Assessment of patches structure and function in Arid and semi arid Rangeland

Rangeland ecosystem contains various patches with different functions. Structural and functional characteristics of rangeland patches are change by management practices and can be used for interpreting of management effects. Grazing intensity and land cultivation are the most important factors in range degradation and decrease range function. Zarand Save and Taleghan selected for comprising patches with each other also, determination management effects. Then 5 management treatments including 3 grazing intensity (weak, moderate, heavy) and 2 cultivation practices (cultivated land in current year and relict area) were chosen. The land with light grazing selected as reference area. in each treatment 5 structural attributes included: patch number, total patch area, patch area index, landscape organization index and inter patch length mean and three functional attributes included stability, infiltration and nutrient cycling were determined. Results showed that by increasing grazing intensity, patch structure disturbed and distance between patches increased. Also stability and infiltration increased. Land cultivation increased infiltration and decreased stability. In relict area by establishing patches rangeland function improved.