Evaluation of diversity in agricultural plants and effectiveness of management factors in non-hunting areas of Gharaviz and marginal regions

Biodiversity is a key to advancing sustainability in agriculture to meet demands for food production, pharmaceuticals and industry. This study investigates factors of agro biodiversity and management in three villages of the Gharaviz region and four villages in surrounding regions of Sarpole-Zahab County, Kermanshah province, Iran. Relevant data were collected from farms, direct observation and special questionnaires. Evaluations were made on the species richness index, the Shannon - Wiener index and Simpson's dominance. Results demonstrated that species with higher contribution in the study area belonged to seven families, and among these Poacea, Fabaceae and Solanaceae had the highest contribution. Wheat and corn were cultivated in all rural areas. Correlation between farm type (rain-fed farming and irrigated farming) to species richness indices (0.419**); Shannon-Weiner (0.449**) and dominance Simpson index (-0.315**) was significant. Correlation between method of fertilizer application to species richness indices (-0.413**), Shannon wiener (-.377**), and dominants index of Simpson (0.296**) was also determined as significant. Results showed that application of chemical fertilizer resulted in less crops biodiversity but the use of organic fertilizer significantly increased agro biodiversity. Correlation between organic fertilizer application to species richness indices 0.452**), Shannon- Weiner (0.419**), and dominants index of Simpson (-0.338**) was significant in that increased crop biodiversity was related to increased use of organic fertilizer. Effects of chemical fertilizer, fallowing use of cultivation instruments and machines, using inbred seeds, chemical herbicides and biological inputs on biodiversity indices were insignificant. In summary, improving agro ecosystem management practices in the region can serve to increase biodiversity and serve to improve agricultural sustainability in the study area.