Journal of Rangeland
Year:2021 | Volume:15 | Issue:1|Papers Count:14

Mycorrhiza is a symbiosis between plants and some soil-borne fungi which plays a crucial role in sustainable crop production, soil fertility and rangeland restoration. Due to such roles in plant growth, health improvement and soil aggregation enhancement, arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) is becoming a tool in agricultural and environmental practices. To examine the potential impact of AM in rangeland restoration, the symbiosis effect of two AM species on some morphological and physiological characteristics of Agropyron elongatum was analyzed. The experiment was performed under greenhouse condition at Malayer University in a completely randomized design with two treatments and twenty replications. The morphological characteristics of plants i. e. stem length, wet and dry weight of aerial parts and also physiological characteristics, including photosynthetic pigments content, total phenol content and content of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus elements were measured. The results showed that both species of AM, especially R. intraradices, are highly competent to improve the morphological and physiological characteristics of A. elongatum. In other words, F. mosseae, enhanced morphological traits i. e. stem length, wet and dry weight of aerial parts in inoculated plants up to 318, 240 and 220 percent, respectively. Also, the aforementioned fungus, improved the content of phenol, nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll and carotene, up to 134, 131, 162, 181, 172, 178, 174 and 175 percent, respectively. On the other hand, R. intraradices promoted, stem length, wet and dry weight of aerial parts almost 474, 325 and 317 percent respectively. The incremental effects of R. intraradices on the content of phenol, nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll and carotene were about 153, 172, 163, 244, 337, 251, 246 and 250 percent. Therefore, R. intraradices, as a better partner for symbiosis with tall wheatgrass, is recommended for restoration of degraded pastures.

Water, as the most valuable component of natural resources, is badly needed by humanbeing for various perposes. Understanding of water conservation role of different types of rangeland ecosystems, increases the accuracy of monetary value estimation and prevents underestimation its value by consumers. This study focuses on the role of vegetation to increase water storage. For that, the runoff height was estimated in each homogeneous map unit by Justin method, then the economic value of water was calculated using the replacement cost method. Results showed that vegetation reduces runoff to 895, 335 cubic meters per year/ha and increases the absorption and penetration of surface water into underground aquifers. According to the cost per cubic meter of water in the region, the economic value of runoff absorption and infiltration into the groundwater aquifer is estimated at 1. 22551 million Rials per year/ha. Based on this, the economic value of each hectare of rangeland ecosystem is equal to 1. 64 million Rials per year. Based on the results, the value of water conservation performance varies in different units of a watershed. This is due to structural differences in the ecosystem. Therefore, rangelands should be classified by homogeneous units and then the relevant estimates should be made.

Using satellite imagery is a reasonable option to overcome the field visits problems and limitations to evaluate the vegetation cover over the years. The present research has conducted to specify the percentage of vegetation cover of rangelands using Geographic Information System (GIS) and vegetation indices. The study area is located in Qazvin plain rangelands, Iran. In this study, the MODIS satellite images was used to extract the vegetation canopy percentage map in June 2017. To make a correlation between vegetation canopy percentage and satellite data, 160 plots (10*10 m2) were marked on the study area with an area of five thousand square kilometers so that each 10 plots was located on the perimeter of a hypothetical circle with a radius of 150 meters having 100 meters interval. Vegetation indices were extracted from the satellite images. The correlation between vegetation indices and field data were calculated by analyzing simple linear regression. Then, a vegetation cover model obtained for each of the vegetation canopy percentage. The study results showed that the correlation coefficient of the NDVI and EVI indices were 0. 63% and 58% respectively and the NDVI index was selected to prepare vegetation cover map because it had the highest correlation coefficient. Using the NDVI index model, the vegetation canopy for five percentage classes namely 10%>, 10-20%, 20-30%, 30-50% and more than 50% were prepared. The study results showed that 10 to 20% vegetation canopy class is prevailed. The study results also showed that MODIS and NDVI indices are suitable tools to create vegetation canopy map in the rangelands dominated by shrubs and grasses.

Pteridium aquilinum is known as an invasive species in different ecosystems of the world. The spread of this species is increasing in the north of Iran particularly outside of forest ecosystems. In this study, the amount and composition of soil seed banks in the dense pathes of Pteridium were investigated in summer rangelands of Bandpay in the south of Babol city in Mazandaran province, Iran. Soil seed bank sampling was done before the growing season in five vegetation types invaded by Pteridium including beech forest, shrubland dominated by Crataegus meyeri, shrubland dominated by Berberis vulgaris-Crataegus meyeri, rangeland and an uninvaded rangelan. Soil samples were kept in glasshouse and seedlings were identified and counted. The results showed that the mean density of soil seed bank in invaded rangeland was about 2900 seeds/m2 and this was significantly graeter than that in other invaded vegetation types and uninvaded rangeland. The dominant species in the soil seed bank were Spergularia bocconi, Stellaria media, Plantago lanceolata, Trifolium sp., and Poa annua. A total of 24 species were restricted to the soil seed bank of invaded sites. Despite the impact of Pteridium invasion on seed bank composition and size, the soil seed bank diversity and richness was not significantly different between invaded and uninvaded sites. A low seed density of grasses and palatable species were found in the soil seed bank (about 6. 5% of total seed bank), therefore it is not possible to rely on soil seed bank for restoration of thses invaded sites following Pteridium control.

The functional properties of a plant can link the plant physiology with community and ecosystem processes. Thus it provides an appropriate tool for investigation of environmental changes and biodiversity. For this purpose, Zeiar rangeland of Damavand Mountain were selected as the 6000ha study area. A stratified-random sampling method was used for the sampling of vegetation and soil. Topographic variables including slope, height, and slope direction were used to classify the study area and making a land mapping unit map. In each unit, 10 plots of 1 m 2 were randomly established and list of the plant within the plot were. In addition plants numbers, and functional characteristics including leaf specific area, leaf dry matter, plant height and seed weight were measured and put it in the list. Three soil samples were taken from 0-30 cm depth in each sampling unit. Soil variables including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and organic carbon content were measured in the laboratory. The climatic variables taken into account were annual relative humidity, mean annual temperature and mean annual rainfall. Effect of environmental factors on functional properties were evaluated using RLQ and Q-corner methods in ade4 package of R software. The results showed that the first RLQ axis showed 84% environmental variability and 87% variance of features. The correlation coefficient along the RLQ axes were 0. 62 and 71% which is the best correlation. Also, the results of Fourth-corner test showed that leaf specific area was positively and significantly correlated with soil organic carbon, phosphorus and nitrogen. Leaf dry matter and seed weight were negatively correlated with soil organic carbon. Combining the two methods could clearly improve the relationships between RLQ axes and environment-trait variables. Thus usage of the methods is suggested fot the same studies.

The vastness of the Ferula assa-foetida L. habitats in Kerman province is significantly high in comparison to other provinces. For the local people therefor, it is important to improve its production and marketing as a natural resource economy source. In this study randomly 19 experienced experts in the field of medicinal plants of Ferula assa-foetida L. were questioned. After conducting face-to-face interviews and completing the questionnaire, data on the production and marketing of Ferula assa-foetida L. gathered in the strengths. They mostly asked to focus on the, weaknesses, strengths, opportunities and threats. Answers were put in SOWT matrix and ranked, to get the production and marketing strategies. ANP method also was used. Results showed that the most important strength point is the optimal quality of the Ferula assa-foetida L. resin, the most important weakness is the lack of government support, the most important opportunity is the marketing aboard and the most important threat is the smuggling and destruction of the rangeland habitats of this plant. On the basis of the result conversion of the raw material in to industrial is suggested.

Poor participation and investment of natural resource users in cooperatives requires investigation. Effecting factors therefor, should be found and prioritized. Reference searches showed three major categories of factors: educational (extensional), economic and social factors. The case was taken into nine natural resources development cooperatives as a statistical population throughout the counties of Ardabil province. The research followed a descriptive-survey methodology, and required information was garnered through field works and filling up a researcher-made questionnaire. Validity and reliability coefficients of the questions were confirmed by experts and Cronbach's alpha of 0. 86, respectively. Data were analyzed through proper statistical techniques. Comparing mean scores of subject-pertinent sections revealed that extension and economic factors were known as the most influential in Ardabil, Namin, Nir and Parsabad. Social issues however, were more important in the eyes of Ardabil, Nir, Khalkhal and Bilehsavar land users. Generally, variance between statistical populations of cities and research-affecting factors exhibited significant differences with a confidence level of 99%. Duncan test resykts showed that the highest value is given to social and participatory matters. For Bilehsavar and Nir cases however no significant differences was seen. According to the research results, it is proposed to work on social problems such as reforming behavior with the clientele, utilizing indigenous culture, reforming the negative mentality towards the cooperatives, raising awareness of the benefits of participation and investment, building trust among the people, etc., in the cooperatives, rather than education and extensional programs; this can attract the majority of beneficiaries to cooperatives and make them invest. The next steps in line with the priority of the provincial cities should address extensional and economic subdivisions, respectively, such as applied training, amending cooperatives’ charter, transferring executive projects to cooperatives, monetizing existing rural jobs.

The use of rangeland medicinal plants and their active ingredients has recently been considered due to their therapeutic and industrial effects. In order to investigate the effect of height, plant limb, solvent and extraction method on some phytochemical properties of Verbascum speciosum in Chaharbagh rangelands, Golestan province, flower and leaf samples of this species were collected from altitude classes of 2100-2300-2500-2700 meters in three replications. Samples oils were then extracted with ethanol and methanol solvents by two extraction methods including soaking and using microwave ultrasound. Results showed that the highest amount of total phenol (119. 46 mg per g dry weight) is in flower limps, sampled at altitude of 2100 m, ethanol solvent and extraction method with microwave ultrasound. The highest amount of antioxidant activity was observed by free radical scavenging DPPH (81. 49%) in flower organs, sampled at 2100 m above see level, ethanol solvent and extraction by soaking method. ANOVA of IC50 of the samples showed that the inhibitory power of DPPH free radicals at (P<0. 01) was significantly different. The results of comparing the mean of the three factors of height changes, plant limb and solvent type on the IC50 level showed that the studied plant species at 2500 m altitude, in the flower limb with the methanol solvent type had the highest IC50 and consequently the lowest anti-oxidant activity. Considering the distribution of Verbascum speciosum in mountainous areas, it seems that the altitude gradient, extraction method and type of plant organs have a significant effect on the secondary metabolites and antioxidant properties of this plant.

Attention to the quality and quantity of forage plants, palatability and species preference, are among the information needed to properly manage pasture grazing. One of the prominent plants in the Nour Rud rangelands are Allium spp plants that have an acceptable distribution in the area. For the sake of the study, the preferred value of different species of Allium’ s for Shal sheep with an average weight of 45 kg in Nurrud summer pastures in Mazandaran province during June, July and August of 2019. At the end of each month of grazing period. Their grazing behavior were filmed at morning, noon, and evening for 30 minutes. The heads of sample sheep were marked to be recognized at the time of recording. After transferring the film to computer, the grazing time of each species was measured and put in an Excel sheet. The results showed that there was a significant difference at 1% level for months as well as different times. The highest grazing duration was allocated to August (11. 64 s) and for grazing time to the morning (11. 12 s). The lowest grazing time for months belongs to June (2. 76 s) and for the grazing time to the noon (2. 91 s). The overall results of this study suggests that late grazing of the Allium is recommendable because of the lack of more palatable species and reduction of essential oils and spicy odor of these plants which make it more plausible to the grazing animals.

Rangeland soil is one of the important environmental components that is closely related to the vegetation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of three types of woody plant species including Juniperus sabina (evergreen and crown attached to the ground), Berberis integerrima (deciduous and open crown) and Onobrychis cornuta (deciduous and cushion), on under the beneath the plant soil caractrisitc. Plant species were selected from the same environmental conditions. Various soil characteristics such as acidity, electrical conductivity, aggregate stability, microbial respiration, total organic carbon and total nitrogen were aimed to be investgated. In late June and early August of 2019, simultaneously with the growth of dominant plants in the middle Alborz rangelands, 20 sites including all three species, were selected and soil samples were taken beneath the crown of each individual in depth of 0-10 cm with an auger (along with 20 control samples, a total of 80 soil samples). Then soil physico-chemical properties were measured in the laboratory. In order to investigate the effect of woody species on soil parameters, one-way ANOVA and Duncan's test were performed. The results showed that the highest amounts of total organic carbon and total nitrogen were observed in the soil under J. sabina (with an average of 3. 30% and 0. 21%, respectively), while the lowest amount was outside the shrubs, in the control area (with an average of 2. 23% and 0. 15%, respectively). In addition, the highest percentage of soil moisture was observed under B. integerrima and J. sabina with an average of 5. 91 and 5. 78, respectively. Changes in the other characteristics of the soil studied were negligible in relation to the woody species. The different effects of different woody species on soil organic matter and nitrogen emphasize the consideration on woody plant species type in rangeland improvement and carbon sequestration projects.

The present study conducted to investigation the forage quality and germination status of Capparis spinosa in Niatak Hirmand rangelands. Forage quality indices were analyzed by four replications on three phenological stages (vegetative, flowering and maturity stages) randomly. The experiment included 19 treatments to improve seed germination condition. Treatments included physical such as scraping the seed coat with sandpaper, chemical such as 98% sulfuric acid, potassium nitrate 0. 3%, etc. and combination of physical and chemical treatments. Leaching treatment for 48 hours and potassium nitrate 0. 3%, scraping combination with sandpaper and potassium nitrate, as the instances, by a completely randomized design with four replications. Results of forage quality indices showed that all forage quality indices were significantly effective at 1% level. The mean comparison of forage quality indices at increasing vegetative stages of the plant showed a significant effect on forage quality. The effect of different treatments on seed germination and early growth of seedlings was significant in all measured characteristics. Application of different treatments except sulfuric acid increased the seed germination percentage. The lowest and highest percentage and speed of germination were obtained by using sulfuric acid treatment and combined leaching plus gibberellic acid 500 ppm treatments, respectively. Results suggest that cultivation of the plant in Sistan areas is recomendable.

Rangeland management projects considered to be a management tools to increase the quantity and quality of the rangelands. Persomably, It could work more efficintley in areas where the grazing pressure is high and consequently their condition and trend are regressive. In this study, production, range condition and range trend were examined before and after the implementation of the range management projects in 2018. For this purpose, 10 more or fewer uniform rangelands were selected. To collect the data 30 plots 1*1 size were established. In each vegetation type, production factors, condition and trend at the time of rangeland preparation (mid-October to mid-April of each year) were measured and evaluated. Statistical analysis of data was performed by t-test using SPSS software. Results showed that the rangeland condition in all sites with ling lasting the rangeland plan coverage, more than 12 years, were selected. Results showed that implementation of the plan has improved the situation. With the exception of the Hajiabad kafeh shour kahgum which has not been changing. The difference between the average production and the condition before and after the implementation of the rangeland plans at the error level of 1% was significant. The results of t-test in 5 sites of Rudan city before and after the implementation of the rangeland management plan showed significant differences at the level of 99%. For low quality pastures howeve the level was 95%. The average total forage production the implementation of the range management project, production has increased from 54. 7 to 63 kg per hectare per year. In the two low-range rangelands of Kamrome and the Tomb Mirh Bahar, the average production increased from 63 to 124 kg and 40 to 78 kg, respectively. This study indicated that implementing range management plans can enhance forage production, range condition and trend therfore it can conserve rangeland sustainability in the long term.

The purpose of rangeland management is to preserve, rehabilitate, develop and sustainable use of rangeland resources, so that not to damage other rangeland resources, especially water and soil. For sustainable rangeland management, calculating rangeland capacity and determining the allowable utilization of key rangeland species is necessary. In this study, the effect of different harvest intensities on the regeneration rate of Salicornia species for 3 years was investigated. Two separate series of experimental plots with dimensions of 3 by 3 m were established in a completely randomized block design. Harvest intensity as the main treatment in 5 levels (zero (control), 25, 50, 75 and 100%) were performed in each plot in 5 replications by two harvesting methods including manual cut of the plant and using mowing machine through cutting plants from a distance of 1 cm from the soil surface. For three consecutive years, production of cut plants were measured. Data were analyzed using PAST software. The results of analysis of variance showed that there was no significant difference between mean regeneration rates. Significant difference was observed between the studied years and between the two methods of manual and machine operation methods. Based on the results of comparing the means, the highest rate of species regeneration was observed for the 100% cut of the year 2020 in manual (65%) and machine (43%) methods respectively. According to the findings, the intensity of 100% harvesting of Salicornia by manual method can be applied with the least negative effects on the density of Salicornia in its natural habitats, allowing the plant to regenerate in the next year in its physiological rate.

Cultivation and development of medicinal plants is an effective way to fulfil of medicinal plants demand and to protect natural habitat to over use. Ziziphora tenuior is one of the traditional medicinal plants in Iran, which has a substance called Pulegone with its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. The main purpose of this study is find suitable landfor the plant cultivation in Sabalan watershed using ANP Fuzzy method. Most of relevant criteria (14) such as topographic, Soil, Climate, Geological and Land use were weighed using Analytical Network Process method and Delphi expert’ s opinions in Super Decision software environment. The make a Fuzzy method, Idrisi Selva software environment was used. Using the weighted linear combination method, desired layers were created and overlaid to make the land suitability map for the plant development. The results showed that altitude, temperature, soil depth and slope percentage are the most important criteria in cultivation and development of this plant in the region, respectively. Based on the results, 4245 hectares (16. 14%) of area has a high or very high, 4283 hectares (16. 83%) has moderate, 4271. 56 hectares (18. 04%) has low potential for cultivation and development of Ziziphora tenuior. Also 12913 hectares (49. 35%) of the area has found non suitable. The model was validated by matching the Ziziphora tenuior distribution boundary on the areas with the final potential classes map. Results showed that 88. 6% of this boundaries are fitting to medium, high or very high potential classes. Thus it could be concluded that ANP Fuzzy model is well able to identify suitable areas for the development of this plant cultivation.