Volume 18, Issue 4 (1-2025)
مرتع 2025, 18(4): 520-534 |
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Bahreini Z, Jafarian Z, Alavi J, Tatian M, Negreiros D. Multivariate Analysis of Some Environmental Factors and Plant Cover in Relation to Grazing Intensity in Siah Bisheh Rangelands, Mazandaran. مرتع 2025; 18 (4) :520-534
URL: http://rangelandsrm.ir/article-1-1235-en.html
URL: http://rangelandsrm.ir/article-1-1235-en.html
Department of Rangeland Sciences, Faculty of Natural Resources, Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, Sari
Abstract: (376 Views)
Background and objectives: The intensity of livestock grazing influences the abundance of key and essential species that guarantee the survival, stability, and functioning of rangeland ecosystems. Considering the importance of this topic, the present research was conducted in the rangeland of Siah Bisheh watershed in Mazandaran Province to investigate changes in vegetation cover and some environmental factors under different livestock grazing intensities.
Methodology: This research was conducted in three rangelands (Duna, Khakak, and Gaznak) in the Siah Bisheh watershed on the Kandavan road in the extreme southeast of Mazandaran Province. To investigate grazing intensity, two sites with high and low grazing intensities were selected based on the distance from livestock and grazing resources. Three transects of 100 meters were randomly established at each distance from the grazing source, and five plots were established at 20-meter intervals along each transect. The size of the sampling plots was one square meter, based on the type and distribution of plant species. Three soil samples were taken from the depth of 0 to 30 cm along each transect. Climatic data were collected using meteorological information from synoptic stations in Mazandaran Province. Plant communities were ranked according to environmental factors using canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) and detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) in CANOCO software.
Results: The relationships between environmental factors and vegetation showed that under light grazing intensity, soil nitrogen, phosphorus, organic carbon, and elevation significantly affected species distribution. Under heavy grazing intensity, phosphorus, potassium, soil organic carbon, and precipitation had significant effects. The CCA analysis indicated that rainfall, elevation, and clay percentage in soil texture were the most important factors in light grazing intensity, explaining 12.2% of vegetation changes. Under heavy grazing intensity, soil nitrogen and temperature were the most effective environmental factors, explaining 20.1% of vegetation changes.
Conclusion: This study highlights the impact of environmental factors on plant species distribution alongside grazing intensity, underscoring the need to address the adverse effects of livestock grazing on sustainable rangeland management. The findings can aid in enhancing and restoring regional vegetation by selecting plant species suited to local soil, climate, and topography, thus boosting biodiversity. Implementing proper grazing management practices can help prevent overgrazing and promote healthy ecosystems. Understanding the complex interactions between plants, animals, and the environment is crucial for creating a balanced and sustainable ecosystem. Prioritizing conservation efforts is essential for achieving long-term sustainability in our rangelands.
Methodology: This research was conducted in three rangelands (Duna, Khakak, and Gaznak) in the Siah Bisheh watershed on the Kandavan road in the extreme southeast of Mazandaran Province. To investigate grazing intensity, two sites with high and low grazing intensities were selected based on the distance from livestock and grazing resources. Three transects of 100 meters were randomly established at each distance from the grazing source, and five plots were established at 20-meter intervals along each transect. The size of the sampling plots was one square meter, based on the type and distribution of plant species. Three soil samples were taken from the depth of 0 to 30 cm along each transect. Climatic data were collected using meteorological information from synoptic stations in Mazandaran Province. Plant communities were ranked according to environmental factors using canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) and detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) in CANOCO software.
Results: The relationships between environmental factors and vegetation showed that under light grazing intensity, soil nitrogen, phosphorus, organic carbon, and elevation significantly affected species distribution. Under heavy grazing intensity, phosphorus, potassium, soil organic carbon, and precipitation had significant effects. The CCA analysis indicated that rainfall, elevation, and clay percentage in soil texture were the most important factors in light grazing intensity, explaining 12.2% of vegetation changes. Under heavy grazing intensity, soil nitrogen and temperature were the most effective environmental factors, explaining 20.1% of vegetation changes.
Conclusion: This study highlights the impact of environmental factors on plant species distribution alongside grazing intensity, underscoring the need to address the adverse effects of livestock grazing on sustainable rangeland management. The findings can aid in enhancing and restoring regional vegetation by selecting plant species suited to local soil, climate, and topography, thus boosting biodiversity. Implementing proper grazing management practices can help prevent overgrazing and promote healthy ecosystems. Understanding the complex interactions between plants, animals, and the environment is crucial for creating a balanced and sustainable ecosystem. Prioritizing conservation efforts is essential for achieving long-term sustainability in our rangelands.
Keywords: Canonical Correspondence Analysis, Environmental Factors, Light and heavy grazing, Ordination, Siah Bisheh rangelands.
Type of Study: Applicable |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2023/12/2 | Accepted: 2024/06/11 | Published: 2025/01/29
Received: 2023/12/2 | Accepted: 2024/06/11 | Published: 2025/01/29
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