Evaluation of the rainfall interception condition in some shrub species (Case study: campus of the Ferdowsi University of Mashhad)

 In fact, the purpose of this study was to assess the amount of interception, and also the effects of the rate and intensity of rainfall, and also plant cover density of the mentioned species on amount and percentage of interception during the research time period. The amount of precipitation was measured under the canopy of mentioned shrub species as well as in open space near the shrubs, immediately after each precipitation event during the research time period. Cover density of the species were also determined by vertical photography from vegetation cover in different seasons, and using Arc GIS 10.3 software. Based on the results, the highest measured interception was %79.57 occurred in December on Peganum harmala, while the lowest one was %7.09 measured in February on Rosa persica. Total annual interception for Artemisia scoparia, Rosa persica and Peganum harmala were respectively 37.99, 30.83 and 54.32 mm which are %27.35, %22.19 and %39.11 of the occurred rainfall. The results of regression analysis using SPSS 16.00 showed that between the rainfall amount and the interception of Artemisia scoparia, Rosa persica and Peganum harmala, also between growth season of Rosa persica and the interception percentage difference exist in the level of %1. In addition, between the precipitation duration and interception rate of Artemisia scoparia and Peganum harmala as well as between the vegetative form of the evaluated species and interception rate difference exist in the level of %5