IRANIAN JOURNAL OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Year:2006 | Volume:59 | Issue:3|Papers Count:24

There have been several models presented for evaluation and provision of the prevailing conditions of desertification. In this research, the ongoing condition of desertification (with emphasis on wind erosion) has been considered. By using the Modified MEDALUS model (Ekhtesasi-Ahmadi 2004), in Fakhrabad of Mehriz region, four indices of desertification were evaluated and related information layers provided. These layers are: 1- Data layer of wind erosion model (IRIFR). This layer includes three classes of: high (27958 ha), moderate (28628 ha) and low (33330 ha). 2- Data layer of DSI index. This layer includes two classes which are low (2354 ha) and moderate (7545 ha). 3- Data layer of soil surface material. This layer includes three classes of: high (26331ha), moderate (31412ha) and low (32165 ha). 4- Data layer of Soil compressive strength. This layer includes three classes which are high (7565 ha), moderate (49024ha), and low (33327 ha). Finally, geometric average values of these layers were calculated. Then, through a classification of this map, the prevailing condition of desertification was determined. The results indicate that the studied region (89916 ha, area) is divided into the three following classes: 1- Low desertification intensity class, of 44640 ha (%49/54) area. 2- Medium desertification intensity class, with an expansion of 37648 ha (%41/76) area. 3- High desertification intensity class, of 7628 ha (%8/38) area.

Yazd– Ardakan basin is one of the areas exposed to wind erosion and dust storms. This basin is located in the center of Iran, northwest of Yazd. Since analysis of anemometric data has a special importance for evaluating and distinguishing erosive storm winds, so in this survey, anemometric data of a duration period of about 20 years (1982-2000) from synoptic station of Yazd have been taken and analyzed through different methods. Results obtained from analysis of data through "WRPLOT"(Wind rose plot software) indicated that the direction of prevailing winds in Yazd basin is generally from west to north-west (W-NW). The southeast (SE) direction comes next in level. Among the anemometric data employed in this research, the frequency percentage of calm winds with a velocity of less than one knot (0.54meter per second) was estimated to be 47.6%. Results obtained, after determining and drawing storm rose, indicate that based on minimum threshold velocity (about 6.5 m/s on the fine grain plain), dust storm winds in yazd plain have been generally directed northwest. The other west sector winds, including those towards west and south west direction, were almost of the same nature, while southeast winds played a less important role. Based on storm rose, frequency of wind of less velocity less than 6.5 m/s (threshold velocity) is 97% as observed from yazd station. So the frequency of dust stormy winds is reduced to 3%. The obtained results indicate that the NW, SW and W winds have the most drift potential (DP) respectively while other winds are of less power for carrying sands. The resultant drift direction (RDD), has been determined as from southwest-west (SWW) towards northeast-east (NEE). The angular direction in this respect estimated as is 77 degrees, measured clockwise from the geographical north.

Desertification has recently been in various ways discussed in scientific and research centers at universal, regional and national levels. Vast attempts have been made to control it. Its control is undoubtedly indispensable, because if desertification occurs in one part of the world, the consequences would be devastating to inhabitants all over the world. Access to knowledge of vulnerability and susceptibility of areas to desertification is the first step that must be taken to combat the phenomenon. From among the many methods of identification of areas susceptible to desertification the Iranian Classification of Desertification (ICD) was chosen. Based upon ICD the map for the present status of desertification for Koohdasht basin with an area of 45600 ha was prepared. The environmental cause, human cause, influencing factors, type of process, the predominating criteria and indices, as well as the class of desertification intensity were determined for the basin. Results indicate that desertification of the area accompanied by land destruction of the area accompanied by land destruction of average intensity has started and is continuing. Among the expediting factors to be named are: underground water withdrawal through pumping which has resulted in a deeper underground water, and a destruction of plant and vegetation through either a change of land use from its natural state to urban development of overgrazing of the rangelands.

Iran is located in one of the dry land regions of the word, where water is a limiting factor for lasting life. A major part of human activities, such as development of renewable natural resources, agriculture, and industry, as well as urban development is concentrated on quaternary deposits. Flood spreading can be considered as ideal for optimal use and utilization of quaternary deposits. It causes economic development through flood mitigation and erosion control. Factor, such as slope, geology, geomorphology, hydrology, infiltration rate, cover as well as environmental impacts of the projects should be considered in the process of selecting appropriate areas for artificial recharge through flood spreading. Such data are not available for most plains of Iran and their preparation is time consuming and expensive. In this research relationship between geomorphology and suitability of an area for flood spreading has been investigated. For this propose, geomorphology map of the study area in Meymeh plain was prepared through aerial photo interpretation satellite image processing, and topography maps using Ahmadi method (1378). To ascertain the capability of the geomorphology maps in site selection for flood spreading، the produced maps were compared with the appropriation maps of the area for flood spreading. These are map that have been prepared by investigating several thematic layers using DSS and GIS. The results indicate that Epandage plain geomorphological unit is highly in match with appropriate sites for flood spreading. The research emphasizes the capability of geomorphological maps to be used in site selection for flood spreading. Due to simple icily of the method for producing such maps, the method can be used widely in areas with insufficient available data.

In Iran, different methods are used for soil studies most of which are suggested by agricultural soil scientists, and therefore are not fully suitable for natural resources studies. One method that is currently and already used in natural resources projects is geomorphology. For an evaluation of this method, Hassanjoon sub-catchment of Taleghan drainage basing, located in 50o37’ to 50o50’ longitude and 36o7’ to 36o20’ latitude, and with high geological variation was selected. The maps of geolomorphological units were initially prepared through photology and field checks using Geographic information System, scaling 1:20000. Then were made 60 profiles from which soil samples were taken. Samples were analyzed physically as well as chemically for a determination of pH, EC, %OM, %CaCo3, %silt, %sand, and %clay. Analysis of paired T-test showed that geomorphology unit is homogeneous. Since in geomorphological units all pedogeny factors are considered, hence this leads to more profiles dug, and causes much more costs. But, since more costs bring more precision in soil studies, which is very important in watershed and range management decision makings, so it seems that digging more profiles is Feasible as well as acceptable. Soil is an important factor in range and watershed management projects. Success or failure in these projects is directly or indirectly affected by results obtained from soil studies. Sometimes, it is possible to mix different geomorphologic units, which can help to decrease the number of profiles needed.

The spatial patterns of trees species (Quercus libani,Quercus infectoria, Quercus brantii, Pyrus syriaca, Crataegus pontica) in a forest in northern Marivan, Kurdistan province, Iran, were statistically analyzed. Study of spatial patterns of tree species has extensive applications in ecological management of forest areas. Northern Zagross region accompanied by cold moist climate has createda spatially thick tree cover on wetter slopes affecting the distribution of these tree covers. In this research, systematic random sampling was employed to examine the different spatial patterns. The determination methods of the spatial patterns includes: general procedure, distribution models (Poisson and negative binomial), and quantitative dispersion indices. General procedure distinguished clumped distribution for tree species. Poisson distribution model proved clumped distribution for tree’s species. The negative binomial distribution using goodness of fit chi-square test showed clumped distribution for Quercus infectoria species while the rest did not follow this pattern. The negative binomial distribution using goodness of fit U statistic distinguished as clumped the distribution of tree species. Green’s and standard Morisita indices exhibited clumped distributions for tree species. In this analysis, Green’s index and negative binomial distribution model using goodness of fit, U statistic were distinguished as suitable for assessing the arrangement of a set of data to clumped pattern.

In order to study the asexual propagation of blue spruce clone, two separate studies were designed and carried out. Two common grafting methods under two hormonal treatments on Picea excelsa L. through on RCB design (RCRD) were performed. Cuttings were prepared at two different times of year and under different hormonal treatments as Analysis of compound with three replications in each trial. In the first treatment, the hormone application on scions caused a 15% improvement in graft success as compared to control. Side wedge grafting caused a 19% increase in grafting improvement as compared to side veneer grafting. In the second trial, hormone treatments showed a significant difference in all the rooting indices at 5% level. Also the interaction effect of time on adventitious root development demonstrated a significant difference. The highest rooting percent, the most adventitious roots number and the most callused cuttings were obtained through applying 8000, 4000 and 2000 ppm IBA, respectively. The highest mean of root length was obtained by applying 2000 ppm IBA in July.

This research was carried out in a section of Kheirood-Kenar educational and research forest station with the mean slope of 76 percent. A method of estimating the surface area using the slope is introduced which has vast applications in all areas of natural resource management. Statistical analyses of the collected data showed a significant relation between surface and plan metric areas with the slope, but there is not significant relation between the two areas Mon-significant difference between difference of surface and plan metric areas is a confirmation of joint effect of plan metric area and slope on surface area. For determining the surface area, the mean slope of the area can be used in the equation given by the authors (equation 1), but it is preferred to use the slope of each cell. Furthermore, two presented graphs (5, 6) can be used to find one factor given any one of the slope or the difference between surface area and plan metric area in percent. The for areas up to 55 percent slope difference between surface area and plan metric area is less than 10 percent of plan metric area.

Scarcity of “Land” suitable for the economical production of goods and services along with its immobility has added to the importance of land allocation to its most suitable uses. It is exceedingly important to develop a land use pattern, which is in line with natural capabilities as well as economic infrastructures. The complexity of the allocation procedure on the one hand, and the capability of GIS to handle spatial data, and possession of Decision Support Systems (DSS) on the other hand, have been some motivations of using GIS in this research. Results of previous researches have proved the importance of multi-criteria land suitability evaluation and GIS role in automated land use allocation. In this study, land suitability evaluation, and land use allocation have been carried out by using thematic maps that include physical, natural and economic themes. Various land uses and the determining factors in land use evaluation procedures have been considered besides the comparative importance of each land use as well as the factors effective in land allocation. Determining the quantitative criteria of land use comparative advantage and the factors influencing land suitability have been accomplished by using economic evaluation of land uses and through an Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP) respectively. These conditions lead the research to use multi-criteria land evaluation and multi-objective land allocation method. Using a collection of master thematic maps, the method of land evaluation is so similar to a Grid-based evaluation method. Cell size is of the grid dimensions of 15meters and it could be assumed that the evaluation of land suitability is being done for each point in the region. The procedure is easy to use for vast areas and it is enough fast for to be used repeatedly. Idrisiw ver. 2.008 has been used to produce suitability maps and to allocate 5uses of land, including barely dry farming, walnut orchard establishment, range management for sheep grazing, park foundation as well as conservation.

The forest park of Torogh, with an area of 164 ha is the host to three tree types namely: pure hardwood, mixed hardwood and pure conifer. To investigate the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of these afforestations a random-systematic sampling method with a grid of 80´110 (meters) was used. Also, to identify soil type and its role in trees, vitality, three profiles in each type of habitat were dug. Results indicated that hardwood and conifer species make up to 79% and 21% of the park’s tree cover respectively, where Platanus (33%), Pinus (21%), Robina (19%) and Fraxinus (18%) represent the highest frequency. Analysis of parameters through PCA method showed that the soil had medium texture and contained lime, causing the rareness of nutrients besides a loss of humidity. So due to these short comings most of trees suffer from medium to weak vitality and up to now approximately 18% of the trees have inevitably been cut. Nevertheless, the species of: Ailantus, Fraxinus and Pinus which have exhibited comparative success, are suggested for the future afforestation expansion in this park.

This research was conducted to determine the histological features as well as distribution of proteins, carbohydrates and fatty rich tissue of alimentary canal in Caspian salmon (Salmo trutta caspius) from hatching to parr stage. Samplings were carried out from one-day stage (just after hatching), 10 and 25 days, and then in 1, 2,3,4,5, and 6 month post hatching. Light microscopical observation was carried out after preparing tissue based on conventional method tissue processing and special staining method, (PAS & Bromo Phenol Blue). Light microscopic results indicated that, in one– day post– hatch larvae, yolk sac makes the greatest part of the body. The alimentary canal is a simple, undifferentiated tube with mouth opening to some extent. Yolk sac contains mainly proteins, neutral polysaccharides, and to a lesser extent fats. Secretion activity begins in the mouth, pharynx and esophagus epithelium with appearance of neutral mucopolysaccharide components, covering the digestive tracts epithelium which indicate it's protective activity. When exogenous Feeding started in 25 days post hatch larvea, secretion of protein components began in mucose layer which was stronger in the esophagus mucosal folds. This indicated high enzymatic activity in this region which decreased after start of exogenous feeding and being compensated for by stomach and intestine enzyme activity.

Some heavy metal contents were investigated in water, sediments and Crayfish, Astacus leptodactylus, muscle, Abbasay river. Sampling (water, sediments and Crayfish's muscle), had been conducted in six stations in September 2003. After chemical analysis, rate of heavy metals was evaluated by Atomic Absorbtion Spectrophtometry (A.A.S). Mean Cu, Pb, Cd, Cr, Zn, Ba and Fe in water were 6.95, 1.33, 2.62, 3.28, 124.2, 134.96 and 5.06 mg/l, respectively, which isn't suitable for drinking, according global standards althought this water can be used for agriculture and aquaculture purposes. Heavy metal contents in sediments were also found to be within the tolerance ranges for aquatic animals. Mean of heavy metal contents in Crayfish's muscle, were 45.73, 2.44, 3.27, 3.40, 184.20, 145.12 and 9.66 for Cu, Pb, Cd, Cr, Zn, Ba and Fe respectively (mg/kg dry weight) that is less than range of sanitary standards for human consumption. There were significant and direct correlations between observed heavy metal contents in water, sediments and Crayfish's muscle, in Abbasay river.

Godarkhosh river is one of the border rivers of the country which is very important in providing water to the agriculture sector of the area of study. In the present investigation 10 sampling stations were selected to study the physico– chemical conditions of the river. Parameters of temperature, EC, S (ppt). pH, DO, BOD and turbidity were assessed and analysed. The results clearly show that stations NOS. 1 & 2 where BOD amount is rather high are polluted. Almost due to self– purification potential to prevent futher pollution, we recommend off loading prevention of sewages and also a solid monitoring plan.

This study was conducted to evaluate the problems and threats of Aji-gol, Ala-gol and Alma-gol international wetlands of Turkmen steppe in Golestan province, taking the Marsh harrier (Circus aeruginosus) as an umbrella species. Monitored were 31 nests, 131 eggs, 62 nestlings and 28 juveniles during two breeding periods, from late winter 1997 to late spring 1999. Factors affecting the nests and the nestlings were also regularly monitored. The three areas considered together, the breeding success of Marsh harrier was estimated to be about 21.37 %, a proportion much lower than that normally observed in Europe. Flooding of breeding habitats through construction of dams in the north-west of Ala-gol, and on the contrary, drying up of these habitats through drainage for aquaculture activities in the northern part and as well impact of livestock grazing are responsible for this breeding failure and consequently, the most important threats for the wetlands and their wildlife. In total, the current overexploitation of the areas with no due consideration of the seasonal needs of wildlife represents the principle threat to the biodiversity of the wetlands.

In order to evaluate the effect of strand alignment and resin content on the properties of strand board this study was conducted. Boards were made from poplar with three types of orientation (random, face strands aligned and core strands random, face strands aligned and core strands cross aligned), and phenol-formaldehyde resin at two levels (5% and 7%). Board's thickness of 10 mm, press time of 3 minutes, and press temperature of 200ºC were selected. Mechanical as well as physical properties were evaluated, according to ASTM D1037. Results showed that face strand alignment has a significant effect on boards bending properties that would result in great increase in modulus of elasticity as well as modulus of rupture (51% and 46% respectively). Core strand alignment has no effect on bending properties but leads to a significant decrease in interlaminar shear strength. In boards with three aligned layers, water absorption and thickness swelling were significantly less than those in other boards. The increase in resin content has significant effect on all the other properties and causes their enhancement.

The deficiency of cellulosic raw material in our country is an important impeding problem that wood and paper industries are encountered with. Based on world-wide experiences; it has been proven that substitution of hard wood fast growing species can be a good alternative. Among these hard wood fast growing trees Eucalyptus cameldulensis must be preferred due to acceptable growing ability in Irans, provinces. In this study the possibility of using kraft E.cameldulensis pulp was investigated. The lab scale kraft pulp production was as follows: canstant parameters: cooking temperature 160, 170, L/W=5/1 and sulfidity 25%, variable parameters: Cooking time 3 hours. Active alkali 19% and 22%. In the trial with the cooking time of 3 hours and active alkality of 19% the screen yield was 40.02%, with a kappa number of 30.45, and it was chosen as the treatment with optimom cooking conditions. The pulp produced was bleached with oxygen. Physical and strength properties of refined and bleached eucalyptus pulp at 400,450 and 500 ml, csf freeness were determined. The pulp at 400 ml, csf freeness was selected due to is higher hand sheet strength properties.

The importance of paper and paper products is clear to all. This research is focused on paper and cellulosic fibers from a particular aspect, and has dealt with paper's role and proportion in tobacco industry and trade (cigarette production and packaging). In cigarette production and packaging, many kinds of papers such as cigarette paper, cork, plug wrap, label, band roll, foil paper (aluminum foil), fibers of cellulose acetate, and paper board are used directly. Total weight of cellulosic and paper products is 469 kg for making one million kingsize filter cigarettes, and its cost (in 1382) was 7,676,390 Rls. This weight is 251 kg for thinsize filter, and 235 kg for kingsize non-filter cigarettes. Also, considering 5% price increase per year (considering previous year figures), the money needed to buy this amount of production for future, is estimated as 36213, 102747, 122158, 142593 million Rls from 1382 to 1385 respectively. Further, more paper costs to make a cigarette in 1382 were stimated at 7.6 Rls for a kingsize filtered, 3.9 Rls for thinsize filter, 2.2 Rls for kingsize non filter, and 15 Rls for thinsize non-filter cigarettes. The overall average paper and cellulosic wastes with an annual consumption of about 460 tones, is determined as aboat 371 tons.

The feasibility of using xylanase enzyme for prebleaching Beech kraft pulp, was investigated. A commercial xylananse from Trichoderma viride was added to pulp at various doses of 25,50 and 100 IU/g pulp for different reaction times of 12,16 and 20 h. Then, the enzyme – treated pulp was bleached in HEH sequences, namely, B1: hypochlorite 2% (1h) + extraction + hypochlorite 0.75% (1h), and B2: hypochlorite 2% (2h) + extraction + hypochlorite 1.5%(2h). The results indicated that enzyme-treated samples wich were bleached with B2 sequences, exhibited lower kappa number, higher brightness and lower yellowness, as scompared to those bleached with B1 sequences. Regardless of bleaching sequences, enzyme treatments using a Xylanase dose of 25 IU/g for 16h, showed the lowest kappa number, the highest brightness and the lowest yellowness. Kappa number, brightness and yellowness of control pulps (B1 and B2 sequences) were 11.2, 46.4 (ISO%), 34.3% and 8.9, 55.4(ISO%), and 29.7% respectively. Whereas, kappa number, brightness and yellowness of enzyme-treated samples using 25 IU/g in 16h bleached with B1 sequences, were 10.21, 27.4(ISO%) and 26.5% and those bleached with B2 sequences, were 7.3 , 65.5(ISO%) and 22.3% respectively. The increase of enzyme dose and reaction time decreased pulp yield. Enzyme-treated samples using a xylanase dose of 25 IU/g in 16h, had a medium level of variation. Therefore, regardless of bleaching sequences, a xylanase dose of 25 IU/g for 16h reaction time, could be suggested as optimal using condition of xylanase.

Newsprint is currently made in Iran using CMP pulp produced from local hardwoods mixed with imported long fibers. Due to the limitation of domestic cellulosic materials, the possibility of using local deinked pulp (DIP) in place of part of local CMP, and therefore decreasing the percentage of imported long fiber use in the mix of pulps has been studied in this research. The bleached deinked pulps of local ONP/OMG mixes were separately mixed at 10, 20 and 30 Percent ratios with local hardwoods CMP, including imported long fiber pulp. Measuring the optical and mechanical properties of the hand sheets made out of these mixes, the best mix was determined by calculating the related normalization equation and the score of each mix. The results have shown that in the case of DIP type 1 (produced by using DTPA as chelating agent), the best score,i.e. The best properties belong to the mix containing 20 percent of the DIP. Using DIP type 2 (produced by using EDTA as chelating agent), the highest score belongs to the mix containing 30 percent of DIP. Moreover, using 20 percent of DIP type 1 in the mix, the ratio of long fiber pulp use must be kept at 17 percent the decrease of which would not be suitable. But, using 30 percent of DIP type 2 in the mix, the best ratio of long fiber pulp use is at 17 percent, which can be lowered to 12 percent, as well.

The basic aspects of natural resources management are exploitation and regeneration of the resources through conservation as well as establishment of suitable conditions. Some reforms, during the last two decates, proved the necessity of people’s participation in reclamation and management of resources, and this is due to vast expansion of resources in arid, semi-arid and humid climates, population growth, unlawful and excessive exploition, which has created problems for managers and experts. Without community participation the problems would be certainly unsolved. Through preliminary studies the necessary information about economy, social and native culture has been collected and literature review done. A questionnaire was developed, but for random sampling of 205 families in the area exploiters were interviewed. The study conducted show that among different factors, three factors, of: application of modern technology, ownership of livestock units and economy has the highest effect on people’s participation, with beta order (net correlation coefficient) of: 35.7, 21.2 and 17.8 respectively. On the basis of the obtained results, numerous suggestions have been provided, and proposed.