Mohammad Reza Sayadi; Mehdi Ghorbani; Mohammad Jafari; Hamidreza Keshtkar; Leila Avazpour
Abstract
The objective of this paper is to identify the factors affecting the medicinal plant supply chain in the Nadushan region using a Glaser approach. The research method is applied in terms of purpose and qualitative in terms of method based on grounded theory and Glaser approach (emerging approach); and ...
Read More
The objective of this paper is to identify the factors affecting the medicinal plant supply chain in the Nadushan region using a Glaser approach. The research method is applied in terms of purpose and qualitative in terms of method based on grounded theory and Glaser approach (emerging approach); and it is exploratory based on the nature of the data and the use of inductive philosophy. The study population consisted of experienced local people and managers and experts in the field of the medicinal plant supply chain with more than five years of experience. Participants were selected using purposeful sampling and theoretical judgment. The data collection method was fieldwork, and the data collection tool was in-depth and structured interviews with 30 participants, including native farmers (15), researchers and experts (10), and intermediaries (5) in the field. The grounded theory approach was used to analyze the data and identify the key factors affecting the supply chain. The results identified 9 selective codes and 41 core codes. The factors affecting the supply chain include climate and weather, the region's high potential for medicinal plant cultivation, initial budget and capital, storage conditions, institutional support, policy, medicinal plant production and harvesting management, medicinal plant processing management, and the use of healthy practices in productivity. Therefore, ensuring a sustainable and efficient supply chain is crucial for maintaining the quality, availability, and affordability of medicinal plants.
Behnaz Attaeian; Arash Samavati; Kamran Shayesteh; Hamidreza Saeidi Graghani
Abstract
Ecotourism, or nature-based tourism, is one of the most important forms of tourism that shows the highest compatibility with sustainable livelihoods. It plays a key role in rural sustainable development and livelihood sustainability. The aim of this study is to compare the views of nomads and experts ...
Read More
Ecotourism, or nature-based tourism, is one of the most important forms of tourism that shows the highest compatibility with sustainable livelihoods. It plays a key role in rural sustainable development and livelihood sustainability. The aim of this study is to compare the views of nomads and experts regarding the impacts of ecotourism on the sustainable livelihood of the Turkashvand tribe in Hamadan Province. The statistical population consisted of 45 nomads, of whom 40 were selected using the Krejcie and Morgan table, and 10 experts from the General Office of Nomadic Affairs in Hamadan were selected through a census method. Data were collected using a questionnaire with acceptable reliability (Cronbach’s alpha: 0.81 for nomads and 0.84 for experts). The results indicated significant differences between the two groups in most of the sustainable livelihood indicators, especially in financial-economic and natural-ecological capitals. However, there was no significant difference regarding the “household labor force” in human capital, and the indicators of “unity and cohesion within customary structures,” “participation,” and “mutual trust among nomads” in social capital. The divergence in viewpoints is attributed to differing perceptions and expectations; for instance, nomads often have short-term and practical expectations, while experts tend to adopt a more strategic and long-term perspective. It is recommended that both groups participate simultaneously in planning processes to effectively utilize ecotourism potential for sustainable livelihood improvement.
Hamideh Derakhshan; Arash Malekian; Shahram Khalighi Sigaroodi
Abstract
Groundwater resources are of great importance as a vital source of water supply in many regions of the world. Due to its geographical and climatic characteristics, Garmsar Plain is highly dependent on groundwater resources, especially in providing agricultural and drinking water. In this study, the DRASTIC ...
Read More
Groundwater resources are of great importance as a vital source of water supply in many regions of the world. Due to its geographical and climatic characteristics, Garmsar Plain is highly dependent on groundwater resources, especially in providing agricultural and drinking water. In this study, the DRASTIC model was used to assess the potential for qualitative vulnerability of groundwater resources in Garmsar Plain. This model uses seven main parameters including groundwater depth, net recharge, aquifer environment, soil environment, topography, Impact of vadose zone, and hydraulic conductivity to comprehensively analyze the quality vulnerability of groundwater resources. By integrating the seven benchmark maps used in the DRASTIC model in a GIS environment using the overlap index method, the final vulnerability index of the studied aquifer was calculated. Accordingly, the final drastic vulnerability index was between 54 and 145. About nine percent of the study area has no pollution potential, 39 percent has very low potential, 30 percent has low potential, 17 percent has low to medium potential, and five percent has medium to high vulnerability potential. Sensitivity analysis was also used to examine the results more closely and identify the more effective components on the vulnerability of groundwater resources. Based on the results of the model sensitivity analysis using the parameter elimination and single parameter methods, the vadose zone effect parameter showed the highest sensitivity in both methods.
Kourosh Shirani; Morteza Khodagholi; Rostam Khalifehzadeh
Abstract
Awareness of organic carbon status of rangeland soil is important for erosion control and soil protection management. The aim of this study is to prioritize the effective factors, modelling and predicting organic carbon amount using Landsat 8 satellite imagery, accurate digital elevation model (DEM) ...
Read More
Awareness of organic carbon status of rangeland soil is important for erosion control and soil protection management. The aim of this study is to prioritize the effective factors, modelling and predicting organic carbon amount using Landsat 8 satellite imagery, accurate digital elevation model (DEM) related to ALOS sensor and the combined application of factor analysis and multivariate regression model in Semirom watershed located in the south of Isfahan province. For this purpose, after determining the homogeneous units and Stratified Random Sampling of 218 soil samples from these units, the amount of organic carbon, percentages of sand, silt and clay were determined in the laboratory. The development of the combined method was performed using 15 spectral and non-spectral variables and two sets of training data (70%) and test data (30%) of soil samples in order to implement and validate the model, respectively. Then, effective factor prioritization, determination of main components and spatial soil organic carbon zonation map were prepared. Finally, using error measurement criteria, the model was validated and evaluated in the training and test stages. The results showed that fifteen independent variables in the form of six principal components namely vegetation, soil particle size, surface reflectance, soil surface shape, moisture storage and chemical properties have the largest contribution in soil organic carbon storage. Based on the error evaluation metrics (RMSE) and correlation coefficients (R2), the model implementation stage (Training Phase), with respective values of 0.23 and 0.84, demonstrates higher efficiency and captures greater variability in soil organic carbon, as compared to the prediction stage (Test Phase) characterized by a higher error (0.27) and a lower correlation coefficient (0.80). Also, the soil organic carbon content classes of 0.70-0.80 and 1.20-2.35 with an area of 24% and 6% have the highest and lowest area outcrops of soils in the study area, respectively.
Farhad Aghajanlou; Peyman Akbarzadeh
Abstract
Rangelands, as one of the vital ecosystems in Iran's arid and semi-arid regions, play a crucial role in biodiversity conservation, soil erosion prevention, and forage supply. In recent years, anthropogenic pressures such as overgrazing and climate change have led to the decline in species diversity and ...
Read More
Rangelands, as one of the vital ecosystems in Iran's arid and semi-arid regions, play a crucial role in biodiversity conservation, soil erosion prevention, and forage supply. In recent years, anthropogenic pressures such as overgrazing and climate change have led to the decline in species diversity and the ecological degradation of rangelands. This study aimed to investigate the trends of plant species diversity and richness indices from 2021 to 2023 (corresponding to 1400–1402 in the Iranian calendar) in the Jishabad rangeland site of Tarom County. For this purpose, a systematic sampling design was applied, in which four main plots (each 10×10 m) were randomly selected within a one-hectare study site. In each main plot, four subplots of 1×1 m were established. Field measurements were conducted during the peak growth season (May–June) over three consecutive years. In each subplot, data on species composition, life form, percentage cover of vegetation, litter, moss, bare soil, gravels, and erosion intensity were recorded. Species identification was conducted using reliable floristic references for Iranian flora. Diversity indices including richness (Margalef and Menhinick), evenness (Pielou), and diversity (Shannon–Wiener and Simpson) were calculated and analyzed using appropriate parametric and non-parametric statistical methods.The results revealed that biodiversity indices varied significantly across the study years. Results showed significant increases in biodiversity indices over the study period (2021–2023): the mean number of species per subplot rose from 5.69 in 2021 to 7.75 in 2023 (P < 0.01); the Shannon–Wiener index increased from 1.62 to 1.96, and the Simpson index from 0.16 to 0.83 These changes, accompanied by a 10% reduction in bare soil cover and increased perennial plant frequency, were likely driven by grazing management, natural exclosure, and favorable climatic conditions.
Zohreh Azizzadeh; Majid Mohammad Esmaili; Ali Sattarian; Seyed Ali Hosseini; Bahareh Bahmanesh
Abstract
Overgrazing is one of the most important factors in the degradation of semi-arid rangelands, which disrupts hydrological processes and ecosystem stability by changing the characteristics of plant patches and reducing soil permeability. Although previous studies have examined the effect of livestock grazing ...
Read More
Overgrazing is one of the most important factors in the degradation of semi-arid rangelands, which disrupts hydrological processes and ecosystem stability by changing the characteristics of plant patches and reducing soil permeability. Although previous studies have examined the effect of livestock grazing on the permeability or structure of patches separately, the simultaneous relationship between these two components, especially in semi-arid conditions, has received less attention. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different intensities of livestock grazing on soil permeability and the dimensions of plant patches in Gomishan rangelands. This experiment was conducted as a factorial in a completely randomized design with three replications and in three treatments: long-term enclosure (24 years), moderate grazing, and heavy grazing. In each treatment, three 50-meter transects were constructed in different directions, and the length, width, and height of plant patches and the distances between them were measured. Soil permeability in vegetation patches and inter-patch spaces was measured using paired rings and estimated using the Kostyakov (years) model. The results showed that long-term grazing significantly increased soil permeability and vegetation patch dimensions, while no significant difference was observed between moderate and heavy grazing. Also, with increasing grazing intensity, the response of vegetation patches to microtopography decreased, and this effect was maintained only in some indicators (such as patch length) and at higher elevations. The findings of this study emphasize the importance of long-term grazing in restoring vegetation cover and improving soil permeability, and can be used as a basis for planning sustainable livestock grazing management in semi-arid regions. Also, implementing grazing rotation programs, establishing periodic grazing, and regular monitoring of soil physical indicators can help reduce the degradation process and increase ecosystem efficiency in these areas.
Seyedsaeid Nabavi; Arash Malekian; Naser Mashhadi; Khaled Ahmadaali; Raoof Mostafazadeh; Ali Shabazi
Abstract
The Baliqlu Chay River watershed in Ardabil Province is a key water source for regional demands. In this study, the role of climate change and human activities on streamflow is examined by using hydrological indices and trend analysis over the period 1991-2021. Monthly, seasonal, and annual climatic ...
Read More
The Baliqlu Chay River watershed in Ardabil Province is a key water source for regional demands. In this study, the role of climate change and human activities on streamflow is examined by using hydrological indices and trend analysis over the period 1991-2021. Monthly, seasonal, and annual climatic and discharge variables were assessed for trends using the Mann-Kendall trend test and Sen's slope estimator. Results indicate streamflow is controlled by seasonal snowmelt, groundwater reliance, and the controlling impact of the Yamchi Dam. Moreover, the high flow variability observed at the Yamchi Station, as indicated by elevated standard deviation and coefficient of variation values, suggests an increased risk of flooding in this area. Trend analysis results over the 30-year statistical period reveal a decreasing trend in annual precipitation at the Ardabil and Nir stations, although these trends are not statistically significant at the 99% and 95% confidence levels. In contrast, a statistically significant increasing trend in annual precipitation was detected at the synoptic station in Sareyn at the 99% confidence level. Additionally, the annual temperature increase at all stations was found to be statistically significant at the 99% confidence level. The assessment of streamflow trends on an annual scale at the Nirchay and Yamchi Dam hydrometric stations indicates a statistically significant decreasing trend at the 1% level (p-value ≤ 0.01). These results emphasize the urgent need for sustainable water management strategies, including optimization of resource use, revised consumption patterns, and improved operation of the Yamchi Dam. Such interventions are essential to reduce the negative impacts of climate change and anthropogenic pressures on the river’s hydrological regime.
Hasan Ashtari; Mehdi Ghorbani; Seyed Amir Hossein Garakaani; Sedigheh Ghafari; Sajad Amiri; Maryam Yazdanparast
Abstract
In the dynamic landscape of sustainable land governance, it is crucial to identify stakeholders' positions to formulate and implement policies effectively. In this study, the position of organizations involved in the stakeholder policy network was examined using social network analysis after the implementation ...
Read More
In the dynamic landscape of sustainable land governance, it is crucial to identify stakeholders' positions to formulate and implement policies effectively. In this study, the position of organizations involved in the stakeholder policy network was examined using social network analysis after the implementation of the Development and Advancement Plan of Rural Constellations in Gachsaran County. Twenty-two stakeholders associated with the plan were identified, and their interactions in terms of information exchange and collaboration were assessed. Subsequently, stakeholders' position and power were determined using four primary indicators: degree centrality, closeness centrality, betweenness centrality, and eigenvector centrality. According to the results, the highest in-degree centrality belongs to organizations such as Governorate, District Office, Omid Entrepreneurship Fund, Islamic Revolution Housing Foundation, and Agricultural Jihad Organization. Therefore, the highest level of popularity and political authority in the network belong to these actors. The highest out-degree centrality, closeness, betweenness, and eigenvector centrality belong to organizations such as Governorate, Cultural Heritage and Tourism Organization, Omid Entrepreneurship Fund, and Islamic Revolution Housing Foundation. These actors have a higher position in terms of political influence, mediation, access to resources and information, and political power. In general, the out-degree centrality of organizations is higher compared to in-degree centrality, indicating that these organizations focus more on expanding cooperation and distributing information and resources rather than just receiving information. The findings of this research can assist managers and authorities in implementing rural development plans in other pilot areas towards sustainable land governance.
Leila Mahmoudzadeh; Pejman Tahmasebi; Ataollah Ebrahimi; Samaneh Sadat Mahzooni Kachapi
Abstract
Considering the widespread changes in biodiversity and its vital importance in maintaining ecosystem stability and functionality, precise and continuous assessment of plant diversity indices is essential. Due to temporal, spatial, and economic constraints, field sampling is often difficult and costly ...
Read More
Considering the widespread changes in biodiversity and its vital importance in maintaining ecosystem stability and functionality, precise and continuous assessment of plant diversity indices is essential. Due to temporal, spatial, and economic constraints, field sampling is often difficult and costly in many regions. Therefore, remote sensing data have increasingly gained attention as a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective source for biodiversity assessment and monitoring. This study aims to evaluate the capability of Sentinel-2 satellite data in estimating plant biodiversity indices in semi-steppe rangelands. To this end, eight sampling sites were selected based on management conditions, vegetation cover, and ecological characteristics, and three 30*30 m2 macroplots were established at each site. Vegetation cover sampling was performed using a systematic-random method with 2*2 m2 plots along three transects. After calculating plant diversity indices including alpha diversity, beta diversity, and functional diversity, the relationships between these indices and vegetation indices derived from Sentinel-2 data were examined and statistically analyzed. Data analysis was conducted using linear regression and correlation tests in the R software environment. The results clearly demonstrate that vegetation indices derived from Sentinel-2 satellite imagery are capable of predicting different components of biodiversity in semi-steppe rangelands. Among the indices, EVI showed the strongest correlation with alpha diversity (R²=0.20, P-value=0.02) and functional diversity (functional richness) (R²=0.34, P-value=0.001), whereas NDVI exhibited the highest correlation with beta diversity (Bray-Curtis Similarity and distance indices index) (R²=0.21, P-value=0.01). Other indices such as MSAVI2, AVI, and SAVI also revealed positive and significant correlations with various biodiversity components, although their correlation coefficients were lower than those of the primary indices.
Mohammaadreza Tatian; ٍElahe Shayesteh; Reza Tamartash; Mohammadreza Shooshtari; Nateq Lashkari
Abstract
Iran, owing to its diverse climatic conditions, is considered as one of the main centers of genetic diversity in grasses, particularly forage grasses, in the world. This research aimed to evaluate the variations in forage quality of Bromus tomentellus, Festuca ovina, and Stipa lessingiana in Gavanban ...
Read More
Iran, owing to its diverse climatic conditions, is considered as one of the main centers of genetic diversity in grasses, particularly forage grasses, in the world. This research aimed to evaluate the variations in forage quality of Bromus tomentellus, Festuca ovina, and Stipa lessingiana in Gavanban rangelands of Harsin, Kermanshah Province, at vegetative growth, flowering, and seed maturity stages. To achieve this, each species was randomly sampled in three replicates at each phenological stage. Samples were dried, ground, and assessed using Near-Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy (NIRS) for the determination of their nutritive value, including CP, DMD, WSC, ADF, NDF, ash, N, P, K, and ME. ANOVA followed by Duncan’s multiple range test for mean comparisons were performed in R software. The results indicated that forage quality traits differed significantly during the phenological stages. During the transition from vegetative to seed maturity stages, all three species showed a reduction in DMD, CP, ME, ash, and nitrogen content, while WSC, ADF, and NDF levels increased. At the seed maturity stage, CP decreased most significantly in B. tomentellus (68.02%), while DMD and ME showed their highest decreases in F. ovina, at 30.73% and 38.75%, respectively. In contrast, S. lessingiana revealed a 17.77% increase in WSC. The interspecific comparison demonstrated that B. tomentellus maintained higher nutritional value across phenological stages, which can be attributed to its elevated ME, DMD, and WSC levels and lower ADF content. These findings highlight that optimizing forage nutritive value and ensuring rangeland sustainability require grazing management to be aligned with the phenological stages of dominant species. According to the results, B. tomentellus has the greatest nutritional potential at the vegetative stage, whereas S. lessingiana, despite its lower forage quality, is valuable for rangeland stabilization and restoration due to its strong grazing tolerance and soil-protective role.
)
