Journal of Rangeland Science (JRS)Effects of Sudan Grass Cultivars and Cutting Frequency on Forage Yield and Quality Traits at the Central Gondar Zone, EthiopiaVolume 14 (2024)Issue 1, January 202420231231Effects of Sudan Grass Cultivars and Cutting Frequency on Forage Yield and Quality Traits at the Central Gondar Zone, Ethiopia10.57647/j.jrs.2024.1401.01ENAlemuTarekegnGondar Agricultural Research Center, Gondar, EthiopiaDesalegnAmsaluGondar Agricultural Research Center, Gondar, EthiopiaEyayaGashawGondar Agricultural Research Center, Gondar, EthiopiaKifetewAdaneGondar Agricultural Research Center, Gondar, EthiopiaJournal Article20231231An experiment was conducted to study the forage yield and qualitative traits of different cultivars of Sudan grass with different days of harvest. Five improved Sudan grass cultivars (DRLME, Mezrut, Wichello, Michello and Aden) and three harvest schedules (40, 50 and 60 day’s interval) were combined and used for the study. Randomized complete block design (RCBD) experiment design was used in factorial arrangement. Plant height (cm), number of tillers per plant (NT), fresh biomass yield (t ha-1), dry matter percentage, dry matter yield (t ha-1), leaf to stem ratio (LSR), total crude protein produced (t ha-1) and chemical composition including dry matter (DM), ash, organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL) of the grass were recorded. The results revealed that the maximum plant height was obtained in DRLME and Aden Sudan grass cultivars. Maximum number of tillers per plant of Sudan grass was recorded for Wichello and Mezrut cultivars. Significant amount of green biomass yield (t ha-1) was attained by Mezrut closely followed by DRLME. Wichello and Michello recorded relatively higher dry matter percentage compared with other cultivars. DRLME and Michello produced maximum forge dry matter yield (t ha-1) in two years combined mean. Cultivar Mezrut, Michello and Wichello were found efficient in producing total crude protein production (t ha-1). Higher ash content was obtained in Mezrut. Relatively higher crude protein percentage was attained in Mezrut parallel with Wichello, Michello and Aden. Therefore, based on the study results, total crude protein production per hectare taking as an ultimate objective of forage production for the study areas Mezrut, Wichello and Michello were found more efficient. Sixty days interval cutting was also better in total crude protein production per hectare and should be considered in further Sudan grass production.Journal of Rangeland Science (JRS)Effects of seed rate and harvesting stage on agronomic performance and chemical composition of Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana K.) grown in northwestern EthiopiaVolume 14 (2024)Issue 1, January 202420231231Effects of seed rate and harvesting stage on agronomic performance and chemical composition of Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana K.) grown in northwestern Ethiopia10.57647/j.jrs.2024.1401.02ENDawitBogaleWorld Bank LFSDP, Gozamen District Project Coordinator, EthiopiaYeshambelMekuriawDepartment of Animal Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia0000-0001-7562-4406BimrewAsmareAssociate Prof. College of Agriculture and Environment Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia0000-0002-1262-6196Journal Article20231231The experiment was conducted in the 2018 cropping season with the objective of evaluating the effects of harvesting stage and seed rate on agronomic performance and quality traits of Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana K.) grown in northwestern Ethiopia under rain-fed conditions. A factorial experiment was conducted using two factors of main factor harvesting stages in three levels (60, 90, and 120 days) and the sub-factor of seed rate in three levels (5, 10, and 15 Kg/h) using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Data were collected for morphological traits such as plant height, tillers number, leaf length, leaf number per plant, and quality traits such as crude protein (CP%), total ash, acid detergent fiber (ADF%), neutral detergent fiber (NDF%) and acid detergent lignin (ADL%). The data were subjected to ANOVA using SAS software. Results showed significant effects of seed rate by harvesting stage interaction on all plant morphological traits, DM yield, and quality traits (P<0.05). As the seed rate and harvesting stage increased, there was an increase in tiller number, leaf length, plant height, NDF, and ADL and ADF%. There were significant (P<0.05) increments in DM yield as the result of descending seed rate and advanced maturity. Also, CP and total Ash were markedly decreased as the harvesting stages were increased. It could be concluded that both seed rate and harvesting stage are important agronomic practices in Rhodes grass production; hence, 90 days harvesting stage and lower level of seed rate (5 kg/ha) are recommended for better yield and quality traits of Rhodes grass.Journal of Rangeland Science (JRS)Technical Efficiency of Traditional Livestock Husbandry and its Determinants in Mountain Rangelands of Northern IranVolume 14 (2024)Issue 1, January 202420231231Technical Efficiency of Traditional Livestock Husbandry and its Determinants in Mountain Rangelands of Northern Iran10.57647/j.jrs.2024.1401.03ENShafaghRastgarDepartment of Rangeland Management, Sari Agriculture Sciences and Natural Resources University, Sari, Mazandaran, IranHosseinAhamdi GatabDepartment of Rangeland Management, Sari Agriculture Sciences and Natural Resources University, Sari, Mazandaran, IranSeyedMojtaba MojaverianDepartment of Agricultural Engineering, Sari Agriculture Sciences and Natural Resources University, Sari, Mazandaran, IranGhodratollahHeydariDepartment of Rangeland Management, Sari Agriculture Sciences and Natural Resources University, Sari, Mazandaran, IranJournal Article20231231Measurement of Technical Efficiency (TE) provides useful information on the competitiveness of Rangeland Unit (RU) and potential to improve productivity, with the existing resources. So, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the technical efficiency of Traditional Livestock Husbandry (TLH) and determine the main factors influencing it via management variables of Range Management Plans (RMP) and demographic variables of ranchers (age, education, herd size) in the semi-arid rangelands of Northern Iran. To do this, the study employs a Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) via parametric stochastic frontier analysis. This technique creates efficiency indices by comparing the performance of traditional livestock husbandry. The random sampling method was used to collect data via a survey questionnaire from 82 semi-nomad ranchers in 2018-2019. Results show that the average value of scale efficiency (SE) was 0.78; technical efficiency (TE) at Constant Returns to Scale (TECRS) and Variable Returns to Scale (TEVRS) level were calculated 0.54 and 0.69, respectively. Also, implementing RMP in some rangeland units could improve scale efficiency level by 0.81. Over 62.2% of animal units show increasing returns to scale and about a quarter to a fifth of the animal units were in the area of risk-reducing returns which indicates the need to reduce the scale to improve efficiency. Therefore; a significant part of technical efficiency is related to the SE and in the current research, RMP in RUs improved the SE up to 81%. This ratio in RMP-in was less than RMP-out . About 10% of animal units in implementing RMPs allocated to perfectly efficient and so-called are on the boundary function. The Tobit regression results indicated that education, experience, livestock breed and implantation of RMP significantly affected the efficiency. Policies are thus needed to improve the mentioned above factors to sustain the efficiency of RUs that diversify the rancher's economy.Journal of Rangeland Science (JRS)Legume-Grass Ratio and some Soil Properties in Four Vegetation Types in Steppe Rangelands of Iran (Case study: Peshert Rangelands in Chahardangeh Sari, Iran)Volume 14 (2024)Issue 1, January 202420231231Legume-Grass Ratio and some Soil Properties in Four Vegetation Types in Steppe Rangelands of Iran (Case study: Peshert Rangelands in Chahardangeh Sari, Iran)10.57647/j.jrs.2024.1401.04ENNahidJabbariDepartment of Range Management, Faculty of Natural Resources, Tarbiat Modares University, IranGhasemAli Dianati TilakiDepartment of Range Management, Faculty of Natural Resources, Tarbiat Modares University, Iran0000-0002-4428-0150HassanGhelichniaForest and Rangeland Research Department. Mazandaran Agriculture and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO, Sari, IranJournal Article20231231TThe Leguminosae family plays a significant role in rangeland ecosystems with biological nitrogen fixation for soil fertility. The grasses significantly increase rangeland production and sustainability. Legume-Grass Ratio (LGR) is an indicator of soil fertility. This study was aimed to investigate the LGR and some soil properties in four vegetation types (Stipa arabica Trin.-Medicago sativa L., Festuca ovina L.-Astragalus gossypinus Fisc., Artemisia sieber Besser-Festuca ovina and Artemisia sieberi) in the Peshert rangeland, Chahardangeh Sari, Iran in 2020. In this research, 40 plots of 1m2 were randomly established in four vegetation types. In each plot, vegetation characteristics including the number of species per unit area were recorded. Soil sampling was done at a depth of 0-20 cm for each plot. Finally, 40 soil samples were analysed in the laboratory for soil properties including: Carbon (C), Soil Organic Matter (SOM), Bulk Density (BD), Aggregate Stability (AS), Particulate Organic Matter (POM), soil texture, available potassium (K), Nitrogen (N), EC and pH, available Phosphorus (P) and carbon to nitrogen ratio. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Duncan’s test was used to compare the differences between four vegetation types for LGR, species diversity and soil properties. SPSS-v20 software was used for data analysis. The results showed that there were significant differences between four vegetation types for all the traits (P≤0.05). The highest and lowest LGR with average values of 0.86 and 0.10 were observed in S. arabica-M. sativa and Ar. sieberi-F. ovina, respectively. The lowest amounts of AS%, SOM%, N% and POM% with average values of 0.31, 0.62, 0.03, 3.53 were observed in Ar. sieberi. In all vegetation types, soil fertility decreased by decreasing the LGR.Journal of Rangeland Science (JRS)Application of Land Measurements for Detection the Climate Changes Impact on Vegetation Dynamics, Kermanshah Province, IranVolume 14 (2024)Issue 1, January 202420231231Application of Land Measurements for Detection the Climate Changes Impact on Vegetation Dynamics, Kermanshah Province, Iran10.57647/j.jrs.2024.1401.05ENAhmadChoupanianDepartment of Natural Resources Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Hormozgan, IranMarziehRezaiDepartment of Natural Resources Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Hormozgan, IranRasoolMahdaviDepartment of Natural Resources Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Hormozgan, IranAliReza NafarzadeganDepartment of Natural Resources Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Hormozgan, IranJournal Article20231231Vegetation is an important component of terrestrial ecosystems whose changes are controlled by climate changes and human activities. In order to detection the climate changes impact on vegetation dynamics of Kermanshah province, Iran, this study was conducted using multi-time images of NDVI and EVI regarded as vegetation indices taken by Modis sensors. Also, the trend of changes in climatic parameters such as temperature and precipitation were used by Mann-Kendall test over 15 years (2006-2020). Finally, the correlation between vegetation and climatic parameters was examined. The result of 15-year changes in vegetation using two indicators of NDVI and EVI showed that the trend of vegetation in more than 59% of Kermanshah province has been decreasing. The trend of precipitation in more than 88% had decreased and the trend of temperature in the 98% area had increased. The correlation between vegetation obtained from NDVI and EVI indices with the climatic parameter showed a positive correlation between precipitation and vegetation and a negative correlation between temperature and vegetation in more than 80% and 59% of this province, respectively. The results of the correlation analysis of different landuse showed that in the barren lands and shrub lands, the positive correlations between precipitation and vegetation were stronger than the negative correlation between temperature and vegetation. In contrast, in grasslands and savannahs, the relationship between vegetation and temperature was stronger than that for precipitation. According to the results of this study, the climate changes and human activities are effective in control the trend of vegetation in different areas, which can be well demonstrated using the information obtained from remote sensing data.Journal of Rangeland Science (JRS)The effect of fire on the structural and functional characteristics of vegetation (case study: Astragalus spp. habitat of Kabodeh, Kermanshah)Volume 14 (2024)Issue 1, January 202420231231The effect of fire on the structural and functional characteristics of vegetation (case study: Astragalus spp. habitat of Kabodeh, Kermanshah)10.57647/j.jrs.2024.1401.06ENBorzouYousefiDepartment of Natural Resources Research, Kermanshah Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Kermanshah, Iran0000-0003-4699-8876MohammadGheituryDepartment of Soil Conservation and Watershed Research, Kermanshah Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Kermanshah, Iran0000-0001-9736-1256MosayebHeshmatiDepartment of Soil Conservation and Watershed Research, Kermanshah Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Kermanshah, Iran0000-0003-3703-395XRezaSiahmansourDepartment of Soil Conservation and Watershed Research, Kermanshah Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Kermanshah, Iran0000-0002-4879-3877Journal Article20231231Wildfires annually occur as a threatening factor in natural resources at a large scale. This study was conducted with the aim of determining the effects of fire on the structural and functional characteristics of vegetation in the Kaboudeh range site, Kermanshah province, Iran during three years (2018-2020). An unburned range (control) was selected near the burned range. Both sites had the same characteristics. Sampling was preformed at a stratified random with four 50 m transects and 20 m distances as well as 10 fixed quadrates (1 m2). The spatial correlation was performed between quadrates.Data were collected for plant density (no/m2), canopy cover (%), and production (g/cm) for species and palatability classes. The range condition and range trend were evaluated using four factors and balance methods. The results showed that the palatable plants in the fire site were decreased with density (1.7 no/m2), production (4.1 g/m2), and canopy cover (3.9 %) compared to the control. In the first years after the fire, the fire decreased the number of palatable plants, and decreased the average values of production and canopy cover both by approximately 75%, butthe class II plants had not significantly decreased.In the burned site, the invasive plants (Class III), dominated by annual grasses, have spread rapidly across the range.The range condition in the burned area was poor andrange condition trend was positive, but in the control area,range condition was medium and range condition trendwas constant.In the short term, fire drastically caused the increase of annual grasses,decrease of species diversity, and subsequentlyled to a decrease in the stability of the range.Journal of Rangeland Science (JRS)Assessment of Phenological Stages of Iris ferdowsii, a New Endangered Species Based on BBCH SystemVolume 14 (2024)Issue 1, January 202420231231Assessment of Phenological Stages of Iris ferdowsii, a New Endangered Species Based on BBCH System10.57647/j.jrs.2024.1401.07ENNasimSafariDepartment of Horticultural Science and Landscape, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, IranAliTehranifarDepartment of Horticultural Science and Landscape, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, IranMahdiyehKharraziOrnamental Plants Biotechnology Department, Research Institute for Industrial Biotechnology, Iranian Academic Centre for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR)- Khorasan Razavi Branch, Mashhad, IranMahmoudShoorDepartment of Horticultural Science and Landscape, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, IranJournal Article20231231The basis of many plant studies is the identification of plant species because identifying plant populations in every region is the pivotal pillar of plants conservation. Furthermore, study of the stages of plant growth cycle is one of the ways to determine growth details of any given plant. The current research aimed to investigate the phenological stages of Iris ferdowsii in the main habitat of the plant based on the BBCH system for the first time (Biologische Bundesanstalt Bundessortenamt and Chemical Industry). The phenological study of Iris ferdowsii was performed during three consecutive years from 2018 to 2021. After selecting the habitat of this plant species, 10 different points of plant growth with a certain distance from each other were selected to study the different phenological stages of Iris ferdowsii. According to this system, the phenological stages of Iris ferdowsii was divided into 7 main stages and 13 sub-stages including: emergence, growth and development of two leaves, full growth and development of leaves, spathes stage, flowering, flower wilting, seed capsule formation, splitting of the seed capsule, the beginning of summer dormancy, the end of summer dormancy, the fall growth, the beginning of winter quiescence, and the end of winter quiescence. Identifying the new and endangered plant species of Iris ferdowsii, as a wild plant and a new genetic source provides researchers with the proper planning to preserve this species, domesticate and use it properly in breeding programs. We can also study its potentials in various ornamental and medicinal fields.Journal of Rangeland Science (JRS)An efficient method in breaking of dormancy from Bunium luristanicum seedsVolume 14 (2024)Issue 1, January 202420231231An efficient method in breaking of dormancy from Bunium luristanicum seeds10.57647/j.jrs.2024.1401.08ENMohsenZafaraniehDepartment of Agriculture, Technical and Engineering, Velayat University, Iranshahr, Iran0000-0001-8362-7893MasoudZiaeDepartment of Plant Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Higher Education Complex of Saravan, IranJournal Article20231231Abstract. Nowadays, in many rangelands, due to over grazing, and problems that some plants have in germination, the rate of forage production is greatly reduced. So to take advantages of the benefits of such plants, it is necessary to identify and remove barriers of germination and establishment of suitable plants. A study was carried out to investigate the effects of seed dormancy breaking treatments on Bunium luristanicum germination. The experiment was conducted in Vali-e-Asr University of Rafsanjan in 2021. Treatments were arranged in a Completely randomized design (CRD) with five replication. The highest germination percentage was recorded in seeds treated with GA3+hot water (700C) 82 % and GA3+ H2SO4 (50%) 80%, seed scarification with hot water was better than H2SO4, because H2SO4 increased abnormal seedling percentage. The highest seedling weight was recorded in the treatments of GA3 + H2SO4 50% 16.9 mg and GA3 + hot water 70°C 14.9mg. Highest abnormal seedling was shown in H2SO4 75%, GA3 (500 ppm) + H2SO4 75% and KNO3 (1%) + H2SO4 75 % treatments (14%, 14% and 12% respectively (p<0.01). The maximum seedling vigor index was obtained in seeds treated with GA3 (500 ppm) + hot water 700C. Results indicated Bunium luristanicum seeds scarification with hot water 700C (10 min) followed by socking in GA3 (500 ppm) for 12 hour was the most effective treatment for seed dormancy breaking, and improved seedling growth.Journal of Rangeland Science (JRS)Evaluation of Rainwater Harvesting Methods and its Effect on Vegetation and Soil Characteristics (Case Study: Bolbol rangelands , Ashkzar, Yazd Province, Iran)Volume 14 (2024)Issue 1, January 202420231231Evaluation of Rainwater Harvesting Methods and its Effect on Vegetation and Soil Characteristics (Case Study: Bolbol rangelands , Ashkzar, Yazd Province, Iran)10.57647/j.jrs.2024.1401.09ENAliZareSchool of Natural Resources & Desert Studies, Yazd University, Yazd, IranMohammadAli Hakimzadeh ArdakaniSchool of Natural Resources & Desert Studies, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran0000-0003-1997-238XAliAkbar KarimianSchool of Natural Resources & Desert Studies, Yazd University, Yazd, IranJournal Article20231231In order to investigate the effect of contour furrow on the vegetation and soil characteristics, a study was conducted at Bolbol rangelands, Ashkazar, Yazd Province, Iran in 2020. The implementation of contour furrow was done previously at the rangeland in the area of 100 ha in 2006. Data were collected at both contour furrow site and outside it (control site). At each site, four transects (300 m) were established at the distance of 100 m from each other. Along each transect, 15 plots (2 m2) were established at a distance of 12 m from each other. At each plot, the vegetation characteristics (vegetation percent, richness and diversity of species, Artemisia sieberi canopy cover) and soil characteristics (soil permeability, soil moisture and carbon stabilization) were measured. The obtained data of sites were compared using independent T test. According to the results, the vegetation percent and canopy cover of Artemisia sieberi increased by 29.5% and 47.7% than that for control, respectively (p≤0.01). The effect of contour furrow on species diversity index was significant (p≤0.05) and the diversity index was increased by 23% than that for control. The soil moisture was compared in both sites in May, August and November. Result showed that soil moisture increased by 66.4 % (p≤0.01) in May. An increase of 12.5% of carbon storage was observed in the soil at the contour furrow site as compared to the control site (p≤ 0.01). It was concluded that the implementation of contour furrow coupled with planting of Artemisia sieberi was successful in combating desertification in this research area.