Journal of Natural Environment

Effectiveness of improvement operations on vegetation and capacity of Eastern Alborz rangelands from the perspective of conservation and sustainable exploitation (Case study: Dasti Tavaz-Iran)

Document Type : Research Paper

Author

Forests and Rangelands Research Department, Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO, Semnan, Iran.

10.22059/jne.2025.386804.2742

Abstract

Remedial operations have been carried out for years in human societies to preserve water and soil and protect ecosystems in order to optimize the living conditions of watershed residents. Being aware of the success and effectiveness of these projects over time can justify their implementation and maintenance scientifically. This study examines the effectiveness of mechanical (Earth dams, Stone-mortar dams, Gabions) and biological operations (Pit-Seeding, Seed Spreading, fruitful planting and foraging) on the vegetation cover of rangelands in Dasti Tawaz, Mayamey, Iran. Measurements were carried out 15 years after the operation in 7 rangeland types in a random-systematic manner. Vegetation types were determined using the physiognomic-floristic method. The percentage of vegetation cover, production, condition, trend of vegetation types and grazing capacity (with a sustainable exploitation perspective) in the basin were calculated and compared with before the measures. In order to separate the effect of rainfall from management, rainfall 15 years before and after the operation was compared with a t-test, and this difference was not significant. The intermediate condition of rangelands, the progressive trend of plant types and the improvement of the production situation in this area have shown the effectiveness of the implemented operations. Production in the basin increased from 901997.6 to 1349135.9 kg and grazing capacity in 90 days increased from 5895.2 to 7495.19 animal units. Also, the number of plant types in the area has increased from 5 types to 7 types, of which Artemisia sieberi is dominant in 5 types. Regarding mechanical operations, it should be noted that the effectiveness of any operation is not limited to the boundaries between vegetation types or sub-basins. These operations are sometimes carried out at the boundary between two vegetation types, which, depending on the nature of the project, can also affect the type without remedial operations. Although biological operations are the most sustainable and cost-effective and can be implemented on a large scale, mechanical operations are also necessary in conditions of progressive erosion and provide an appropriate opportunity for vegetation establishment and erosion control.

Keywords

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Journal of Natural Environment
Volume 77, Issue 4
March 2025
Pages 635-652