Journal of Range and Watershed Managment

Abstract Satureja rechingeri, an endemic species from Iran, is distributed in narrow habitats in Ilam and
Khuzestan provinces. This study was conducted in 2013 and some morphological characteristics, oil
content, rosmarinic acid content and ecological features of different populations of S. rechingeri
were studied. Identified habitats of S. rechingeri are located in sub-tropical areas of Ilam and
khuzistan provinces, within 32-33◦ longitude and 46-49◦ latitude and the plant mainly grows on
calcareous rocks in the northern and southern slopes. The highest coefficient of variation among the
traits of S. rechingeri was obtained for leaf surface area (43.01%) and the lowest (9.25%) was
obtained for the diameter of the calyx. The coefficient of variation for essential oil yield was
33.71%. The lowest (2.1%) and the highest (3.51%) average essential oil yields were observed in
Kaver and Lives populations, respectively. Minimum (0.93%) and maximum (6.2%) essential oil
yields were observed among the individuals of the Lives and Kaver populations, respectively.
Highest (54.49%) coefficient of variation for rosmarinic acid content was observed in Bone Adab
population. Amount of rosmarinic acid of methanolic extract of under study populations showed
high variability and varied from 0.54 to 7.29% among individuals, while the average rosmarinic
acid in populations varied from 1.62 percent (Kaver population) to 4.14 percent (Zarrin Abad
population). Diversity of S. richingeri within populations was higher than among them showing
limited segregating of populations.

Abstract This study was conducted in Halgheh Darreh waste disposal site in Karaj in order to determine the
concentration of Ni and Pb in Halimocnemis pilifera and in region’s soil. Three 50*50 m plots in
the direction of the prevailing wind were selected. The First plot was close to the leachate ponds
and the next two plots were located at 500 and 1000 m from the first plot, respectively. Ten random
samples from root and shoot of the plant and also from the soil were collected. The concentrations
of the metals were determined using a flame atomic absorption spectormetery (AA 240 (FS) Varian
Company, USA) after dry acid digestion. Two-way and one-way ANOVA were used to assess the
differences of metal concentrations in roots and shoots of the plants, and in the soil of the plots,
respectively. Duncan Test was applied to compare the average concentrations of metals in different
plots. The results revealed that the soil of the different plots do not have a significant difference in
Ni and Pb concentrations. No significant difference was observed between the metal concentrations
in roots and shoots of the plants. The plants in the second and third plots showed to have the highest
concentration of Pb (3.27 mg kg-1) and Ni (4.41 mg kg-1), respectively. Bioconcentration and
transmission factors for Ni and Pb (TF=1.21; 0.75 and BCF=1.11; 0.29, respectively) suggested that
H.pilifera is an appropriate plant to remove Pb and Ni from soil.

Abstract Gully erosion is one of the most destructive types of hydraulic erosion and an important process in
soil destruction that in some cases creates long, vast, deep canals. Study area was located in the
northeastern Alborz, Mazandaran province and Nowshar County (Firozkola subbasin a portion of
Kojur watershed). This paper examines gully morphometery in relation with physical and chemical
characteristics of soil. The morphometery of gullies such as width, depth and slope were determined
in field. Physical and chemical properties of soil such as exchange cation (EC), organic and
inorganic carbon, soil acidity and soil texture were determined in the laboratory. Data analyses were
performed by Detrended correspondence analysis (DCA). The DCA analysis indicated that the
width and slope are correlated with OC and clay negatively but they have positive correlation with
pH. Hence, it's expected that following reduction of OC and clay and an increase in PH, gully width
boosts. Besides, if EC increases and CaCO3 decreases, depth and w/d ratio of gully will increase.

Abstract Quantification of urban hydrologic response of catchments to rain fall is one of the most important
issues in urban hydrology. Despite its importance, there is scant information by means of which
required data can be obtained for quantifying hydrologic response. In this study, urban database was
developed for a part of Baharestan City in Isfahan Province and using the information, the urban
unit hydrograph was determined through URBS-UH model for two catchments of Baharestan. Peak
of hydrograph of the first and second catchment was estimated 0.0727m3/s and 0.096, respectively.
Flood hydrograph of some rain occurred previously in Baharestan was determined through the unit
hydrograph. Peak discharge of flood was also measured and the efficiency of the developed model
was examined based on the peak information. Nash–Sutcliffe coefficient of the first and the second
catchment were estimated 0.89 and 0.79, respectively. The developed model showed good to very
good performance in the pilot area.

Abstract Predicting climate trends, especially forecasting rainfall, provides managers of different fields with
suitable tools so that considering these predictions; they can devise future-state policies. At this
study, after selecting the most effective climate indices applying PCA method, the effects of largescale
climate signals in seasonal rainfall of basin Maharlu - Bakhtegan were investigated both
simultaneously and by delay through statistical methods (Pearson correlation and cross-correlation
coefficient) and by applying stepwise regression model, regression equation for forecasting rainfall
was offered. The results showed that in cross-correlation between the time series of SPI (dependent
variable) at time (t) and climate signals (independent variable) at time (t-k), only SOI index
concurrently has a significant relationship with rainfall, whereas, most of indices turned significant
with standardized precipitation index with different lag times. In season to season study of the
signals with the standard precipitation index using Pearson's correlation coefficient it was found that
climate signals of spring and summer are not significantly correlated with SPI. Representation
coefficients (R2) and standardized regression effect (Beta) in stepwise regression model showed that
simultaneous and with season to season delays signals (for example: SPI index of autumn with four
previous seasons indexes) at method Pearson correlation have higher relationship with seasonal
standardized precipitation index than the cross-correlation in time (t-k), (which signals of all
seasons given is delay together with than SPI of all seasons) show.

Abstract Abstract Estimation of fine suspended load rivers is important in designing reserves, transition volume of
sediment, and estimating lake pollution. Thus, some methods are needed for determining damages
caused by sedimentations in environment and determining its effects on the watersheds. There are
many methods for estimating suspended load, one of these methods that solves the problems of
sediment discharge and can predict it is using Neuro fuzzy or ANFIS (Adaptive Network Fuzzy
Inference System), and ANN (Artificial Neural Network) methods. These make a function between
sediment and simultaneous discharge by use of different algorithms. The goal of this research is
comparing the effectiveness of Neuro fuzzy, neural network artificial and statistical methods for
estimating suspended load river in Glinak station of Taleghan Basin. It was found out that
suspended load estimations of Nero fuzzy method with MAE 1006 ton/day, and correlation
efficiency (R) 77%, RMSE 2621 ton/day and Nash-Sutcliff error (NS) 0.51 is better than Neural
Network Artificial and Statistical methods and Artificial Neural Network method rather than
Statistical Method are more proper. Also, contracting both neural networks artificial to fuzzy laws
can be illustrated better than other methods, variation of sediment Load River. One more merit of
this method is that it is not sensitive to few errors in early statistical data and this fact enables better
estimation of neural network model in comparison with statistical model. Finally, Neuro fuzzy
method works better as the percent of train data to test data increases.

Abstract More accurate understanding of rock formations and sedimentary units sensitive to erosion will
enable us to present appropriate and timely methods in order to prevent accelerated erosion. In this
study, through predefined sampling from main and minor channels and granulometric analysis
using index sieves, mineralogical investigation has been performed qualitatively and quantitatively
by binoculars in laboratory. After that, sedimentation potential has been calculated by using
practical formulas. Then, sedimentation potential of each sedimentary unit has been estimated from
average results of sedimentary sample and with this method, sedimentation potential of Shafarood
Watershed has been obtained from average results of five sub basins. An equation has been
calculated for each sub basin and by this, an equation for whole watershed was presented. In this
equation, the Y which refers to the amount of delivered sediments has been placed in one side and
rock unit coefficients on the other side. The coefficient of each rock unit has a rule in sediment
production. These coefficients are dimensionless and demonstrate rock unit sensitivity to erosion.
The bigger this value, the more sensitive that rock unit is to erosion. In this way, the map of
sensitivity to erosion for each sub basin has been prepared by using (ARC GIS) software.
According to average sedimentation potential of Shafarood Watershed, marl units (Pgf), silty sandy
shale (Jsh) and sandy limestone (Kusl), have respectively the highest sensitivity and limestone units
(P), andesite - basalt (Pev) and tuffy shale (V) have the least sensitivity to the erosion.

Abstract Development impact assessment is key to achieving a comprehensive planning aligned with land
sustainability. In human and natural systems studies, changes can be simultaneously examined in
two different systems. The purpose of this paper is to understand the effects of dam construction on
land prices and land use change in nearby villages of Taleghan Dam. Descriptive - qualitative
statistics were used in this research and library and field methods were used for collecting the
required information. In order to specify the land value of the four villages of the area of the dam
for four decaes, based on the prices of the year 1390, the land vlue formula was applied. Also, TM
satellite images of 1379 and 1386 were used for pinpointing land use changes. The results of these
studies indicate that dam construction in 1380s and 1390s increased land price significantly and
changes in land price affected upon land use changes in nearby villages of dam and the price of land
in the Zydasht village overlooking the dam increased dramatically.Based on the results of this
research, it can be stated that the dynamics of the land use of the area was affected by land price
that for achieving sustainability in the watershed, an effective law must be enforced to prevent land
degradation and control land prices.

Abstract This study sought to develop a Decision Support System (DSS) for assisting range managers to
detect range condition and make informed decisions about Feridan County rangelands. All plant
species frequencies were measured in 31 range sites with various grazing histories using step point
method. Four hundred points along four perpendiculars 30 meters transects were measured in each
site and grazing indicator species were identified using grazing gradient analysis. The range
conditions of the sites were determined by evaluating the frequencies of indicator species along
grazing gradient using Resource Environment Data Information System (REDIS). The best
management practices and ecological interpretation for each range condition classes were then
inserted into the REDIS model. The end users can import the indicator species frequencies of a
selected site into the REDIS model and obtain the required information about range condition class,
ecological information and management options. According to the results, the frequencies of six
range species in the study area can appropriately determine range condition classes quantitatively.
The model performance was then evaluated by comparing the range condition classes of 12
independent sites by REDIS model and ‘Four Factors’ method. The REDIS model had an accuracy
of 91 percent. The mangers can save the condition position of a selected site along a condition
gradient in REDIS model; hence they could simply monitor the range condition changes of the
studied site.

Abstract WEPP model needs a great deal of input data. Identifying the model’s sensitive parameters and
their prioritization increases the accuracy and efficiency of the model. On the other hand, WEPP
model can simulate processes affecting on runoff, erosion and sediment throughout the year. Thus,
model sensitivity must vary based on the storm occurrence time and parameters value in different
sections of the year. To prove this assumption, two spring and autumn storm events related to 2008
were selected and sensitivity analysis of the WEPP model was done in three plots with different
conditions in Sanganeh watershed. For sensitivity analysis, the OAT method was used and
sensitivity degree of parameters was calculated. Obtained results show that the rate of sand is the
most sensitive parameter of WEPP model. This parameter was followed by other parameters like
clay percent, effective hydraulic conductivity, height and intensity of rainfall, day degree of
growing, growing season and percent of growing season when leaf area index decreases. Most
variations are observed in prioritization of sensitive parameter in the plant/ management file. In
most cases, sensitivity degree of these parameters in autumn event comparing to the spring event
has significantly reduced in all plots. In general, obtained results show that the rate of sensitivity of
the WEPP model to different parameters varies during the time. Hence, for using this complex
model in regions with data limitation, the user must be aware to this issue that regarding storm time,
which parameter is more sensitive in the pilot area and need to be carefully measured in the field.

Abstract To identify an appropriate index for monitoring and evaluation of drought, rainfall data obtained
from meteorological stations of Ilam Province from 2000 to 2011 and MODIS satellite images with
16-day intervals were collected and processed. The Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) was
calculated based on rainfall data; therefore, the rainfall data were used for measuring SPI and
satellite images were used for calculating NDVI. Also, the percentages of canopy cover in range
types were selected from the information of the National Evaluation of rangelands in different
climatic zones. The correlation between SPI and NDVI and also canopy cover and NDVI was
examined. The relationship between vegetation index (NDVI) and SPI was determined by
regression. The results of SPI showed that in 2000 a severe drought and in 2006 a medium wet
occurred in rangelands of Ilam Province. NDVI value variations have as well confirmed it. The
results showed that NDVI and life form (annual forb and annual grass) has the highest percentage of
correlation. Also examining of result showed that most correlation of SPI and NDVI was in 3 and 6-
months intervals. Evaluation of regression models performance in range types described that
models in 3 and 6- months intervals was suitable for monitoring drought. The result of regression
confirmed that NDVI was an appropriate index for monitoring and assessment of drought.

Abstract Achieving integrated natural resource management fundamentally needs effective and coordinated
relationship, collaboration, and synergy among various actors who have common but different
responsibilities. In this sense, the foundation of comprehensive and integrated management is not
compatible with centralization and top-down strategies. The aim of this paper is analysis of network
and organizational cohesion of natural resources stakeholders in Semnan province. In this study,
relations of existing organizations within the network have been investigated based on interorganizational
information transfer and collaboration through social network analysis method and
applying macro-level and middle indexes of institutional network including; the network size,
density, ties reciprocity, and centralization at macro-level and core-periphery index at middle level.
Policy monitoring emphasized in present paper’s title refers to this question that how successfully
natural resource integrated management policies have been realized at least within the fourth and
fifth development programs. Therefore, present study is an attempt to address this question
quantitatively and relying on the results of indexes of structural analysis of natural resource
stakeholders’ network in the pilot area. The results of this study indicate that institutional cohesion
is 40 percent (poor) and sustainability of institutional network based on reciprocity is about 47
percent (medium). Additionally the core-periphery index showed that the density of institutional
network of Semnan province in core actors’ subgroup is 77 percent and in periphery actors’
subgroup is 25 percent. Research findings identify existing capacities for applyin integrated natural
resources management and reveal the necessity of reducing network centralization and
strengthening the relationship among various stakeholders of this section.

Abstract In this study, the sediment yield of forest roads of Darabkola watershed was investigated and
estimated using WARSEM and SEDMODEL. Rainfall simulator was applied to measure the
sediment of abovementioned roads directly. In order to apply WARSEM and SEDMODEL models,
field operations for measurement of different parameters including road length and width, height
and coverage of road cut-slope, road longitudinal slope, shape and configuration of the road, road
surface, and etc. were carried out in 63 different segments of the path of forest roads in the study
area as 11979 meters long. Then sediment yield of roads was measured by rainfall simulator with
nozzle of 3 meters high and plot of 2 square meters. Results of the WARSEM and SEDMODL
models and rainfall simulation showed that sediment yield of forest roads are equal to 9.918, 5.109,
and 4.141 kg/m2/year, respectively. Results also showed that there was no significant difference
between sediment yield of rainfall simulation and SEDMODEL at significance level of %95. It was
also revealed that SEDMODL is more suitable for estimating sediment yield of forest road with
values of RD, MD, BIAS, RE and RMSE equal to 21.42, 4.54, 0.04, 17.59 and 0.71, respectively.

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.

Abstract Landslide occurs inevitably and naturally in many slopes due to sensitive formations, moisture, and
other factors. Taleghan watershed is prone to landslide due to the presence of huge Miocene marl
masses. After construction of Taleghan reservoir dam, moisture and ecological condition of the
region changed. In this paper, factors impacting upon landslide hazard (slope, aspect, hypsometry,
geology, land use, distance to road, distance to lake) were studied and their role and importance on
this phenomenon were verified in a large (maximum distance of 1500 meter from lake) and a small
(maximum distance of 450 meter from lake) spatial scale. Thus, GIS maps of the above mentioned
parameters were provided using satellite and aerial images and field activities. All maps were
crossed with a resolution of 100m*100m. It was found out that the distance to the lake didn’t
influence upon landslide in a large spatial scale but it falls effective as the distance to the lake
reduces. In fact lake has a local effect and mostly influences at maximum 200 meter distance.

Abstract The development and implementation of practical natural resources and catchment management
policies require a comprehensive knowledge of the system processes (biological, physical, and
socio-economic), their complicated interactions, and how they react to different changes. The
current research assessed the ecological, physical, and socio-economic consequences of
biologically-based management scenarios targeting runoff and soil erosion problems in the
Darenari catchment. The Darenari catchment with an approximate area of 554 ha is located in Fars
province, Iran. Three biological activities and 8 management scenarios were considered. Ecological
consequences were studied using the weighted land cover area index (WLCAI). Physical effects
were investigated applying the runoff curve number (SCS-CN) hydrologic model. Economic and
social effects were assessed applying the cost/benefit analysis as well as examining the outcomes of
a social survey. Then, a fuzzy AHP approach was applied to weigh the criteria and ultimately, the
best management option was chosen using FTOPSIS model. The results showed that social criteria
with the highest weight and scenario No 8 was the best scenario and had first priority. The results
idicated that the multi-criteria decision making techniques included capability of expressing
different aspects of the problem and are the perfect tool for watershed resources management.

Abstract Grazing animals affect rangeland vegetation structure and function both directly and indirectly.
These effects can be assessed in exclosures. In this study, vegetation changes inside and outside of
exclosures of Tanglaybid rangelands, located in south-western part of Yazd province, have been
investigated. Vegetation changes study was carried out in 3 key areas inside and also 3 key areas
outside of exclosure and lasted for 5 years (2000-2005). Every key area included 3 transects of 100
meters long and 40 meters intervals. The transects were selected vertical to slope, including 10
fixed plots (2×1 m2). Vegetation cover, density and frequency percentage of each plot species were
measured annually. The random- systematic method was applied as a sampling method. Vegetation
changes inside and outside of exclosure were assessed, in a completely random plan, applying
Duncan's test (P < 0.05). The results showed that vegetation cover percentages increased
significantly (P < 0.05), inside the exclosure comparing to outside of it. Mean coverage of annual
and perennial grasses and also bushes, inside the exclosure comparing to its outside increased 47,
38 and 7%, respectively. Thus, in present research, exclosure has positive effects on vegetation
cover changes of several species. Frequency percentage results showed that there was no significant
difference, inside against outside the exclosure in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004. Regarding
density, there was significant difference only in 2001.The results can be considered in future
management of the area's rangelands and similar regions throughout Iran

Abstract This research aimed at studying the vegetation and investigating the effects of physiographic,
edaphic and geological factors upon distribution of plant communities in Manesht district in Ilam
province. Sampling was done based on plant types and land unit map. The number of samples was
determined by Krebs method. In total, 125 square sampling plots of 400 2 m area were selected by
random systematic method. To determine soil factors, two soil samples (0–30, 30-90 cm deep) were
collected from each land unit and physico-chemical parameters were measured. Using TWINSPAN,
vegetation of study area was classified and then PCA and CCA were used to investigate the
relationship between vegetation and environmental factors. Based on TWINSPAN, four vegetation
groups were recognized. According to TWINSPAN results, four ecological groups were identified
that first and second groups with 31 and 46 sample plots, respectively and by Quercus barantti,
Crataegus pontica and Acer monspessulanum, as indicator species, are more calciphiles than
another groups. The first three axes of the PCA accounted for 62.83%, 23.45% and 13.72% of the
total plant cover variability, respectively. Also based on Mont Carlo analysis, first and second axes
with 0.68 and 0.48 eigenvalue, accounted for 28% and 19% of the variability, respectively and the
correlation coefficient of axes and species is 0.98. According to PCA and CCA, Formation, organic
matter and lime were the most important factors on establishing of ecological groups.

Abstract