مجله مرتع
سال شانزدهم شماره 1 (پیاپی 61، بهار 1401)

Mineral exploration is an important factor in rangeland ecosystem degradation in Iran. The first priority in mine site restoration is to use native plants as they can resist the stress caused by heavy metals and nutrients deficiency and also the harsh environmental situation. Vegetation restoration in polluted mining area depends on how plants can respond to phisyco-chemical properties of mine waste. This study aimed to assess the responses of five pioneer species (Glaucium fimbrilligerum, Melica persica, Hordeum vulgare, Polygonum aviculare and Silybum marianum) in secondary succession to the phisyco-chemical properties of coal mine waste in Karmozd coal mine, Mazandaran, Iran.

The waste generated from the coal mining was heaped into different dumps in Karmozd coal mine site in Savadkoh county, Mazandaran province, Iran. This mine is one of the oldest and major coal mining site in central Alborz coal zone. Three dumps of coal waste were selected which were abandoned for more than three decades. All dumps had similar elevation above sea level and geographical aspect. During underground mining large volumes of coal wastes were heaped in one of the waste dump but in the other two dumps waste materials were deposited outside of tunnels. Plant species were sampled in 138, 1 m2 plots using random-systematic methods along transects. In each plot the cover percentage of each plant species were estimated visually. A soil sample was taken from the center of each plot up to a depth of 20 cm. Then soil samples were put in plastic bags until chemical analysis. The soil samples were air-dried at room temperature. Then Soil texture, pH, EC, OC, N, P, Cu, Zn, Ni, and Pb were measured in the laboratory. Plant species responses and the ecological niches were determined using eHOF model in R 3.5.3. The best model was selected using AIC index.

Results of this study showed that plant species responded to coal wastes properties in a variety of models. Among them the sysmetrical unimodal and bimodal with unequal two optima were more common. In response to the amount of sand in the soil all plant species except H. vulgare had an optimum in 49-88%. S. marianum showed an optimum in the lowest amount of clay while P. aviculare and H. vulgare had a broad ecological niche along the gradient of clay. G. fimbrilligerum and H. vulgare had a broad ecological niche than other plant species in response to the soil pH even with an optima in low soil pH. For soil minerals the dominant response was bimodal with unequal two optima. The upper optima for soil total nitrogen was found for P. aviculare and the upper optima for soil available P was detected for P. aviculare and H. vulgare. Two plant species (S. marianum and M. persica) responded to all heavy metals with symmetrical unimodal while the other species showed a verity of responses. S. marianum showed optimum in greater amount of heavy metal levels and its optima was 255.24, 53.74, 180.59, and 151.87 for Cu, Pb, Zn, and Ni, respectively.

In this study the three forb species showed more divers responses to the measured coal waste properties than that in two grass species. The studied plant species had different life spans and life forms. According to their responses and the ecological niches it can be concluded that all of these plant species have the potential for establishment and growth on coal waste dumps. Therefore, they can be used for mine site restoration with a priority to S. marianum and M. persica. Further studies are needed to assess the facilitation of these plant species growth and establishment under different remediation treatments.

 Toxicity of heavy metals and their accumulation in soil, plant and food chains is one of the main environmental and health problems of today's societies. In this regard, the impact of these metals on valuable medicinal plants and forages that enter into the food chain through human and animal consumption is of particular importance. Glycyrrhiza glabra L. is one of the most valuable species which is important in the world due to the presence of important medicinal and nutritional compounds in its roots and rhizomes and has been considered by the pharmaceutical and food industries. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of heavy metals of lead and cadmium on the absorption of high consumption nutrients and also the accumulation of these elements in the tissues of the lichen plant.

  This research was carried out in a completely randomized design with two treatments of lead and cadmium in 4 replicates and 6 concentrations in pot culture (a total of 48 pots). The treatments consisted of concentrations of 0, 10, 20, 40, 80 and 160 (ppm) for cadmium and zero, 50, 100, 200, 400 and 800 (ppm) for lead. After preparing bedding and spraying a heavy metal salts solution of lead and cadmium with the above concentrations, rhizomes were cultivated in pots and placed in the greenhouse for 7 months under irrigation and care. Finally, samples of soil and plant (in two parts of the air and underground organs) were prepared and transferred to the laboratory for acid digestion and extraction of lead and cadmium. To assess the plant's ability, TF, BCF and BAC indices were also used to evaluate the accumulation capacity of these elements.

  The results of the comparison of the mean of lead and cadmium in the studied concentrations showed that increasing the concentration of these two elements in the soil did not have a significant effect on the amount of potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium and organic matter in the aerial and underground parts of this plant. While the increase in the concentration of cadmium in the soil has a significant reducing effect on the amount of this metal in the air and underground organs and the amount of nitrogen in the air. Also, the increase in lead concentration has a significant effect on the amount of this metal in the air and underground organs and the amount of phosphorus and nitrogen in the air.

 The results of the study on the accumulation and transfer of cadmium and lead in the lichen plant showed that the plant could play the role of stabilizing plant and extractive plant in these two heavy metals, respectively

Todays, with advances in satellite sensors, their role on obtaining information and study of the environmental events and phenomena have become increasingly important. One of these precious data which is the basis for many planning and decisions in rangelands, is the above ground net primary production. The traditional method of estimating ANPP is clipping and weighing. The high cost, time and difficulty in collecting are the limitations of the traditional method, which makes it extremely difficult and expensive to estimate the ANPP of large areas. Thus, the aim of this study was to estimate above ground net primary production (ANPP) using vegetation indices.

Sampling of vegetation was performed in rangelands of Sabalan elevations in Ardabil province and altitude ranges from 1500 to 3300 meters in 2016. Nine sites were selected in study area and in each site three 100 m transects was placed with 50 m interval. Along each transect 5 plots (1 square meter) with 20 m from each other was placed and in each plot, total and life forms including shrubs, grasses and forbs ANPP were measured. The initial net production samples were placed in an oven at 70 ° C for 24 hours and then weighed to determine their dry weight. Furthermore, veg/etation indices including NDVI, PVI3, RVI and SAVI were calculated using data of Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) images for 2015. Due to the fact that the maximum growth of vegetation in the region is in June, the images were selected for June. Then using general additive model in software R, curve of relationship between ANPP and vegetation was analyzed in two way Individual and Combined data. Finally, ANPP was modeled using non-linear regression.

The application of generalized additive models for each of the vegetation indices with total ANPP and life forms separately shows that NDVI, PVI3 and RVI have a nonlinear relationship with total ANPP and life forms. However, the SAVI index has a linear relationship with the ANPP of total and grasses. Also, all vegetation indices have a significant relationship with ANPP. The ranking of vegetation indices affecting the ANPP based on the coefficient of determination shows that the most important and least important plant indices are SAVI and PVI3 for shrubs, and PVI3 and SAVI for grasses, forbs and total ANPP. In the present study, contrary to expectations, NDVI vegetation index, which has many applications in the vegetation studies and its increase indicates the presence of more vegetation in the region, in the generalized additive model and the combined study of vegetation index and ANPP show a nonsignificant relationship. Results showed that nonlinear regression significantly increased the accuracy of ANPP estimation using vegetation indices. The coefficient of determination for total ANPP (0.80) is more than shrubs (0.74), grasses (0.75), and forbs (0.56) and among the life forms, forbs have the lowest coefficient of determination.

Based on the results, suitable vegetation index for estimate the ANPP of life forms are different. Also, ANPP estimation using vegetative indices at the total level is more accurate than life forms. According to the results, the OLI image and the use of nonlinear regression models were able to adequately estimate the ANPP in the study area. Therefore, if similar results are obtained in other areas of Ardabil, it will be possible to generalize the results and estimate this important ecological indicator with less time and cost. This tool can also be used to provide information on the amount of forage production and thus determine the capacity and amount of livestock, as well as the amount of pasture degradation.

The stability of arid and semi-arid rangeland ecosystems is mostly affected by living parts (vegetation). Therefore, assessment of plant communities is necessary to sustainably protect these ecosystems. On the other hand, it is necessary to be aware of the variations in the nutritional value of plant species at different times of growth in estimating the production of available animal fodder throughout each habitat. By considering the appropriate time of forage harvesting of various plant species, while achieving the highest efficiency in the secondary production of livestock, it is possible to reduce the degradation caused by uncontrolled grazing in the rangelands. Therefore, the current study aimed to examine the nutritional value of Stinking wood (Anagyris foetida L.) at different stages of growth in its natural habitat.

to conduct this study, we visited the habitat in winter and spring. To analyze the vegetative stages, young shoots, flowers, and seeds (vegetative growth, flowering, seeding) were harvested in early January 2017, coinciding with the leafing of the species, as well as in late January 2017, coinciding with flowering and in mid-June 2018 coinciding with the end of sowing and seed maturation of 30 shrubs in the same year. Then, the samples were dried in the full shade and then placed in marked separate containers. It was sent to the laboratory at the right time to analyze the nutritional value of the forage. In the contemporary study, the chemical compounds of samples analysis with AOAC (1990) standard were used. The basic method for measuring the percentage of crude protein is the Kjeldahl method. This method is based on calculating the percentage of nitrogen in each nutriment and estimating the desired coefficient. The measurement of insoluble fibers in acid detergent (ADF) was performed by a raw fiber measuring device (fiberglass) of the Takator model. Moreover, an oven (incubator model) was applied to measure dry matter. The amount of metabolic energy per kilogram of dry matter was also determined from the equation provided by SCA (Standing Committee on Agriculture). Forage nutritional value data were analyzed in a completely randomized design.

The mean canopy cover of Stinking wood (A. foetida) includes 1531 m2.ha with a mean number of 322 individuals (and 32% of the presence over the habitat). In denser extents, mainly areas with lower altitudes and the slope of the northern slope, where these areas had relatively deeper and more fertile soil, the amount of canopy cover of Stinking wood sometimes reaches 6100 m2.ha. The results of variance analysis of chemical compounds showed the dry matter digestibility and energy estimation in different vegetative stages of Stinking wood in its natural habitat. The dry matter digestibility, crude protein, nitrogen, metabolic energy, and the number of insoluble fibers in acidic detergent factors are significant (p = 0.01). In addition, the study results of the different vegetative stage's effects on the  D.M.D, C.P, N, and M.E percentage showed that their values decreased with the development of vegetative stages (p = 0.01). While the study results of the diverse vegetative stage's effect on the A.D.F percentage revealed that, their values increased with the development of vegetative stages (p = 0.01).

The results showed that the nutritional value of Stinking wood (A. foetida) forage is higher in the vegetative growth stage than in the final stages of growth and seed stage. Therefore, the ideal time to use the Stinking wood (A. foetida) forage consists of early in its vegetative growth. For this purpose, the grazing system should be considered in such a way that more forage is used at this stage. Moreover, this species has the ability to be used to improve natural areas under change and on the verge of extinction. In addition to its unique characteristics, in times when the natural area is without vegetation, grazing on a habitat can prevent energy and weight loss, as well as financial burden to feed the cattle fodder.

A large part of Iran is occupied by arid and semi-arid regions with high vulnerability. Native plant species that are adapted and resistant to the onerous environmental conditions of these areas have particular importance in the sustainability of this ecosystem as well as livestock nutrition and providing the medicinal needs of local communities. With scientific and practical knowledge about the ecological characteristics of plants in each region, not only can prevent destructive factors and their regressive trend, but by making reasonable decisions, we can take steps to maintain, recover and develop them. Plant growth in natural habitats is the result of the function of various biological factors such as climate, soil, and topography, so identifying these factors as habitat needs of plants is the first step in their protection and restoration. This study was performed aimed to investigate some habitat characteristics‎ of Capparis spinosa as a medicinal plant and effective in preventing wind erosion in Sistan.

The distribution areas of Capparis spinosa were determined firstly with the help of the experiences of experts from Agricultural Research Centers and the Department of Natural Resources, and field visits in Sistan region. In order to study the vital changes of the plant in three habitats Zahak, Hirmand, and Hamoon, investigation of the phenological stages during the plant activity period was performed by regular visits on specific points at vegetative year 2019. Vegetation measurements were done in a random-systematic method at each site. Four transects were considered with length 200m and 100m away from each other. On each transect 10 plots two-by-two located and some characteristics‎ were estimated consisting of canopy cover, density, frequency, percentage of litter, sand, gravel, and bare soil. A sampling of soil was done from each habitat in order to investigate physical and chemical properties by 4 composite samples (from the first and last plots). Morphological traits (number of fruits, wet weight of fruit, dry weight of fruit, number of stems, plant height, leaf length, leaf width, and root depth) in each habitat were measured from four plant stands randomly. Data analysis was performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) by IBM SPSS Statistics 26.0 and principal component analysis (PCA) using Past4.0.

The results of the vegetative period of Capparis spinosa ‎ showed that the first leaf emerges in early March and the end of the vegetative period happened in December and the plant has two flowering (June and October) and seeding periods (July and November) in years. There were significant differences between habitats in the aspect of quantitative characteristics of vegetation and morphological traits. Hirmand habitat has more cover percentage, frequency, density, litter percentage, fruit number per plant, number and length of stem, and rooting depth than the other two sites. It also grows with species such as white saxaul (Haloxylon persicum), tamarix (Tamarix ‎aphylla), bindii (Tribulus terrestris), Alhaji camelerom, halsola (Salsola rigida), shrubby Seablite (Suaeda fruticosa), bermuda grass (Cynodon ‎dactylon), harmal (Peganum harmala), tumbleweed (Salsola Kali), desert grass (Stipagrostis plumose), Citrullus colocynthis and colocynth (Seidletzia ‎rosmarinus). The soil of Hirmand was more acidic (8/7) and had higher levels of lime (8/7), sand (86/7), Cilt (8/9), organic carbon (0/6) and organic matter (0/8) than other habitats. PCA revealed that the soil texture and height were the most important factors affecting the distribution of this species. Soil texture, and height were not different in the three habitats.

Investigation of different phenological stages in the plant activity period showed the simultaneous growth of this plant with 120-day winds of Sistan region (120-day winds in Sistan start in early June and continue until the end of September), therefore it is possible preventing of destructive environmental phenomena by planting this species in Eolian harvesting zones. Moreover, this species have medicinal importance and a long vegetative period which has increased the importance of species cultivation in the region. Since the three habitats studied are in poor condition, it is recommended to rehabilitate areas with the cultivation of this species, especially in Helmand habitat, which has more favorable conditions in terms of soil and micro-climate characteristics.

In order to investigate plant properties and forage value of lathyrus rotundifolius, this research was conducted in Namin rangeland. Persian everlasting pea is belong to legume family and it is a wild plant that grow at Heyran and Fandoghlo region. Based on local residents experience, they consider the forage of this plant as one of the best forage and collect it for livestock consumption. This plant is also doubly important with the biological stabilization of nitrogen, improving soil fertility, high leaf-to-stem ratio and high forage value. Due to the fact that farmers do not have enough forage, so recognizing local forage plants with high forage value and using them can play an important role in providing forage and production sustainability.

Sampling was performed to evaluation of forage properties at three growth stage including before flowering, flowering and after flowering stages. The study area is located at latitude 38.40 degrees east and longitude 48.55 degrees north (cold and humid climate). The average annual rainfall in the region is 369 mm and the average annual temperature in the region is 9.63 ° C. The area soil is brown and relatively acidic. Traits such as plant height, vegetative growth period, flowering time and ripening time were evaluated. Chemical compositions of the collected samples include dry matter, organic matter, total carbohydrates, neutral detergent insoluble fibers, acid detergent insoluble fibers, cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, crude protein, crude fat (ether extract), crude ash, Nitrogen and minerals such as iron, copper, zinc, manganese, phosphorus, potassium were also measured.

Results showed that the highest amount of organic matter, crude protein, crude fat, nitrogen, phosphorus and copper were obtained in the early flowering stage. The quality of forage in the post-flowering stage (early seedling) was significantly reduced. And the amounts of insoluble fibers, cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin increased. The percent of organic matter decreased with increasing age of the plant, so that its amount decreased from 94.4% at the beginning of flowering to 91.8% at the beginning of seeding. The amount of total carbohydrates at the beginning of flowering was 65.7%, which increased with the age of the plant, so that its amount reached 78.6% in the early stages of seeding. Insoluble fibers in neutral and acidic detergents also increased with increasing plant age and the lowest amount was observed in early flowering and the highest amount was observed in early seeding stage. The amount of lignin also increased significantly with increasing plant age, so that its amount was 7.3% in early flowering and 12.1% in early seeding stage. The trend of changes in crude protein and crude fat in forage composition was similar and decreased with increasing plant age. Crude fat decreased with increasing plant age. So that its amount decreased from 5.2% at the beginning of flowering to 2.5% at the beginning of seeding stage, but the amount of raw ash increased with the age of the plant and its amount increased from 5.6% at the beginning of flowering to 8.2% increased in early in seeding stage.

The decrease in forage fat can be attributed to the re-transfer (remobilization) of assimilates to the seeds and the increase in ash percentage can be attributed to the accumulation of elements in the shoots. Therefore, with the increase of crude ash, the percentage of dry matter, total carbohydrates, insoluble fibers, cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, manganese, and zinc increased. Results showed that wild lathyrus is desirable as forage crop and it can be used as desirable forage crop.

Rangeland suitability for livestock grazing is assessed by scoring criteria for vegetation, water resources and soil erosion. In this study, the suitability of Lar Absar rangeland in Mazandaran province for grazing domestic animals and herbivorous wildlife grazing from the rangeland was investigated. Many researchers have examined pasture suitability for grazing cattle, sheep, goats, and camels; But very little research has been done on grazing for wildlife (along with livestock). The purpose of this study is to calculate the actual rangeland suitability for livestock grazing so that high efficiency and more effective management can focus on the rangeland. This has not been done in the research mentioned.

The present study was conducted in a part of Haraz river basin, Mazandaran province, Amol city, Larijan section, Lower Larijan village, Lar Absar rangeland. In July 1398, sampling was carried out in the area representing plant types in a systematic random method with the establishment of two 100-meter transects and 10 plots of one square meter in each plant type; Production of grazable plant species was measured by cutting and weighing. Type and statistics of wildlife were received from Mazandaran Environment Department. The type of plants used was also determined by asking the shepherds. Plant species palatability was determined for wildlife using different sources. The recommended coefficients for appetizer class I were> 0.50, for class II was 0.30 and for class III was 0.20. The list of plant species was written in each type and after applying the coefficient of palatability, the percentage of palatability was obtained for each animal in each type. In the above-mentioned guidelines, vegetation criteria, water resources and soil erosion were examined.

According to the list of plant species in Lar Absar rangeland, 76 plant species from 24 families were identified; Of these, Poaceae and Asteraceae families with 13 and 12 plant species, respectively, have the highest abundance. The results show that wheatgrass and chicory families are predominant among other plants. These plants are important for livestock (35); And provide a large portion of livestock feed (10). The results of this study showed that after the wheat and chicory families, the mint and legume families are abundant in the rangeland. The results showed that the suitability of different plant types for livestock grazing is different and the factor that reduces grazing suitability (domestic livestock and wildlife) is the slope. Plant type 7 is good for grazing livestock and plant type 2 (Fe.ov-On.co) is good for grazing sheep and for other types of livestock.

According to the results of this study, it seems that Lar Absar rangeland is suitable for grazing domestic animals and wildlife. Pasture grazing wildlife is not limited to wild goats and whole rams and wild ewes; Other animals, such as deer, deer, etc., may also graze in the pastures. The difference is the slope, which is a topographical and environmental factor. Therefore, it can be concluded that grazing of livestock and wildlife is possible together and management can provide a correct planning with high efficiency by classifying pasture slope.

The use of rangeland medicinal plants and their active ingredients have recently been considered due to their therapeutic and industrial effects. The quantity and quality of active ingredients in plants are influenced by environmental factors and ecological stresses in each region. One of the most important factors in extracting the active ingredients of plants is solvent, the choice of which depends on the different parts of a plant and its constituents. Plant organs and solvent systems can affect the quantity and type of compounds extracted. The purpose of this study is to investigate these cases in Verbascum speciosum.

The habitat of Verbascum speciosum in Chaharbagh rangelands was first identified, then flower and leaf samples of this species were collected from altitude classes of 2100 - 2300 - 2500 - 2700 meters in three replications. According to the distribution, dimensions and coefficient of variation of canopy cover, 30 plots were established. After purification in the open air, the samples were placed in an oven at 45 ° C for 24 hours. Finally, they were stored in paper bags and transferred to a laboratory to evaluate some phytochemical properties such as total phenol content, total flavonoids and antioxidant activity. Samples were then extracted with ethanol and methanol solvents by two extraction methods including soaking and using microwave ultrasound.

According to the results, the highest amount of total phenol (119.46 mg / g dry weight) in flower organs, height 2100 m, ethanol solvent, and microwave-ultrasonic extraction method, the highest amount of total flavonoids (31.07 mg / g dry weight) In leaf limb, height 2100 m, methanol solvent, and microwave-ultrasonic extraction method and the highest amount of antioxidant activity (81.49%) was observed in flower limb, 2100 m height, ethanol solvent and extraction method by soaking. Also, analysis of variance of IC50 of the samples showed that the inhibitory power of DPPH free radicals alone or interaction was significantly different at P <0.01). The results of comparing the mean of three factors of height, limb, and solvent on the IC50 level of the samples showed that the studied plant species at 2500 m altitude, in the flower limb, and with methanol solvent type has the highest IC50 and consequently the lowest antioxidant activity.

Considering the distribution of Verbascum speciosum in mountainous areas, it seems that the altitude gradient, extraction method and type of plant organs have a significant effect on the secondary metabolites, and antioxidant properties of this plant. Therefore, these factors must be considered to produce, exploit, process, and use the active ingredients of Verbascum speciosum in medicinal compounds.

 Vegetation is one of the most important criteria affecting the ecological life of the environment, which is directly related to the moisture conditions of watersheds. Estimation of plant drought indices such as VCI, TCI, VHI is a effective technique to assess the effects of drought on the ecological life of the environment, which are obtained by calculating NDVI. In this regard, several studies have been conducted that explain how to calculate and use these indicators. According to the results of studies related to the importance of using plant and climatic drought indicators, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of drought on vegetation in Kashkan basin of Lorestan using landsat satellite images, rainfall data and satellite imagery.

Rainfall data of Kashkan basin stations during the statistical period of 1999 to 2019 were collected from the Meteorological Organization. Data related to satellite images of multi-time images Landsat for the years 1999 and 2019 from ETM and OLI sensors (L Needs 7 and 8) were obtained from the USGS database. Finally, using the SPI index, dry and wet years were distinguished during the statistical period and were selected as representatives of dry and wet years in 1999 and 2019. And calculated vegetation indices (NDVI, TCI, VCI and VHI) using the ENVI 5/3 software. Satellite data were obtained from Landsat multi-time images for the years 17/2/1999 and 15/2/2019 with ETM + and OLI sensors (Landsat 7 and 8) from the USGS database. Because the area is located at different passes 165 and 166, the Seamless Mosaic operator in ENVI 5.3 software was used to mosaic the images. Data with L1T level corrections (including systematic radiometric correction, geometric correction using ground control points, and topographic displacement error correction) were obtained from the USGS database. A 1: 25000 topographic map of the study area was used to control the geometric correction of satellite images. Atmospheric corrections of the images were performed by applying flash algorithm in the software and the images were prepared to extract the research indicators.

  After preparing the data, the classification map of NDVI, VCI, TCI and VHI indices in 1999 and 2019 was determined. Based on the obtained results, in 1999, the amount of poor vegetation was the highest with an area of ​​4869.7 square kilometers, equivalent to 52.49 percent of the area, and the highest vegetation belonged to the good vegetation class with an area of ​​3311.44 square kilometers, equivalent to 69 Percentage of the area. The results of the VCI index show that the vegetation situation was good in 1999 and 4749.1 square kilometers of the area have experienced drought-free conditions. In addition, 4034.9, 111.3 and 83.5 square kilometers of the region had mild drought, severe drought and very severe drought, respectively. In 2019, according to the VCI index, 7531.8 square kilometers of the basin, ie 81.2% of the area, have vegetation-free conditions in terms of vegetation. According to the TCI results in 1999, limited parts of the western and southwestern parts of the basin with an area of ​​742.1 and 278.3 square kilometers had severe and very severe drought conditions, respectively. In 2019, in terms of heat, in 3005 square kilometers of the area in the northern, central and southeastern parts of the basin, no drought conditions were observed. According to the VHI results, in 1999, about 102 and 1159 square kilometers of the area had severe and moderate drought conditions, respectively, and no severe drought occurred in the area. In 2019, there was no severe drought. In general, the situation has been very good for vegetation

 The results showed that drought significantly reduced the density of vegetation in basin, and the existing vegetation was affected by drought stress. According to the VHI index, which indicates the health status of plant coverings affected by drought, two VCI and TCI index. In 1999, the eastern and western regions and the southwest had moderate to severe droughts, and most of regions had a mild drought. In 2019, due to the health of vegetation, in most areas, vegetation was under drought-free conditions and did not suffer from drought stress, but some parts also suffered from mild drought.

Good governance has received a lot of attention regarding the better management of natural resources, because of its efforts to improve the ability of the natural resource management system. In other words, good governance can affect the socio-economic components of the region and ultimately the improvement of natural habitats. In this regard, evaluating good governance leads to improvement various factors such as values, beliefs, and interests of stakeholders in the administration of each area. Another point to note is the poor state of natural resources, which has been over-exploited. Therefore, one of the ways to cure management and reorganization of rangeland is to use potentials of local stakeholders, especially beneficiaries, towards good governance.

In this study, the dimensions of good governance in Basaruj region are the basis of the research. Basaruj watershed is located in Ahmadabad section of Mashhad County, Khorasan Razavi Province, Iran. Its rangelands have been seriously damaged due to a series of conflicts and contentions among different stakeholders. To study the governance of the region and and to compare it with good governance indicators, therefore, data has been collected and analyzed using field-descriptive-analytical methods. In this regard, a questionnaire was prepared to assess the governance with eight criteria and was provided to local people and managers of relevant natural resources in the region. Basaruj region includes four villages of Basaruj, Aghanj, Qalehno and Siasar, which have use common resources. All related locals from four villages were identified by snowball method. A two-dimensional questionnaire was prepared for governance analysis and stakeholder analysis and was provided to the community. The questionnaire was also completed with experts from the General Department of Natural Resources and Watershed Management of Khorasan Razavi Province and the city of Mashhad, who were familiar to the region. The data obtained from the questionnaires were analyzed using Excel, SPSS and Origin software. It should be noted that Excel and SPSS software were used for statistical analysis. But Origin software was used to extract the differences among the views of experts and users.

The results showed that the pastoralists of Aqanj village have a higher degree of activity than other villages. They have a higher degree of activism in the eight criteria of interest, influence, urgency, interests, cooperation, effectiveness, and effectiveness. There is also a fundamental difference among the views of the officials and the beneficiaries in meeting the criteria of good governance. In addition, the results show that in analyzing the level of activity of experts of the General Department of Natural Resources of Khorasan Razavi Province and Mashhad City, the criterion of cooperation is stronger than other criteria, but the criterion of urgency has been less. It is noteworthy that key stakeholders can act as facilitators to promote good governance in the region. A person from the Department, with the code "Mn", and individuals with the codes of "MZA", "RKHA", "GHaGHA", "AGHA" and among the pastoralists were recognized as having the highest level of activity. Comparison of the governance status of the region with good governance showed that the criterion of carrying capacity with 75.4% and the capacity building criterion of actors with 31.3% have the highest and lowest similarity with good governance, respectively.

In general, the governance situation in the study area is 53.23% similar to good governance. In fact, the low level of stakeholder engagement in the natural resources management is the key factor in poor governance of the region. In other words, improving the state of natural ecosystems is difficult to achieve successful results in the field of natural resource management if all-out efforts for good governance are applied only externally and the necessary ideological, cultural and infrastructural contexts for participation are not provided. To improve the level of good governance criteria in the region, it is suggested that the institutions of the natural resources management at the province and the city levels should focus more on good governance criteria endogenously and from within the system, by focusing on key stakeholders.

Extra livestock than grazing capacity is one of the main effective factors on rangeland degradation. Most of the country's pastures have Extra livestock than grazing capacity, and from the past until now, the policy of dealing extra livestock by using legal punishments has not been able to completely solve this problem. Lack of attention to grazing capacity has led to the destruction of vegetation. The economic approach, the Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES), in return for the reduction of grazing capacity can contribute to rehabilitation of rangeland ecosystems which are getting degraded. One of the basic measures in this regard is to determine the Willingness to Accept (WTA) by the rangeland utilizers.

In this research, in the statistical society of ranchers in the rangelands of Bardeh and Kresnak regions in Ben city of Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari province, after classifying the ranchers, sampling and interview were performed randomly in each category. Data were collected through regular and guided interviews and questionnaires. In this section, two scenarios were analyzed. Scenario 1 Based on the questionnaire, the annual profit of each sheep and goat productive livestock was asked directly from the rancher. In the second scenario, the net income from each animal unit was determined by calculating costs and revenues, and the amount of lost pastoral income due to the elimination of one animal unit was determined. The two values ​​calculated in the scenarios were compared and the second scenario, which was more accurate as a quantitative number, was introduced to the respondents. The willingness to pay (WTA) of ranchers in return for the grazing livestock elimination was determined by conditional valuation method (CVM), using the logit function. Role of the law and Existing instructions on PES was investigated by Content analysis method.

Results showed that 71.4% of ranchers agree with PES in return for the grazing livestock reduction. The WTA in return for elimination per A productive sheep and goat are determined to be 7265 and 6462 thousand Iranian Rials per year, respectively which is lower than the net income per animal unit. The share of the pasture from the net income of a sheep and a productive goat in the permitted utilization conditions, which are set for one hundred days, is set at 1990 and 1770 thousand Rials, respectively. In the current utilization conditions, the dependence of livestock on rangeland during the year is 44.4%. The outputs of the logit model show that the WTA ranchers increase with the bid price (P = 0.00). There is significant relationship between WTA and the number of grazing livestock (P<0.01). Instructions for terms of rangeland utilization have been prepared and reviewed 5 times. The executive procedure for calculating the customary rights of ranchers has also been prepared and revised by the Cabinet of Ministers in 1391 in 3 times, in 1395, 1398 and 1399, with the approval of its executive regulations. An analysis of the content of these guidelines reveals that is not mentioned payment for ecosystem services.

 A comparison between the first and second scenarios shows that the net income of an animal unit in the first scenario is higher than the second scenario, and the reason for this difference can be related to the income effect. That is, if a higher amount is answered by ranchers in the interview, they will gain more benefits. The minimum level of Payment for Ecosystem Services per animal unit should be equal to that of the profit per animal unit. Investigation of the laws and regulations related to the rangeland shows that yet no law or regulation have been enacted in terms of the PES, in return for the elimination of grazing livestock and even it has not been mentioned in legal terms

The future of human life depends on a better understanding of the factors that lead to satisfaction. Social capital is one of the factors that can grow through the exchange of knowledge and experience and communication with others and be effective in promoting the satisfaction of local communities. Effective and efficient implementation of rangeland rehabilitation programs using a participatory approach also raises issues and problems for policy makers and managers that require a general approach to solving them. This study emphasizes the mediating role of social learning in the interaction of participation and trust in rangeland farmers' satisfaction with the implementation of rangeland management projects in Mazandaran summer rangelands and ends with the modeling process.

The study method is a survey and the statistical population studied includes rangers of 11 customary systems with 136 people in the summer rangelands of Mazandaran province in which rangeland management projects have been implemented in 1397. The sample size was determined using Cochran's formula of 100 people. Data were collected by stratified random sampling method using a Likert scale (structured) questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using SPSS22 and Smart PLS3 software. The apparent and content validity of the research tool was confirmed using the collective opinions of experts related to the research topic. Also, the values obtained from Cronbach's alpha, combined reliability and mean variance extracted for different sections of the questionnaire were acceptable. In order to test the conceptual model of the research, structural equation modeling of reflective model type (for arrows from structures to items) based on the partial least squares method has been used. The values observed on the path between the structures (hidden variables) with each other are called the path coefficient and show the correlation coefficient of the two structures or the standardized regression beta. This method is a very powerful and general technique of multivariate regression or general linear model expansion, and external and internal models examine the relationship between overt and covert variables.

The results of path analysis with Smart PLS3 software showed that all three indicators (trust, participation and social learning) have a positive and significant effect on the satisfaction of rangers with the implementation of rangeland plans and are able to 85% of the dependent variable changes ( Explain the satisfaction of ranchers). The trust variable has a direct effect of 0.303 and the participation variable has a direct effect of 0.598 on satisfaction. But because of the mediating role of social learning, they have more effects on satisfaction; Thus, the indirect effect of trust on satisfaction due to the mediating role of social learning (0.608 * 0.561) is equal to 0.341 and more than the direct and unmediated effect of social learning, ie 0.303. In general, the effects of trust (0.644), ie directly in addition to the indirect effect, are stronger than the effect of trust on satisfaction alone (0.303). Also, the indirect effect (through the mediating role of social learning) of participation on satisfaction (0.608 * 0.329) is equal to 0.000, which is less than its direct effect (0.598), but in general, the effects of participation on Satisfaction (0.798) which is obtained by combining direct and indirect effects of social learning on satisfaction is greater than the effect of participation alone (0.598) on satisfaction, so it can be concluded that social learning plays a role. There has been an improvement in increasing the total effects of independent variables on the dependent variable.

In this study, social learning through the sharing of information and relationships between rangelanders prepares the necessary ground for knowledge transfer and by increasing the indicators of social capital among rangeland ranchers in Mazandaran summer rangelands in which in 1397 Were implemented; Improving manpower productivity and increasing ranchers' satisfaction. Indicators of social capital express different conditions and characteristics governing the actions and performance of rangelanders in the implementation of rangeland projects that have many effects on their satisfaction. Therefore, it can be said that the richer the relationship of ranchers in the implementation of projects, the higher their satisfaction with the performance and implementation of projects.

The application of growth-facilitator materials to improve germination, early establishment, and plants growth can increase the success of rangeland improvement, planting, and pasture construction projects. In addition, growth facilitators can improve the quantity and quality of vegetation cover and production in dry-farming lands by increasing the success of cultivating forage plants. Therefore, it's critical to focus on the utilization of growth facilitators that are both accessible and cost-effective. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of zeolite, bentonite and potassium nanochelate treatments on the growth of Trifolium repens in the greenhouse so that if the positive effects of these facilitators are proven, these materials can be used in rangeland improvement operations.

This study was performed to investigate the effect of zeolite (2, 4 and 6 g/kg), potassium nanochelate (30, 60 and 90 mg/kg), bentonite (2, 4 and 6 g/kg) and composition of potassium nanochelate + zeolite (2+30, 60+4 and 90+6) on the growth characteristics of Trifolium repens in the greenhouse. The study was conducted as a factorial with three replications using a completely randomized design. To conduct the research, the required soil was collected from 5 random points of rangelands in Fandaghloo region located 35 km from Ardabil city. Soil samples were taken from the rooting depth of rangeland plants (0- 30 cm). The soil samples were combined next, and the root, stone, and pebble components were separated using a 4 mm sieve before being mixed with the treatments and then placed into pots. At the end of growth season, height, volume, fresh and dry weight of shoots, root fresh and dry weight, root volume, root length, percentage of establishment, total chlorophyll index, electrolyte leakage, leaf relative water content and membrane stability index were measured. Duncan's test was used to compare the means and one-way ANOVA was utilized to explore the influence of facilitators.

The results of one-way ANOVA showed that the effect of treatments (zeolite, bentonite, potassium nanochelate and combination of potassium nanochelate + zeolite) on fresh and dry weight of shoots, fresh and dry weight of roots, root length, root volume, root area and the percentage of seedling establishment was significant. So that, the highest amount of fresh and dry weight of areal parts (26.83, 88.59 g), root area (61.44 cm2) and root volume (50.00 ml) in the treatment of potassium nanochelate 90 mg/kg + zeolite 6 g/kg was observed. The highest amount of fresh root weight (56.48 g) was observed in the treatment of potassium nanochelate 60 mg/kg + zeolite 4 g/kg. Root dry weight (25.21 g) showed the highest value in nanochelat 90 mg/kg. The highest increase in plant establishment (83.31%) was caused by Bentonite 4 g/kg. Chlorophyll index (46.53) showed the highest value in potassium nanochelate 30 mg/kg. The bentonite treatment of 4 g/kg provided the largest percentage of leaf relative water content, which was around 31% greater than the control.

In general, the most effective treatment for enhancing growth factors and increasing production of Trifolium repens was the combination of potassium nanochelate and zeolites facilitators. It seems that due to the need of T. repens for potassium and on the other hand, the uptake and retention of potassium particles by zeolite and consequently its uptake by the plant during the growth period, has increased the growth and production of this plant. As a result, this treatment has benefited both the shoots and roots of T. repens. So, the treatments indicated above can be employed in pasture construction and rangeland improvement by planting T. repens as a monoculture or in combination with grasses.

Iron and related mineral industries are one of the important pillars in industrial development. Extraction of iron ore and steel production is not possible without land degradation, and in this processing, in addition to steel, is a large volume of mineral tailings will be produced that, if not properly managed, will be able to pollute soil, air, and water, that can pose significant health challenges. The aim of this study is to evaluate the establishment and germination of desert mustard on Gol Gohar iron mine tailings in order to biological rehabilitate the tailings.

At first, sampling of tailings and soil of desert mustard (Sinapis arvensis L.) habitat from Gol Gohar mine area was done. In order to compare the particle dimensions, Granulation was done by dry sieving for both substrates and some of their physicochemical properties were investigated. Properties such as bulk density, EC, pH, Organic carbon, Phosphorus, Nitrogen, and Lime for tailings and soil were determined by conventional laboratory methods. Desert mustard seeds before planting in soil and tailing,  were tested for germination. After ensuring vigor and germination of seeds, they were planted in plastic pots with soil and mineral tailings and randomly placed in the growth chamber, irrigated daily with distilled water until the end of the experiment. Germination was recorded daily for 16 days until germination stopped. After this period, the planting medium of the pots was washed with a gentle stream of water and the seedlings of each treatment were weighed separately and their root and shoot lengths were measured. By counting the germinated seedlings, Germination Percentage, Mean Germination Time, Coefficient of Velocity of Germination, Germination Index, Mean Daily Germination Percent, Peak Value for Germination, T50,  Germination Value, Seedling Vigor Index were calculated based on the Common formulas, and at the final step, the mean of all data was tested by means of an independent t-test.

The results of the independent t-test showed that there was no significant difference between pH and EC in the two substrates, but the difference between Carbons, Phosphorus, Nitrogen, Lime; Specific mass, mean particle diameter, and ᵠ index between the two treatments is statistically significant (P < 0.01). The Mean Daily Germination Percent results show that the onset of seed germination was in two simultaneous treatments, but the peak of germination has occurred for the soil substrate of 16.66% on the fourth day and for the tailings substrate of 12.85% on the fifth day so in addition to the peak germination time, Germination Percentage is less in the tailing substrate. Although the Germination Percentage in the soil of the mustard habitat is equal to 64.28% and this is more than the Germination Percentage in tailings substrates, which is 56.19%, but like to Coefficient of Velocity of Germination and Mean Daily Germination Percent, The difference between the means is not statistically significant. This is while Mean Germination Time, Seedling Vigour Index, and T50 showed a significant difference (P < 0.05), in other hands the difference between the mean of the other parameters included Germination Value, Peak Value for Germination, Germination Index, Seedling weight, and Root to stem ratio, also is significant (P < 0.01).

The results showed that the lack of N, C, and P in mineral tailings have a negative and inhibitory effect on the growth of mustard seedlings. Strengthening the tailings with nutrients is a vital treatment for the establishment and growth of plant seedlings, meanwhile adding Lime to tailings is essential to reduce the negative effects of heavy metals on plants and soil. On the other hand, it should be borne in mind that ecological remediation of mineral tailings will not be available in the short term without the use of unpolluted and biologically active soil, so topsoil and overburden can be used as an important and reliable source of seeds for regenerate vegetation.