Evaluation of economic value and environmental factors associated with distribution of Ferula gummosa Boiss in Lar Rangeland, Tehran Province

Having comprehensive and new information on medicinal and industrial plants distribution is necessary for proper planning, managing and use of these resources. Due to the ecological and economic importance of Ferula gummosa, this study was conducted. Economical evaluation of the species and affecting environmental factors on its distribution were selected as the goal of the study. The study area is located on Lar customary settlement of Shemiranat, Tehran province. At the relevant habitat of the species vegetation were sampled using systematic-random method. Soil samples were taken from 30 cm depth. DCA and Canonical Comparative Analysis (CCA) methods were used to evaluate the relationships between vegetation and environmental factors. The results showed that soil electrical conductivity was the most important factor affecting on the distribution of plants in the study area. Elevation as a factor was also identified as one of the important factors on the distribution of plant. Considering the expected leachate production capacity of the whole study area, i.e., 18 tons/year, net economic value of the species was 16950 million Rials for a one period of operation.