The effects of fire on the shrubs in a semiarid region of Iran
Paper Details
The effects of fire on the shrubs in a semiarid region of Iran
Abstract
This study explores the effects of fire on changes of shrubs coverage percentage in a semi-arid region in southern Alborz Mountain northeastern of Iran. Effects of the fire on shrubs were investigated by means of transects and quadrates in the first spring season after a fire with one-year intervals during the research. In each quadrate, percentage of canopy cover measured. A completely randomized block design used with two treatments (control and burned rangelands) for 3 years (2008-2010). The results showed that the effect of fire on shrubs was negatively significant and the difference between year and studied areas was significant. The cover percentage of shrubs such as Rosa persica, Amygdalus lycioides and Astragalus gossypinus were decreased duration 2008-2010 in burned area in compare of unburned rangelands. In fact, fires have a significant negative effect on changes of shrub plants cover. These findings indicate that rangeland management strategies in semi arid regions should be flexibly take into account disturbances based on fires.
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