IRANIAN JOURNAL OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Year:2006 | Volume:58 | Issue:4|Papers Count:24

Land use transfer from range and forest to farm and orchard that has recently occurred in many parts of Iran has brought about change in water regime in many different river basins. The same has happened in the study area in Barandoozchay catchments with an area of 1146 km2, located in northwestern Iran. In this region during a 45 years period (1334 - 1379 for which air photographs and satellite images are available) the dry farming areas increased from 4528 to 20231 ha. In this study, after an interpretation of air photographs and satellite images the old and current land use maps have been prepared. NRCS model along with HEC_HMS software were used to simulate rainfall-runoff in the catchment area.Results indicate that the flood in new period increased up to %70 during the studied period, but the extent in increase in peak discharge became lower for the higher return periods.

Samples taken from lithological units and sand dunes in point grid, were analyzed through morphoscopic and mineralogical studies. The same-sized maps of sand dunes were then drawn by using statistical parameters of grains. Maps and distribution of statistical parameters show that grain size decreases from 0.37 mm in west to 0.18 mm in east through Erg. Also there is an increase in the degree of sorting and roundness in this direction. The coarsest particles are found in ripple marks as well as in sand sheets whereas nebkas contain the finest ones. According to the relationship between grain size and their transportation distances by winds, the first accumulation phase (D1) is 3 km far from the erg. Based 01) microscopically results, rock fragments make up 85%, whereas minerals makeup 15% of grains including quartz, feldspar and calcite. According to X-ray diffraction and Electron Microscope Scanning, quartz frequency relates to quartzose-sandstones, calcite: frequency's related to fleshed limestone with clay minerals having originated: from shale sources. In the second sedimentation phase (D2) or erg, 98.54% of sands have been transported through salutation, while only 1.2 %, and. 0.26% through suspension and creep processes respectively. According to morphscopic analysesby using binocular and SEM photos of quartz and results: from Friedman's Diagram, 80% of sands were shown to be transported by collaboration of water and wind, while only 20% by water alone. This indicats that water is an important agent in semi-arid bioclimatical zones. Finally, based on mineralogical studies, the most important sources of Shandan sand dunes are recognized as Saravan lithological units (ES3, ES4) as well as Zaboli lithological unit (EZ) with other units having little effect in sand production for the erg.

Inaccessibility of data regarding sediment distribution during rainstorms is an ever prevailing problem in soil and water conservation projects in Iran. Sofar, the relationship between sediment discharge and water discharge has only been investigated through employing exponential equations, in which the positions of studied discharges have not been taken into account. In this paper, an attempt has been made to investigate the relationship between sediment and water discharge in rising as well as falling limbs of hydrograph using field measurements as well as by the help of regression concept. The endeavor was implemented in a part of chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, namely zarinderakht watershed in Western Iran. The results revealed that the application of Regression Model is an easy and suitable technique for promoting the accuracy of sediment estimation through which the generation of total sediment graph is achievable. Besides that, the transformed exponential equation bearing a regression coefficient of 90% was found to be a better interpreter for the relationship between water and sediment discharge than the one whose regression coefficient was 78%, only. The relative error of estimation of the developed models was also less than the acceptable level of 32.6%.

Soil physical properties are affected by different harvesting treatments. In this study the effect of group selection as a method on soil physical properties has been evaluated. Two similar areas were selected, one as a treated area, and the other as control. Soil mechanical resistance, infiltration rate, soil moisture content, bulk density and porosity were determined prior to, and after cutting. The results indicated that, there were no significant differences between cut and control areas prior to cutting operation. But after cutting, soil mechanical resistance, in cut area, increased for about 17% as compared with control. Bulk density in the 0-5 cm depth increased in cut area while porosity in this depth was decreased for about 12%. Soil moisture content in 0-5cm depth was higher as compared with that in the lower depths. Infiltration rate had decreased for as much as 47% in cut area.

Genetic structure of Fagus oriental is Lipsky was investigated in 14 populations along the distribution range of this species in Hyrcanian zone through 12 Isozyme loci. Results were compared with 160 beech populations from putative species tunica, F.moesiaca, and Eurupian beech F.sylvatica. Mean allelic frequencies in oriental beech of Iran, in comparison with other beeches indicated that there were very few alleles, which are specific for one or few adjacent regions, so that alleles MDHN A and GOT-B/A were observed just in Iran. There were some clinal variations found in allelic profiles. The frequency 'of the slowly migrating allele, MDH-a/E, almost absent in the west, increases towards the East up to more than 40% in Alborz Mts. There is no concordance between the trends of genetic diversity and multiplicity. Alborz Mts., in  spite of low diversity's the most differentiated region. Considerable genetic differentiation in Iran beech forests, originated from tertiary, emphasised the fact that conservation of these unique forest types is not only important as a guarantee for biological diversity, resistance against climate changes, but also as gene reserves for revival of the degraded ecosystems. Conservation of these forests amounts to the conservation of thousands of years in evolutionary processes of environmental adaptability.

The current research on wych elm was performed in Kheyroudkenar Forest, Noshahr. To detect the spatial pattern, Mean Square method was employed. Initially the locations of Wych elm individuals were recorded through GPS equipment, then transferred into Computer. For the design of grids with different sizes as well as Marking points on them. Arcview, Arcinfo and Idrisi software's were applied. The results indicated that Wych elm exhibits a pattern intermediate between random and clumped. This is the existing pattern of Ulmus glabra, because probably its real pattern has been changed due to Dutch elm disease as well as due to illegal cuttings.

Animal Logging, as a Low Impact Logging System, has been employed in forest harvesting Since since many years ago. To estimate the Mule Logging damages, two assessments, one before and the other, after completion of operations was carried out. The measurements "included: number of seedlings soil compaction as well as soil pH. Twenty seven percent of seedlings were damaged while 31% totally destroyed. Soil compaction was increased by 13.8% while no significant change was observed in soil pH. In compartment 218 of Kheyroudkenar Forest in Nowshahr, the calculated area for whole skid trails, landings and processing locations indicated that 5.72% of the compartment area had been damaged.

This study has been carried out to obtain an appropriate model for the distribution of natural beech population in diameter classes in two different forest areas of Sangdeh and Shastkolateh in northern Iran. Two different regions of beech forest were selected according to their varied age as well as varied growing conditions. These were separated from other sections and therefore four sample areas in one hectare selected for an overall sampling. Then, the numbers of points were plotted according to diameter class. Among different variants, diameter at breast height was shown to represent a reasonable distribution of points. Also statistical distribution of Beta, Weibule, Exponential, and Power were investigated in relation to distribution of points, their efficiency being concluded through chi-square. The results indicate that from among different methods, regression model bears the most suitable estimation for the mentioned regions. Power model for both selected areas and Beta distribution for Shastkolateh are expected to end up with reasonable results. Finally it can be concluded, although selective method is used as an approach for the distribution trend in forest stands, but, the above mentioned models can be recommended as more appropriate for the study areas.

In order to compare the growth in 16-year-oldPopulus X. euramericana (Dode) (Juinier (clone I-214) trees in different soils, seven plantation sites of 5 x 5 m tree spacing were chosen in western Mazandaran plain, north of Iran. In each site three transects (replications) of 20 x 33.3 m area were taken in a randomly designed experiment, while and diameter at breast height (d.b.h.) as well as height for all trees within transects were determined. Soil in sites after physio-chemical analysis, was classified into four types, namely, podzolic brown grayish of much organic matter (A), brown forest (B), podzolic brown grayish (C) and pseudoglay (D). Averages in annual growth of d.b.h., height, basalarea (b.a.) in ha, and volume (in ha.), based on soil type, were computed and statistically analyzed (at a level of 1% probability). The results demonstrated that, except height growth which was statistically equal (168-174 cm) in A, B as well as in C soils, other -characteristics of d.b.h. (1.6-1.7 cm), b.a. (1.3-1.5 m2 /ha) and volume growth (16.4-17.1 m3 /ha) were greater in A and B than in C and Dsoils. The measured figures were the lowest in D type soil. It can be concluded that, A and B soils are more favorable for growing Populus X. euramericana clone I-214 in western Mazandaran plain, and therefore its plantation is recommended, preferably, on these soils.

Karyotypicstudies of two species of fishes namely Barbus capito , Barbus mursa as well as two populations of Capoeta capoeta gracilis have been investigated. Karyotypic analysis showed that B.Capitoand B. mursa chosen from Sefidroud and Shahroud rivers (Roudbar township in Guilan province) carry diploid chromosome number as well as fundamental number (NF) of respectively 2n= 100, NF=172 and 2n= 100, NF=140. The first region chosen from Sefidroud and Shahroud rivers (Roudbar township in Guilan province) carries 2n=150, NF=234 and the second region (chosen from Golestan National Park) exhibits 2n=150, NF=230. Polyploidy has been observed in these species while polymorphism being observed in Fundamental Number in both regions, populations of Capoeta capoeta gracilis.

This investigation was performed with the aim of surveying the effect of Bacillus bacteria administration, as a probiotic, on shrimp farms production efficiency. Indian white shrimp (F.indicus) was affected by a mixture of 5 species of Bacillus bacteria from PL30 to PL120 in 100 m2 earthen-Ponds in three treatments: Treatment P consisted of shrimp that received the probiotic only in farming stage (PL3oto PL120); treatment pp was consistent of shrimp that received the probiotic in both hatchery (nauplii1to PL3o) and farming stages, and finally control (C) that received no pro biotic in either of the hatchery or farming stages. According to findings in the investigation shrimp survival rate, wet Night, final production, FCR and SGR improved significantly (p<0.05) with application of Bacillus bacteria, specially in treatment PP. To cite an example; survival rate, final production and FCR were 88,53%, 25.56 Kg/100m2,and 1.73 respectively in treatment PP while 71.5%, 19.06 Kg/100m2 and 98 in control. However from total and carapace length points of view there were no significant differences observed among treatments (p>0.05).

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of different doses of hydrogen peroxideon fertilized eggs of rainbow trout as compared to use of mallachite green, which is commonly used in hatcheries. For In vitro tests, treatment with 250, 500 or 1000 mg/l of H2O2 for either 15 or 30 min was shown to be effective in control of fungi (controlled fungi in petridish), and for In vivo test, treatment with 250 mg/l of H2O2 for 30 min at 7°C was adequate for complete fungal control. There were no significant differences doserved with 2 mg/l malachite green in terms of either percentage of eggs infected or mortality until eyed egg stage. The results indicate that H2O2 is not only not dangerous for hygienic and environmental conditions but profitable and suitable due to oxygen release and improvement of water quality.

The effects resulting from commercial and economical activities on bio - marine environment of Bandar Abbas coasts were studied. Nine transects were consider vertical to coast line while13 stations determined in each transect. Three transects were to the east of Bandar Abbas and 6 in west of Shahid Bahonar Platform to west of Shipping Complex.Samples were taken twice in each station and then the rates of zinc, copper, iron, chromium, and lead measured by atomic absorption application. Sampling and analyses were performed according to the standard method MOOPAM, 1989. Results indicate the concentration of copper as equal to 33.2 ppm, chromium 68.3 ppm, iron 34.5 g/kg and lead as 3.4 ppm. The concentration of metals (assessed according to Sediments International Standards) indicates all metals except chromium to be lower in to amount as compared to international standards. This concentration as compared to regional control samples show the region is contaminated with copper, zinc and chromium. Therefore it was concluded that commercial and industrial activities in the region give rise to contamination (copper, zinc and chromium); even though such a contamination (excepting chromium) is less than that in international standards. The relation coefficients among elements indicate that the sources of contamination of zinc, copper, chromium, and lead are similar, whereas iron, because of its diffusion, has earthen (terrestrial) origin. SPSS program was needed to be employed for statistical calculations.

Paulownia (Paulownia fortunei) is one of the exotic tress which has been successfully growing in Gorgan region since twenty five years ago. The eight years old paulownia trees have born hundred percent juvenile wood, in which fiber length for the first and eighth annual rings were measured 0.800 and 1.11 mm respectively. Postcambial growth of fiber length begins starting from the sixth annual ring. Fiber diameter and thickness in the first annual ring were 31.00 and 4. 14 and in the eighth annual ring 33.18 and 5.18 micrometers respectively. A maximum coefficient of variation was found for fiber thickness, while a minimum value obtained for fiber diameter. Minimum fiber diameter variation was observed starting from first to eighth annual rings, in which fiber indices were measured 26 and 34 respectively. Water soluble extractive material was measured 6.94%, the most among all solutions.Aceton and aceton+alcohol soluble and extractable materials were 5.05% and 4.88% respectively, very similar to each other. Average lignin content was calculated as 29.77%,that is pretty high and comparable with coniferous, lignin content. Cellulose and hemicelluloses contents were measured as 45.55% and 24.66% respectively.

The influence of fungus (Coriolus versicolor) on durability of sapwood as well as heartwood of black poplar (Populus nigra var.pyramidalis) in either natural state or treated with creosote and tanalite C (Chromate, Copper, Arsenic) in five concentrations (1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 percent) by use of Kolleshale's method and according to prEN:113 (1994) standards was studied.A factorial design of randomized blocks was used as statistical plan for the analysis of the results. Specimens were treated employing Bethel procedure after which the samples were contaminated with fungus (Curious vesicular) cultured in Kolle on malt extract agar culture. The cultured fungus continued its growth under 25°C temperatures, and 15% relative humidity for sixteen weeks.Weight reduction was measured, the results being as follows: weight reduction in samples was observed to be significant. Heart wood weight reduction was observed to be more than sapwood weight reduction. There was a relationship between the type of preservatives well as salt percentage with weight reduction. Salt with different concentrations and the type of preservative exerted a strong influence on durability of the samples and according to standards, undurable control samples were changed into very durable ones. The effect of five different concentrations of salt was shown to be significant in weight reduction. Salt with 3, 4 and 5 percent concentrations were placed in one group.Since concentration of 3 percent required less use of chemicals, therefore it most suitable was chosen as the concentration. Weight reductions in treated samples with tantalite C (3 percent concentration) and with creosote (as compared to control samples) were significant at 1% level. of probability. But there was no significant difference observed between treated samples with tantalite C (3 percent) and creosote at this level.

This project was undertaken to study the deinkability of Iranian old newsprint and to compare it with Thai and American ONPs. The raw material samples were collected from the store houses (central office of newspapers) in Tehran as well as from a local mill in Bangkok. The experiments were conducted under similar conditions for different raw material samples, Iranian ONP, Thai GNP, American east coast as well as west coast ONP. After sample preparation, wash deinking technique was conducted by means of Bauer McNett fractionator. Finally, hand sheets were made using laboratory standard sheet maker to examine the optical properties of deinked hand sheets. Deinkability was determined using two methods, Deinkability-brightness and Deinkability-Lab methods.The results indicated that Iranian ONP exhibited the highest deinkability-brightness factor while had the highest deinkability-Lab factor was recorded for American ONPs.

Ultrasonic wave velocity as well as some mechanical properties such as modulus of elasticity, modulus of rupture and shear strength in partic1eboardwere determined at different angels along manufacturing direction and at angle intervals of 15°. The results demonstrated that ultrasonic wave velocity as well as modulus of elasticity are highest along manufacturing direction, decreasing with increase in angle, and while the lowest figures occur in a direction perpendicular to the manufacturing direction. This trend was not observed for either modulus of rupture or shear strength. A higher correlation was observed between modulus of elasticity and ultrasonic velocity as compared with the correlation between ultrasonic velocity and either shears strength or modulus of rupture. The correlation between ultrasonic velocity and modulus of elasticity in surface layer of particleboard was higher than that in core layer. The ratio of moduli of elasticity along different angles showed a higher anisotropy than the ratios of either ultrasonic wave velocities or moduli of rupture.

In range management, an investigation of the range land plants: preference values are essential, since available forage in every site is dependent on their preference values. Yazdian goat behavior in the Nir Research Station in Posht-kooh steppic ranges was studied for two consecutive years (2000-2001). In this study, six goats were made to grazed in a moderate intensity and rotational grazing system. The goats were kept, for 15 days, within every of the 3 partial blocks. Preference values of range plants were recorded by Feeding Minutes Method, two times during the 15 days. Data related to every grazing period as well as whole grazing season were analyzed by using a randomized complete block design and a split plot (in time) design respectively. The results show preference values for every species in every grazing period to be significantly different (P<0.01). During the whole grazing seasons (2000-2001) preference values differences for every species were observed to be significant (P<0.01). In a very dry year (2000) Stipa barbata, Salsola rigida and Artemisia sieberi exhibited the most preference value respectively. During 2001, with more precipitation the annual plants, Salsola rigida, Stipa barbata and Artemisia sieberi were of the most preference value respectively. Yazdi goat spent 90% of grazing time on indicator species (Salsola rigida, Artemisia sieberi, and Stipa barbata) andon three accompanying species (Noaea mucronata, Scariola orientalis and Launaea acanthodes) as well as on total annual plants. According to these results, this animal is not a pure browser.

Soil-plant relationships are very important to be known for management and planning of rangelands. These correlations can help managers and experts in increasing production and preventing financial damages. Planting range species along freeways is important for a nice view along freeway sides, prevent on of soil erosion, and acting as wind breaks. Therefore, a study of positive as well as negative effects of plants on soil is necessary and recommended. Aim in the present study was to survey the effects of Haloxylon aphyllum, Atriplex canescens, and Tamarix aphylla on soil properties along Tehran-Qom freeway. In planted as well as control regions, two 50 meter transects were established for comparing the effects of species on soil characteristics. Three points of location at the beginning, middle and end of transects were considered for digging of profiles. Six profiles (2x3) were dug and soil samples taken from different depths of 0-10 cm, 10-30 cm and 30-60 cm. Measured soil parameters were EC, pH, Nitrogen (N), Phosphorous (P), Potassium (K), Organic Matter (O.M), Sodium (Na), Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Chlorine (C1), Carbonate (C03) and Bicarbonate (HCO3). Some of the mentioned parameters had positive effects while others exhibited negative effects. Paired sample t-test was employed to compare the data obtained from planted, and control treatments. Results indicated that some soil elements such as N, P, K and O.M. increased due to A. canescens while acidity decreased. T aphylla caused an increased in N, P, K and ECe. N, K, ECe acidity increased due to the presence of H. aphyllum while P decreased. Altogether, results indicate, as weel as that A. canescens plantation improves soil characteristics, T. aphylla stands in between, while. H. aphyllum can't be recommended in the mentioned sites.

Ferula (Ferula assa feotida) is a perennial plant which belongs to Umbelliferea family. It grows in a wide range of regions of arid and semi-arid climates in Iran. It has also been one of the most important export items among industrial and medicinal plants during the past years. The importance of the latex is due to its export value, in addition to medicinal applications. In order to economically evaluate Ferula's natural harvesting, a study was conducted on seven Ferula habitats in Tabass region. Exploitation period is comprised of three stages, each stage being of a distinct time duration.Based on filed studies and considering a 10% probable loss, the number of permissible plants for harvesting was estimated as 3110085 ones. Quantitative yield (kg) and gross income (Rials) of extracted latex was estimated 96400 kg and 12657843320 Rials, respectively. By taking in to account the operation costs of 6627342755 Rials and gross income, a total net income of 6030500565 Rials would be expected from the practice.Results indicate that suitable utilization of Ferula habitats especially as regards its biodiversity preservation, could introduce this plant as one of the most important items of non-oil exports commodities of Iran. This can also at least decrease the rate of rural people's immigration to cities if not totally curb it.

Frequency data in 12 range sites from 3 vegetation types were used to determine vegetation and range condition classes. U.S. Forest Service method was employed for condition classification of the same sites. Results of this method were considered as control for evaluating the results of frequency method. To determine vegetation and range condition, percent composition in each species was calculated from frequency data. Species were divided into 3 groups of desirable, intermediate and least desirable, and percent compositions in each group were calculated. Using SPSS software, 2 regression models were constructed. First model with 2 independent variables included percent compositions of desirable and intermediate range species. In this model, dependent variable was vegetation condition score. The other model with 3 independent variables included two groups of species percent compositions as previous model plus soil scores as the third variable. Dependent variable in this model was therefore range condition score. Vegetation and range condition classification of the 12 range sites resulted from first and second models had 91% and 100% accuracy respectively, when compared with the results obtained from U.S. Forest Service method. Quadrat size (1x1 m) proved to be the most appropriate size for frequency data collection on studied range sites. Frequency data in these sites were used to create a condition classification guide. Entering percent composition of desirable and intermediate species in vertical and horizontal axes of this guide respectively, class of vegetation condition for a given range site will be determined.