Estimation of economic value of the gas regulation function in rangeland ecosystems of Taham watershed basin

The aim of this study was to estimate the economic value of the gas regulation function in rangeland ecosystems of Taham watershed basin. The fixed carbon and produced oxygen in photosynthesis process of the plant species were measured using field method. The ash method (combustion) in electric furnaces was used to measure organic matter contents of plant species in the laboratory. The values of carbon sequestration and produced oxygen in the study area were calculated using the Carbon Tax and replacement cost methods. According to the results، the studied Semi-Steppe rangelands sequestrate about 1. 9 tons of carbon dioxide per year / hectare (0. 54 tons of carbon per hectare)، and produce 1. 5 tons oxygen per year. The shadow values of carbon sequestration and oxygen production in the study area were estimated about 2325. 4 and 10777. 4 million Rials per a year respectively. The overall value of gas regulation function in the rangeland ecosystems of Taham watershed basin was estimated about 13102. 8 million Rials per a year (0. 95 million Rials in ha). This study highlighted the carbon sequestration and oxygen production values of rangelands along with other benefits such as livestock and wildlife grazing، medicinal plants، biodiversity and recreational uses.