Volume 17, Issue 4 (2-2024)
مرتع 2024, 17(4): 529-549 |
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Heidari Ghahfarrokhi Z, Ebrahimi A, Asgari Pordanjani H, Asadi E, Shirmardi H A. Effects of Livestock Grazing on Vegetation and Soil Properties in Rangelands: A Case Study of Farsan – Chaharmahal Va Bakhtiari Province. مرتع 2024; 17 (4) :529-549
URL: http://rangelandsrm.ir/article-1-1180-en.html
URL: http://rangelandsrm.ir/article-1-1180-en.html
Zahra Heidari Ghahfarrokhi 
, Ataollah Ebrahimi , Hasan Asgari Pordanjani , Esmaeil Asadi , Hamze Ali Shirmardi
, Ataollah Ebrahimi , Hasan Asgari Pordanjani , Esmaeil Asadi , Hamze Ali Shirmardi
Department of Natural engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources and Earth Sciences, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord
Abstract: (1119 Views)
Background and objectives: Livestock grazing is a significant driver of land degradation, yet its impact on soil properties and vegetation cover in the Farsan rangeland remains poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the physical and chemical properties of soil in specific areas of the Farsan rangeland under contrasting grazing intensities.
Methodology: The study area encompassed four locations within the Farsan rangeland: Cholicheh Enclosure, low grazing at Babaheidar, heavy grazing at Babaheidar, and Cholicheh. Sampling was conducted using a random-systematic method in May and June, coinciding with peak plant growth. Three 100-meter transects were established in each grazing intensity area, with 10 plots measuring 1 m² designated within each transect. Vegetation parameters such as species composition, canopy cover, production, litter, bare soil, stone, and gravel percentages were recorded. Soil samples were collected from a depth of 0-30 cm along three 100-meter transects in each grazing intensity, and soil parameters including pH, electrical conductivity (EC), nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, calcium carbonate equivalent, organic carbon, and texture were measured. Statistical analysis including Independent-Sample T-Test, VennDiagram package in R4.3.0 software, and Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) was performed to examine the effects of grazing intensity on vegetation and soil characteristics.
Results: A total of 82 species from 17 families were identified across 120 plots at different grazing intensities, with Cholicheh Enclosure exhibiting the highest species diversity. Grazing pressure significantly influenced plant canopy cover, with heavy grazing leading to a decrease in canopy cover and total production, and an increase in bare soil. Soil chemical variables such as potassium, phosphorus, nitrogen, and soil organic carbon decreased under high grazing pressure, while silt, calcium carbonate equivalent, and pH increased.
Conclusion: Livestock grazing exerts notable effects on vegetation cover and soil properties in rangelands. Effective grazing management practices are essential for enhancing soil quality and preventing degradation in these ecosystems.
Methodology: The study area encompassed four locations within the Farsan rangeland: Cholicheh Enclosure, low grazing at Babaheidar, heavy grazing at Babaheidar, and Cholicheh. Sampling was conducted using a random-systematic method in May and June, coinciding with peak plant growth. Three 100-meter transects were established in each grazing intensity area, with 10 plots measuring 1 m² designated within each transect. Vegetation parameters such as species composition, canopy cover, production, litter, bare soil, stone, and gravel percentages were recorded. Soil samples were collected from a depth of 0-30 cm along three 100-meter transects in each grazing intensity, and soil parameters including pH, electrical conductivity (EC), nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, calcium carbonate equivalent, organic carbon, and texture were measured. Statistical analysis including Independent-Sample T-Test, VennDiagram package in R4.3.0 software, and Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) was performed to examine the effects of grazing intensity on vegetation and soil characteristics.
Results: A total of 82 species from 17 families were identified across 120 plots at different grazing intensities, with Cholicheh Enclosure exhibiting the highest species diversity. Grazing pressure significantly influenced plant canopy cover, with heavy grazing leading to a decrease in canopy cover and total production, and an increase in bare soil. Soil chemical variables such as potassium, phosphorus, nitrogen, and soil organic carbon decreased under high grazing pressure, while silt, calcium carbonate equivalent, and pH increased.
Conclusion: Livestock grazing exerts notable effects on vegetation cover and soil properties in rangelands. Effective grazing management practices are essential for enhancing soil quality and preventing degradation in these ecosystems.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2022/12/28 | Accepted: 2023/12/10 | Published: 2024/02/29
Received: 2022/12/28 | Accepted: 2023/12/10 | Published: 2024/02/29
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