476 36521 10.22059/jrwm.2013.36521 FA Tayyebeh Mresbahzadeh Assistant Professor, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran Hasan Ahmadi Professor, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran GHolamreza Zehtabian Professor of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran Fereydun Sarmadian Professor, Faculty of Soil Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran Firoozeh Moghiminejad Graduated in Rangeland Silences, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran Journal Article 2008 12 13 Desertification is specific phenomenon of arid, semi-arid, dry sub humid regions. This phenomenon has a high rate in developing countries such as Iran. The main objective of this research was calibration of IMDPA model in Abuzeidabad (Kashan) region with emphasis on land criteria. IMDPA model, introduced by Iranian researchers to assess desertification intensity in Iran. Before application, the criteria and indices applied in model were re-defined For this study. Regarding to region conditions three criteria were defined as key criteria for desertification which were: Geology-geomorphology, soil and wind erosion criteria. Then each criterion was assessed based on selected criteria, which resulted in qualitative mapping of each criterion based on selected criteria. Finally, by mean of all the indices and criteria desertification mapping was provided and these results obtained. Regarding the studied criteria, Geology– Geomorphology benchmark has the highest effect on desertification. Among the total studying are (16161 hectars), the medium class is about (4792 hectars), and the high class is about (11369 hectars). Among indicators, slop index with 3.9 and lithology sensitivity to erosion and wind erosion with the value of 3.5 and 3.4 are the main indexes of increase in desertification intensity in the study area. According to map of desertification statue 70.3% of study area have a high intensity and 29.7% have a medium intensity. Desertification is specific phenomenon of arid, semi-arid, dry sub humid regions. This phenomenon has a high rate in developing countries such as Iran. The main objective of this research was calibration of IMDPA model in Abuzeidabad (Kashan) region with emphasis on land criteria. IMDPA model, introduced by Iranian researchers to assess desertification intensity in Iran. Before application, the criteria and indices applied in model were re-defined For this study. Regarding to region conditions three criteria were defined as key criteria for desertification which were: Geology-geomorphology, soil and wind erosion criteria. Then each criterion was assessed based on selected criteria, which resulted in qualitative mapping of each criterion based on selected criteria. Finally, by mean of all the indices and criteria desertification mapping was provided and these results obtained. Regarding the studied criteria, Geology– Geomorphology benchmark has the highest effect on desertification. Among the total studying are (16161 hectars), the medium class is about (4792 hectars), and the high class is about (11369 hectars). Among indicators, slop index with 3.9 and lithology sensitivity to erosion and wind erosion with the value of 3.5 and 3.4 are the main indexes of increase in desertification intensity in the study area. According to map of desertification statue 70.3% of study area have a high intensity and 29.7% have a medium intensity.