Volume 18, Issue 2 (7-2024)
مرتع 2024, 18(2): 342-354 |
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Mirmiran S M, Motamedi J, Hosseini G. The Effect of the Facilitation of Astragalus gossypinus Fisch. and Acantholimon raddeanum on Species Diversity in the Rangeland Habitats of Baharkish, Binaloud, Razavi Khorasan. مرتع 2024; 18 (2) :342-354
URL: http://rangelandsrm.ir/article-1-1256-en.html
URL: http://rangelandsrm.ir/article-1-1256-en.html
Abstract: (682 Views)
Background and objectives: Spiny and cushion plant species are critical for protecting species diversity in pastures. This study investigates the facilitative role of Astragalus gossypinus and Acantholimon raddeanum in enhancing species diversity across three management sites: Exclosure, Exclosure + Drill seeding method, and heavy grazing in the summer rangelands of Bharkish Qochan, Razavi Khorasan.
Methodology: Three sites-Exclosure, Exclosure + Drill seeding method, and heavy grazing (livestock feeding area)—were selected and sampled using three 100 m transects in each representative area in June 2023. At each site, 30 paired plots for each species were established under nurse species and adjacent open spaces. Structural characteristics (large crown diameter, small crown diameter, height), and number, frequency, and percentage of plant species cover were recorded. Shannon-Wiener diversity, Margalef richness, Camargo uniformity, and density indices were calculated for the nurse species canopy and adjacent open spaces. Diversity indices were measured using Ecological Methodology 7.2 software, richness indices using Past 3.06 software, and density by counting. SPSS22 software was used for data comparison via two-way ANOVA and Duncan's test.
Results: Species richness and plant density indices were higher under the canopy of nurse species than in adjacent open spaces across all management sites. The highest indices were in the Exclosure + Drill seeding method site under A. gossypinus Fisch. (richness: 4.5, density: 8.3), while the lowest were in heavy grazing open spaces under A. raddeanum (richness: 0.8, density: 1.1). Significant differences in species diversity indices were found between under-canopy and open spaces, with higher values under the canopy, demonstrating the supportive role of the nurse species. A. gossypinus Fisch. showed higher species diversity indices compared to A. raddeanum due to its structural characteristics. Comparing the three sites, no significant difference in species diversity indices was found between Exclosure and Exclosure + Drill seeding method sites, but heavy grazing sites showed significantly lower indices. Exclosure + Drill seeding method with native species improved species diversity indices, benefiting from ecological conditions, topography, and high plant diversity in the rangeland.
Conclusion: Nurse plants enhance plant growth and survival by providing favorable conditions for other species. To improve vegetation, the use of nurse species is recommended due to their ability to create microclimates and offer protective effects in pastures.
Methodology: Three sites-Exclosure, Exclosure + Drill seeding method, and heavy grazing (livestock feeding area)—were selected and sampled using three 100 m transects in each representative area in June 2023. At each site, 30 paired plots for each species were established under nurse species and adjacent open spaces. Structural characteristics (large crown diameter, small crown diameter, height), and number, frequency, and percentage of plant species cover were recorded. Shannon-Wiener diversity, Margalef richness, Camargo uniformity, and density indices were calculated for the nurse species canopy and adjacent open spaces. Diversity indices were measured using Ecological Methodology 7.2 software, richness indices using Past 3.06 software, and density by counting. SPSS22 software was used for data comparison via two-way ANOVA and Duncan's test.
Results: Species richness and plant density indices were higher under the canopy of nurse species than in adjacent open spaces across all management sites. The highest indices were in the Exclosure + Drill seeding method site under A. gossypinus Fisch. (richness: 4.5, density: 8.3), while the lowest were in heavy grazing open spaces under A. raddeanum (richness: 0.8, density: 1.1). Significant differences in species diversity indices were found between under-canopy and open spaces, with higher values under the canopy, demonstrating the supportive role of the nurse species. A. gossypinus Fisch. showed higher species diversity indices compared to A. raddeanum due to its structural characteristics. Comparing the three sites, no significant difference in species diversity indices was found between Exclosure and Exclosure + Drill seeding method sites, but heavy grazing sites showed significantly lower indices. Exclosure + Drill seeding method with native species improved species diversity indices, benefiting from ecological conditions, topography, and high plant diversity in the rangeland.
Conclusion: Nurse plants enhance plant growth and survival by providing favorable conditions for other species. To improve vegetation, the use of nurse species is recommended due to their ability to create microclimates and offer protective effects in pastures.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2024/04/8 | Accepted: 2024/06/20 | Published: 2024/07/31
Received: 2024/04/8 | Accepted: 2024/06/20 | Published: 2024/07/31
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