The effect of rainfall and temperature variables on forage production of dominant plant species in protected area of Kalmand (Yazd province)

Protected area of Kalmand is one of main Gazella subgutturosa refugia in Iran. This study was conducted on rangelands of this area for nine years (1378- 1386). The aim was examining the effect of rainfall and temperature on production of plant species. For this purpose four dominant Species were selected and their canopy cover and production were monitored every year in permanent and random plots, respectively. Figures on rainfall and temperature were collected from nearby stations. Relationships between annual yield and Meteorological variables analyzed by correlation and stepwise regression analysis. The Results show that Species of Scariola orientalis, Artemisia sieberi and Noaea mucronata have high significant correlation with rainfall in January-April, winter and December-March, respectively. Whereas, temperature in June appears to intensely influence annual yield of Stachys inflata. Yield of Scariola orientalis and Artemisia sieberi is influenced not only by rainfall but also by variability of June high temperature. In the final, total yield can be estimated by January-April rainfall and June high temperature.