Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Department of Reclamation of Arid and Mountainous Regions, Faculty of Natural Resources, University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran.
2 Water and Soil Conservation Engineering Department, Soil Conservation and Watershed Management Research Institute (SCWMRI), Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran, Iran
3 Department of Reclamation of Arid and Mountainous Regions, Faculty of Natural Resources, University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
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, planting, terracing combined with planting, contour banding with planting, pitting with seeding, and contour furrowing with planting) 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 planting 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 planting, also showed positive effects on vegetation cover improvement. Regarding forage production, the planting treatment yielded the highest mean production (423 kg/ha), followed by seeding (367 kg/ha) and terrace planting (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 planting and seeding, to improve the quality and sustainability of rangeland ecosystems.
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