Evaluation of rangeland use capability using systemic method in Khanghah Sorkh watershed in Orumieh

Suitability of rangeland application in watersheds for optimum use of land is of particular importance which is done with using systemic analysis method. In this method, ecological capability of land is determined for each common land uses. Therefore, in Khanghah Sorkh watershed, homogenous unites were determined after identifying the ecological resources and then land capability for rangeland use was assessed in whole watershed. According to the results, 18 ecological homogenous units were distinguished in a scale of 1:25000 as large parts of the lands were devoted to the land use classes of 2-3. Potential and actual ecological land capability of the study area was low for class 1 of rangeland use. In this regard, 24 percent of the land, in terms of geological structure, especially due to the sharp slope, was considered as ecosystem conservation and was offered for wildlife grazing. Meanwhile, 3.8 percent of the rangeland was determined as class1, 11 percent class2, and 19 percent class3. Accordingly, balanced range management and natural range management methods are respectively offered for 3.8 percent (76 ha) of rangelands in the watershed with class 1, and 54.6 percent (1091 ha) with classes 2 and 3. Range improvement practices or artificial range management method is also offered for 41.7 percent (833 ha) of the lands in order to convert inefficient dryland farming to cultivated rangelands.