s. a. javadi

Beekeeping on rangelands is considered as a key approach for sustaining pastoral livelihood and reducing pressure on grazing lands. Previous studies are mostly focused on the ecological contributors of apiculture and the social criteria are not treated in much detail. The current research, therefore, uses the case of Sarayan Arid Rangelands in northeast Iran to examine the importance of social capital in adaptation of beekeeping as a pastoral livelihood diversification strategy. Through a random sampling procedure, 180 herders were selected in the study area. Questionnaires were used to collect data on trusts, collaboration, and solidarity as the main determinants of social capital and also herders' interests in beekeeping. Stepwise linear regression method was employed to estimate the relation between herders' interest in beekeeping and their social capital. The results show that about 33% in variance of motivation on beekeeping as a livelihood diversification strategy could be explained by the cooperation, trust, and solidarity among the rangeland users. Therefore, it is vital to introduce policies and measures to support collaboration and social networks among the rangeland users.

In this research, the effects of some topography and soil factors influencing vegetation structure have been studied in Chal Kabud basin located in the northern slope of Oshtorankouh. It enjoys the greatest altitude variations, a rich diversity of plant species as well as topographical features. Nineteen altitudinal classes were identified by 100 m altitudinal interval. In each altitudinal class, 4 transects (2 vertical and 2 horizontal) each with 200 m length were established and 8 quadrates were sampled alongside each transect. In selected classes along the homogenous units, soil profile was dig and some edaphic parameters were measured. Vegetation characteristics and grazing intensity of all units also were studied. Fourteen vegetation classes were classified by TWINSPAN and plant species as well as sampling sites were analyzed and grouped by Dterended Correspondence Analysis (DCA) to 4 and 6 similar categories, respectively. In order to study the effects of environmental factors on vegetation, Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) were applied and correlation among each environmental factor and plant species were measured. CCA results showed that edapic factors were the most effective factors on distribution and establishment of plant species in the study area and altitude, slope and grazing intensity were among the next important factors respectively.

There are about 27 sheep breeds in Iran. It is necessary, to specify size, weight, animal unit equivalent (AUE) and daily requirement of these breeds in each region for determining rangelands grazing capacity. In this study, animal unit equivalent of Haraki Sheep breed and its conversion coefficient to country animal unit were studied. For this purpose, two herds were selected within this breed herds grazing in rangelands. Within In each herd; 15 heads of three years old ewes, 15 heads of four years old ewes, 5 heads of 3 years old rams and 5 heads of 4 years old rams were selected and their weights were measured in summer and winter rangelands. In addition this number, at the summer rangeland, 10 heads 3 months old lambs and 10 heads 6 months old lambs were weighted. The average weight of adult ewes (three and four years old) was considered as the weight of Haraki sheep breed. According to results, the weight of Haraki sheep breed is 56.53± 1.73kg and in comparison with the weight of country animal unit, it is of heavy weight breeds. Animal unit equivalent of various categories of this breed (ewe, rams, 3 months old and 6 months old lambs) compared to the animal unit of the country, are 1.10, 1.31, 0.51 and 0.65 respectively. The results show that breed diversity cause variation of sheep breeds weight. On this basis, weight of various breeds is different together and it is categorized in various classes and it is not permitted to assign daily requirement of various breeds according to a basic unique weight in calculating of grazing capacity.

Methods to evaluate the effect of development and rangelands restoration with heavy texture and salty in range lands Khuzestan province study was conducted that including four reformed operation: rainfalls harvesting with seeding, brush planting, exclosure, observance grazing systems and fodder cultivation selected and Treatments along with any corrective action as controls were studied. For soil samples in each transect segment 4 fixed length of 100 (m) was established along each transect six profiles and drilling depths of 0-30 and 30 to 60(cm) and 12 soil samples were taken. The soil samples to measure the factors studied was transferred to Soil Science Lab. And factors of organic matter, N, absorbable (P), absorbable (K), cations sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium, exchangeablesodium percentage, the percentage of commutative sodium, clay, silt and sand, pH and water table underground water in each depth were analyzed. Obtained results showed that have had significant effect on elements of nitrogen, carbon, potassium erence betweenevery treatment site and its controlled site. Parameters Ec, Na. Ca,Mg, %sand, silt,clay, Sp and Esp variation (ANOVA) about soil parameters in 2 depths investigated showed significant difference among 5 treatments. Finally, the results of this study showed that the project management of pasture (grazed and exclosure system) because of in environment, consuming high costs and then reformed project of reservation rainfalls with seeding have positive effect on soil. Dry fodder cultivation and projects the need for high costs and lack of affordable work and plant cultivation, especially with non-compatible species present study area is not recommended.

This study was conducted to explore the effects of natural fires on vegetation and soil characteristics in Pir Golsorkh rangeland of Behbahan. Samples were collected in two areas which were burned and unburned by random- systematic method. In each plot percentage of total cover, percentage of bare soil, percentage of gravel and rocks, percentage of litter, percentage of vegetation according to their growth, the amount of production were measured and the condition of pasture was determined. Five profiles dug and soil samples were collected from two depths (0-20 and 20-40 centimeters) in each area and analyzed. The amount of nitrogen, potassium, carbon and phosphor were determined. Results show that in the area where fire took place the percentage of vegetation class III more than vegetation of class III of unburned area. While class I vegetation in unburned area was more than vegetation class I in the fire place. The percentage of vegetation in the burned area is qualitatively increased and the amount of grass is decreased. Percentage of vegetation and amount of grass in the burned place has a meaningful increase compare to unburned place. Soil factors analysis show no meaningful differences in nitrogen, carbon, potassium or phosphor between these two areas. Therefore, when there is fire along with drought, this can cause an increase in unpalatable grass and then it will become a suitable place for the upcoming fire.

Categorizing range suitability and evaluating rangelands hierarchically and based on their importance in order to rightly recognize their potential, particularly to fully exploit the arid and semi-arid lands which have a comparatively delicate ecosystem, can promote sustainable development. In order to investigate the rangeland suitability for goat grazing, this study analyses three sub-models, namely production model, water model (quantity, quality and distance) and erosion sensibility which also form the components of the final model. In the current study, FAO (1991) method, which is recommended for land capability evaluation, has been employed in Jamilabad – Baft province. Also, PSIAC procedure has been used to analyze erosion sensitivity. In order to determine water suitability of water resources, three factors quality, quantity and the distance from water resources were taken into account. On the other hand, to investigate the suitability of forage, factor namely standard exploitation, palatability, accessibility, physical condition of the rangefield are taken into consideration. The findings suggest that of all the rangefiels, 72.1% were marginally suitable (S3) whereas 27.9% of the rest of the rangeland were classified as N or unsuitable for goat grazing. It is worth noting that suitability classes of S1 and S2 were almost non-existent in the area under study. In total, limited availability of forage, soil erosion sensitivity were determining contributory factors to low suitability. Also, limited forage production together with soil erosion were recognized as limiting factors to rangefield types.