Volume 18, Issue 1 (7-2024)
مرتع 2024, 18(1): 85-101 |
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گرگانی ب. Determining Factors Influencing the Distribution of Ferulago armena (DC.) Bernardi in Mountain Pastures of Baneh, Kurdistan Province. مرتع 2024; 18 (1) :85-101
URL: http://rangelandsrm.ir/article-1-1228-en.html
URL: http://rangelandsrm.ir/article-1-1228-en.html
Faculty of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, Malayer University, Malayer
Abstract: (251 Views)
Background and objectives: Plant species performance and productivity in rangeland ecosystems depend on their interactions with environmental factors. Understanding these interactions helps predict species distribution and guides rangeland management practices. This study aimed to identify the environmental factors influencing the distribution of Ferulago armena (DC.) Bernardi in Kileh Shin and Gardneh Khan pastures of Baneh, Kurdistan province. This knowledge can inform strategies for protection, restoration, and potential uses of F. armena in mountain rangeland management.
Methodology: Stratified random sampling was employed to collect soil and vegetation data within vegetation types containing F. armena. Two transects of 50 meters each were established, containing 120 plots of 1.75 m². Soil samples were collected within plots to a depth of 30 cm. Plant characteristics, soil properties (acidity, electrical conductivity, nitrogen content, organic matter), and topographical features (elevation, slope, direction, coordinates) were recorded for each plot. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) identified the most influential factors for F. armena distribution. Multiple regression analysis further explored the relationships between species and environmental variables.
Results: The typical habitat of F. armena had a 44.22% slope facing north (northwest to northeast), an average elevation of 2095 meters, and a species cover of 43%. Plant species richness reached 10.3, while diversity was 1.946. Dry forage production averaged 513 kg/ha. Soil characteristics included a pH of 6.4, 18.6% gravel cover, an electrical conductivity of 0.13 dS/m, approximately 0.20% nitrogen, and 2% organic matter. Soil depth averaged 36 cm, with a texture dominated by sand (over 50%). Deep gravel content measured 54%. PCA analysis revealed that the first axis explained over 78% of the variation in F. armena plant traits. Species cover and production exhibited a positive and significant relationship (p < 0.05) with organic matter, slope, clay content, nitrogen, elevation, calcium, litter cover, and pebbles. Stepwise multiple regression identified the most influential factors for cover percentage estimation as direction and elevation (R² = 0.905 and 0.952, respectively). For production estimation, the most significant factors were direction and soil depth (R² = 0.845 and 0.873, respectively) (p < 0.01).
Conclusion: The study found that F. armena had the highest cover percentage at an elevation range of 2200-2400 meters. Northwesterly and northerly aspects supported higher cover and production. Areas with higher gravel cover (18.6%) and deep gravel content (54%), lighter soil texture (loamy sand), and accumulated plant litter on top of stones and debris provided the most suitable habitat for production and cover of this species. These findings suggest that such locations offer the optimal conditions for the presence and distribution of F. armena within the study region.
Methodology: Stratified random sampling was employed to collect soil and vegetation data within vegetation types containing F. armena. Two transects of 50 meters each were established, containing 120 plots of 1.75 m². Soil samples were collected within plots to a depth of 30 cm. Plant characteristics, soil properties (acidity, electrical conductivity, nitrogen content, organic matter), and topographical features (elevation, slope, direction, coordinates) were recorded for each plot. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) identified the most influential factors for F. armena distribution. Multiple regression analysis further explored the relationships between species and environmental variables.
Results: The typical habitat of F. armena had a 44.22% slope facing north (northwest to northeast), an average elevation of 2095 meters, and a species cover of 43%. Plant species richness reached 10.3, while diversity was 1.946. Dry forage production averaged 513 kg/ha. Soil characteristics included a pH of 6.4, 18.6% gravel cover, an electrical conductivity of 0.13 dS/m, approximately 0.20% nitrogen, and 2% organic matter. Soil depth averaged 36 cm, with a texture dominated by sand (over 50%). Deep gravel content measured 54%. PCA analysis revealed that the first axis explained over 78% of the variation in F. armena plant traits. Species cover and production exhibited a positive and significant relationship (p < 0.05) with organic matter, slope, clay content, nitrogen, elevation, calcium, litter cover, and pebbles. Stepwise multiple regression identified the most influential factors for cover percentage estimation as direction and elevation (R² = 0.905 and 0.952, respectively). For production estimation, the most significant factors were direction and soil depth (R² = 0.845 and 0.873, respectively) (p < 0.01).
Conclusion: The study found that F. armena had the highest cover percentage at an elevation range of 2200-2400 meters. Northwesterly and northerly aspects supported higher cover and production. Areas with higher gravel cover (18.6%) and deep gravel content (54%), lighter soil texture (loamy sand), and accumulated plant litter on top of stones and debris provided the most suitable habitat for production and cover of this species. These findings suggest that such locations offer the optimal conditions for the presence and distribution of F. armena within the study region.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2023/10/4 | Accepted: 2024/06/25 | Published: 2024/07/31
Received: 2023/10/4 | Accepted: 2024/06/25 | Published: 2024/07/31
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