Journal of Rangeland

The effects of grazing on vegetation and range conditions were investigated in Arshaq, Saiin and Sardul rangelands in Ardebil province over the past 9 years (1998 to 2006).) The vegetation composition, plant functional groups, biomass, species diversity and richness of ungrazed and grazed areas were compared. Plants canopy cover and forage production were measured using one square meter quadrats. According to the results, the average canopy cover of perennial species in the grazed and ungrazed areas were significantly different (P <0.01). Although the frequency of decreaser species such as Astragalus brachyodontus and Astragalus lilacinus were increased inside the exclosure, increaser species such as Helichrysum plicantum، Bupleurum  leucocladum, Centaurea virgate, Galium verum  and  Geum  rivula were declined in this area compared to the grazed site. Forage quality of plant species were more appropriate in the ungrazed area compared to the grazed area. Forage production has been increased from 300 to 700 kg dry matter per hectare due to protecting from livestock grazing.