Volume 19, Issue 1 (3-2025)
مرتع 2025, 19(1): 32-51 |
Back to browse issues page
Download citation:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:
Akbarzadeh P, Aghajanlo F. Evaluation of Vegetation Changes in Rangelands in Relation to Climatic Indicators (Case Study: Badamestan Rangeland, Tarem City). مرتع 2025; 19 (1) :32-51
URL: http://rangelandsrm.ir/article-1-1249-en.html
URL: http://rangelandsrm.ir/article-1-1249-en.html
Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Center of Zanjan Province, Zanjan
Abstract: (837 Views)
Background and objectives: Vegetation serves as the primary producer in ecosystems, exhibiting dynamic changes that are critical to ecological balance. Rangelands, like all ecosystems, undergo continuous transformations influenced by various factors. This study aims to assess the trends and intensities of vegetation changes in relation to climatic variables, emphasizing the importance of ongoing monitoring for ecological and economic sustainability.
Methodology: Data collection involved a comprehensive assessment of both vegetation and climatic factors. Vegetation metrics included the percentage of canopy cover of plant species, the proportion of dead leaves, plant species density (evaluated across different areas and species), biomass production, rangeland condition, and overall rangeland trends. Climatic variables measured encompassed annual precipitation, rainfall during the growing season, autumn and winter precipitation, as well as average annual temperatures and their minimum and maximum values. The evaluation process utilized a systematic approach, ensuring an adequate sample size and appropriate distribution across various plant communities during rangeland assessments. A total of four transects were established, with square plots measuring 1 m x 1 m positioned at 3-meter intervals along each transect. Data spanning five years were analyzed using factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) for sites with flooding conditions and completely randomized ANOVA for non-flooded sites. Statistical analyses were conducted using the General Linear Model in Minitab 16 software, with Tukey's test applied for post-hoc comparisons of annual means. This research contributes to understanding how climatic factors influence vegetation dynamics in rangelands, thereby informing management practices aimed at preserving these vital ecosystems.
Results: The results indicated that the percentage of vegetation canopy in the exclusion site ranged from 30% to 51%, while the grazed site exhibited a canopy percentage ranging from 39.5% to 56% over the study period. The five-year average density of plant species was found to be 113,900 plants per square meter in the exclusion rangeland, compared to 11.36 plants per square meter in the grazed site. Throughout the survey period, the production rate at the exclusion site fluctuated between 487 and 1261 kg/ha, whereas the grazed site showed a production rate ranging from 673 to 896 kg/ha. The highest vegetation cover (56%) was recorded in the grazed site in 2018, while the lowest cover (30%) was observed in the exclusion site in the year 1400. Furthermore, the highest total production was documented in the exclusion site (126 grams per square meter) in 2018, with the lowest production (48.7 grams per square meter) occurring in the exclusion site in 2021. Correlation and regression analyses demonstrated that rainfall during the growing season was a significant factor influencing both canopy cover and production, with regression coefficients of 0.053 and 0.32, respectively. These results indicate a positive correlation between rainfall during the growing season and both vegetation canopy and biomass production.
Conclusion: The research results indicated that vegetation changes in the studied area occur slowly, with climatic factors (rain and temperature) being the primary factors and rangeland management (preservation) as the secondary factor. Investigating the qualitative and quantitative changes in rangelande vegetation cover at specific intervals and being aware of its condition is crucial for planning and implementing proper rangeland management practices.
Methodology: Data collection involved a comprehensive assessment of both vegetation and climatic factors. Vegetation metrics included the percentage of canopy cover of plant species, the proportion of dead leaves, plant species density (evaluated across different areas and species), biomass production, rangeland condition, and overall rangeland trends. Climatic variables measured encompassed annual precipitation, rainfall during the growing season, autumn and winter precipitation, as well as average annual temperatures and their minimum and maximum values. The evaluation process utilized a systematic approach, ensuring an adequate sample size and appropriate distribution across various plant communities during rangeland assessments. A total of four transects were established, with square plots measuring 1 m x 1 m positioned at 3-meter intervals along each transect. Data spanning five years were analyzed using factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) for sites with flooding conditions and completely randomized ANOVA for non-flooded sites. Statistical analyses were conducted using the General Linear Model in Minitab 16 software, with Tukey's test applied for post-hoc comparisons of annual means. This research contributes to understanding how climatic factors influence vegetation dynamics in rangelands, thereby informing management practices aimed at preserving these vital ecosystems.
Results: The results indicated that the percentage of vegetation canopy in the exclusion site ranged from 30% to 51%, while the grazed site exhibited a canopy percentage ranging from 39.5% to 56% over the study period. The five-year average density of plant species was found to be 113,900 plants per square meter in the exclusion rangeland, compared to 11.36 plants per square meter in the grazed site. Throughout the survey period, the production rate at the exclusion site fluctuated between 487 and 1261 kg/ha, whereas the grazed site showed a production rate ranging from 673 to 896 kg/ha. The highest vegetation cover (56%) was recorded in the grazed site in 2018, while the lowest cover (30%) was observed in the exclusion site in the year 1400. Furthermore, the highest total production was documented in the exclusion site (126 grams per square meter) in 2018, with the lowest production (48.7 grams per square meter) occurring in the exclusion site in 2021. Correlation and regression analyses demonstrated that rainfall during the growing season was a significant factor influencing both canopy cover and production, with regression coefficients of 0.053 and 0.32, respectively. These results indicate a positive correlation between rainfall during the growing season and both vegetation canopy and biomass production.
Conclusion: The research results indicated that vegetation changes in the studied area occur slowly, with climatic factors (rain and temperature) being the primary factors and rangeland management (preservation) as the secondary factor. Investigating the qualitative and quantitative changes in rangelande vegetation cover at specific intervals and being aware of its condition is crucial for planning and implementing proper rangeland management practices.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2024/03/6 | Accepted: 2024/10/14 | Published: 2025/03/30
Received: 2024/03/6 | Accepted: 2024/10/14 | Published: 2025/03/30
Send email to the article author
| Rights and permissions | |
 |
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. |
