The effect of grazing management on diversity indices in semi steppe region of Isfahan Province (Case study: Hanna station, Semirom)

Plant species diversity always implies ecosystem stability against environmental and biological disturbances. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of grazing management on diversity indices of plant species in grazed and exclosed rangeland sites of Hanna station- Semirom. Sampling was performed using 30 plots (1 m2) along four transects. Canopy area and density of species were recorded in sampling units, and the floristic list was provided in the whole area. Species richness, heterogeneity and evenness indices were calculated from density data and parametric diversity indices including log normal, geometric, and broken stick were fited in both exclosed and grazed areas. The Chi-Square test was used to examine the significance of measured traits. The results of numerical indices showed a higher species richness, evenness and species diversity indices in grazed than in the ungrazed site. The logarithmic diagram in the exclosed and grazed areas followed the broken stick model, indicating the presence of dominant species. The floristic lists of the study sites showed that the number of specific plant species in the grazed site was higher than that of exclosed site. Overall, the results showed that moderate grazing conditions in Hanna station improved plant species diversity indices and increased climax plant species.