Investigation on the allowable use of range species (Case study: Sepidan semi-steppe rangelands, Fars, Iran)

Paper Details

Research Paper 01/03/2015
Views (300) Download (15)
current_issue_feature_image
publication_file

Investigation on the allowable use of range species (Case study: Sepidan semi-steppe rangelands, Fars, Iran)

Ghasem Khodahami, Ehsan Zandi Esfahan
J. Bio. Env. Sci.6( 3), 141-145, March 2015.
Certificate: JBES 2015 [Generate Certificate]

Abstract

Proper utilization of rangelands prevents the degradation, and results in the sustainability of desirable plant species and thus helps to soil and water sustainability and genetic diversity of the country. This research was aimed to determine the allowable use of rangeland species. The study was conducted in Sepidan rangelands and six range species were selected. Treatments included four harvesting intensities of 0%, 25%, 50%, and 75%, applied on the species by grazing simulation method during the project implementation. In this study, biomass production, vigor and vitality, mortality rate, plant height and seed production were measured for each species. After applying the harvesting intensity treatments, the production rate of species were measured and were arranged in a split plot experiment in time based on completely randomized design. Results showed that the effect of different harvesting intensities for most species was significant (p<0.01), so that a higher average production was recorded for the treatments of 25% and 50% harvesting intensities as compared to the control group and a harvesting intensity of 75%. The effect of year was also significant for Centaurea aucheri, Eryngium billardieri and Hordeum bulbosum (p<0.01) and Prangos ferulaceae (p<0.05). According to the obtained results, the allowable use of Astragalus adsendance, Eryngium billardieri was estimated to be 25%, Medicago sativa and Hordeum bulbosum 50%, and Centaurea aucheri and Prangos ferulaceae 75%.

VIEWS 12

Amiri F. 2007, Multipurpose model for range by using GIS (Study case: Ghara aghagh Semirom catchment). PhD thesis for Azad University. Science and research unit. Tehran. Iran.

Arzani H, Farazmand S, Erfanzadeh R. 2005. Determination of unit animal dairy forage requirement for sheep (Zel race) grazing in Mazandaran rangelands (case study:West Mazandaran rangelands). Iranian Journal Natural Resources 58, 447- 458.

Arzani H. 1994. A double sampling method for estimating forage production from cover measurement, in Proceeding of 8th Biennial Australian Rangeland Conference, June 1994, 201- 202.

Arzani H. 2004. Booklet of assessment and analyzing course of natural resources Faculty. University of Tehran.

Azhdari G, Arzani A, Tavili G. 2008. Determining criteria of allowable use for classification of natural vegetation in Taleghan Catchment. Ms.c Thesis for natural resources Faculty. Tehran University. Iran.

Bartels F. 1990. Grassland Agriculture. Rangelands. 9(2), 61-62.

Ghasriani F, Mohebby A, Zandi Esfahan E. 2013. Determination of allowable use for Stipa hohenackerian in semi-steppe rangelands of Iran. Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences 3 (6), 1-7.

Ghasriani F, Zandi Esfahan E, Mohebby A, Abolghasemi M, Abarsaji G. 2014. Comparison on allowable use of Artemisia sieberi in semi-steppe and arid rangelands of Iran. Journal of Agricultural and Biological Science 11 (9), 405-408.

Klipple G, Costello D. 1960. Vegetation and cattle response to different intensities of grazing on short grass ranges of the Central Great Plains. U.S, Department Agriculture Technical bulletin 1216.

Reece P, Alexander E, Johnson J. 2001. Drought management on range and pastureland. A handbook for Nebraska and south Dakota. Director of cooperative extension, university of Nebraska. Institute of agriculture and natural resources.

Willms W, Smoliak s, Schaalje g.1986. Cattle weight gains in relation to stocking rate on rough fescue grassland. Journal of range management 39,182-187.