Journal of Rangeland

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Evaluating the positive or negative effects of management practices in rangeland ecosystems is highly important for developing appropriate restoration plans. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of biological practices on species composition and diversity in semi-Steppic rangelands of Zagros in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province. A random systematic method was used to collect vegetation data from 120 quadrates of 1 m² in the sites under seedling planting, pit-seeding and heavy grazing condition. The species composition, diversity (Simpson, Shannon-Wiener), richness (Margalef and Menhinick) and functional groups (e.g. longevity, growth form, life form, and family) of various range sites were compared. The result of this study showed that biological restoration practices significantly influenced diversity, species richness indices and some functional groups (P <0.05). The sites under seedling planting and pit-seeding showed the highest species richness, diversity. The functional groups including perennials, Hemicryptophytes, grasses, forbs, Apiaceae, Poaceae, and Rosaceae family were more abundant in the treated sites compared to the heavily grazed site. RDA analysis showed that high range value species such as Ferula assa-foetida، Prangos ferulacea and Dorema aucheri were more abundant significantly compared to the control site. Overall restoration practices had positive effects on vegetation condition in the study area.
 

Keywords: Species richness, Ecological restoration, Planting, Pit-seeding, Zagros.

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