Volume 18, Issue 2 (7-2024)
مرتع 2024, 18(2): 202-223 |
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Moradi H, Arzani H, Jafari M, Alizadeh E, Rahdan A. Investigating the Livelihood Improvement Strategies of Rangeland Users: Application of Multi-Purpose Use of Rangelands (Case Study: Larak Rangeland, Alborz Province). مرتع 2024; 18 (2) :202-223
URL: http://rangelandsrm.ir/article-1-1150-en.html
URL: http://rangelandsrm.ir/article-1-1150-en.html
Department of Reclamation of Arid and Mountainous Regions, Faculty of Natural Resources, University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj
Abstract: (2085 Views)
Background and objectives: The continuous utilization of rangelands without considering their ecological potential has led to their degradation. To address this, the rangeland community is exploring alternative uses by providing scientific solutions. In a country like Iran, where the exploitation population is large, it's critical to diversify rangeland uses beyond livestock grazing and implement smaller-scale economic units considering sub-uses of rangelands. This study aims to evaluate rangelands for multi-purpose uses to achieve sustainable management, identify potential uses, prioritize them from ecological and economic perspectives, and plan for the effective utilization of rangelands' potentials and services. The study focuses on utilizing medicinal plants, nectar-producing plants, livestock grazing, and forage production.
Methodology: The study was conducted in Larak rangeland (part of Azadbar district) in the Asara section of Karaj city in 2019. Azadbar rangelands are located in the northernmost part of Alborz province, 85 km from Karaj city. Plant types were determined and sampled using a random-systematic method. Four 100-meter transects, perpendicular to each other, were established in each vegetation type, with ten 1m² plots along each transect. The research focused on evaluating and identifying plant types' characteristics and potential uses. Plants were identified using valid flora, and their uses were determined. Using the FAO method (1991) and guidelines by Arzani et al. (2008), the suitability of plant species for grazing, medicinal use, and beekeeping was assessed, and necessary maps were prepared. Market valuation determined the income from each use. Grazing capacity was considered along with interviews with grazers to estimate livestock-related incomes and costs, including medicine, vaccines, fodder, and shepherd expenses. The annual production of honey and medicinal plants was also calculated based on regional data and interviews with local beekeepers.
Results: The final results showed that 86.58% of the rangeland in the study area is in the S2 class (medium suitability) for sheep grazing, and 6.5% is in the S3 class (low suitability). For beekeeping, 14.17% of the rangeland is in the S1 class (high suitability) and 78.91% in the S2 class. For medicinal plants, 55.25% of the rangeland is in the S2 class, and 37.83% in the S3 class. The market valuation indicated that livestock grazing generates an income of 2,300,000,000 Rials, with additional incomes from beekeeping (260,000,000 Rials) and medicinal plants (202,000,000 Rials), totaling 462,000,000 Rials.
Conclusion: Factors such as the percentage of vegetation composition of medicinal and pollen plants, distance from roads, and slope gradient affect beekeeping suitability. Temperature and water sources enhance the rangeland's competence for beekeeping. Accessibility in upstream botanical types and the absence of desirable plant species in lower types limit utilization. Low palatability, improper use, forage production decline, and water quality issues decrease suitability for animal grazing. Implementing multi-purpose uses alongside traditional livestock grazing can increase income through beekeeping and medicinal plants, thus supporting economic sustainability in the region.
Methodology: The study was conducted in Larak rangeland (part of Azadbar district) in the Asara section of Karaj city in 2019. Azadbar rangelands are located in the northernmost part of Alborz province, 85 km from Karaj city. Plant types were determined and sampled using a random-systematic method. Four 100-meter transects, perpendicular to each other, were established in each vegetation type, with ten 1m² plots along each transect. The research focused on evaluating and identifying plant types' characteristics and potential uses. Plants were identified using valid flora, and their uses were determined. Using the FAO method (1991) and guidelines by Arzani et al. (2008), the suitability of plant species for grazing, medicinal use, and beekeeping was assessed, and necessary maps were prepared. Market valuation determined the income from each use. Grazing capacity was considered along with interviews with grazers to estimate livestock-related incomes and costs, including medicine, vaccines, fodder, and shepherd expenses. The annual production of honey and medicinal plants was also calculated based on regional data and interviews with local beekeepers.
Results: The final results showed that 86.58% of the rangeland in the study area is in the S2 class (medium suitability) for sheep grazing, and 6.5% is in the S3 class (low suitability). For beekeeping, 14.17% of the rangeland is in the S1 class (high suitability) and 78.91% in the S2 class. For medicinal plants, 55.25% of the rangeland is in the S2 class, and 37.83% in the S3 class. The market valuation indicated that livestock grazing generates an income of 2,300,000,000 Rials, with additional incomes from beekeeping (260,000,000 Rials) and medicinal plants (202,000,000 Rials), totaling 462,000,000 Rials.
Conclusion: Factors such as the percentage of vegetation composition of medicinal and pollen plants, distance from roads, and slope gradient affect beekeeping suitability. Temperature and water sources enhance the rangeland's competence for beekeeping. Accessibility in upstream botanical types and the absence of desirable plant species in lower types limit utilization. Low palatability, improper use, forage production decline, and water quality issues decrease suitability for animal grazing. Implementing multi-purpose uses alongside traditional livestock grazing can increase income through beekeeping and medicinal plants, thus supporting economic sustainability in the region.
Type of Study: Applicable |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2022/06/16 | Accepted: 2022/12/10 | Published: 2024/07/31
Received: 2022/06/16 | Accepted: 2022/12/10 | Published: 2024/07/31
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