Abstract
Assessment of rangeland ecological characteristics have been proposed as an important factor in
reviewing and monitoring the effects of various management measures and it demands different
tools for quantifying and offering a reasonable criterion for comparison of different managements.
For this purpose, the Landscape Function Analysis (LFA) method is capable of displaying the
structural and functional status of pastureland with considering the basic and simple indicators and
it can be resorted to as a basis for selecting optimal and sustainable management. In this study, it
was found out that among different types of pasture management in Kojour Noshahr including;
exclosure, grazing, plowing and planting management - in almost identical conditions regarding
plant types, animal types, soil, geology, and climate the exclosure management was significantly
(P<0/05) more favorable than other kinds of managements in terms of structural and functional
features and it was followed by planting and grazing. Meanwhile, the plowed pastures were
significantly unfavorable (P<0/05) both in terms of structural features and functional characteristics.
Therefore; exclosure can be a perfect option to protect rangeland resources in this region.
)