Journal of Rangeland Science (JRS)Cryopreservation of Ammodendron persicum (Bunge ex Boiss.) Seeds and Evaluation of the Cryogenic Seeds under Various ConditionsVolume 8 (2018)Issue 2, April 201820240130Cryopreservation of Ammodendron persicum (Bunge ex Boiss.) Seeds and Evaluation of the Cryogenic Seeds under Various ConditionsENMohebbatAli Naderi ShahabAssistant Professor, Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran, IranMaryamJebellyResearcher, Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran, IranAliAshraf JafariResearch Institute of Forests and Rangelands; Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO)Journal Article20240130Ammodendron persicum (Bunge & Boiss.)is a desert shrub specie which grows on some sand dunes and sandy areas of South Khorasan and Sistan-va-Baluchestan provinces in east of Iran. Low distribution and narrow ecological range have put this species under threat. In order to evaluate the possibility of long-term preservation of A. persicum seeds in cryogenic conditions (-196°C), the seeds of species were collected from its natural habitats and three pre-cryopreservation treatments including PVS2, Desiccation, and 30% Glycerol as well as non-treated (Control) were applied before transferring the seeds into Liquid Nitrogen (LN) or at -196°C. The treated seeds were incubated in LN for a period of 1 week. Subsequently, the cryopreserved seeds were removed from the LN and subjected to post-cryopreservation treatment. Seed germination and establishment were evaluated under laboratory, greenhouse and natural conditions. The laboratory results showed that seeds of the A. persicum species can tolerate cryogenic conditions. The effects of the pre-cryopreservation treatments including Desiccation, 30% Glycerol, and PVS2, and non-treated (Control) one on germination of cryopreserved seeds were significantly different. The non-treated (Control) and Desiccation, respectively showed the best effects on the survival rate (51%) and other attributes of the cryopreserved seeds. The results revealed that the cryopreserved seeds were also able to germinate and establish under greenhouse and desert conditions. In this study, the appropriate seeding depth, the seed sowing time and factors affecting the seed germination as well as establishments under natural conditions were evaluated. The results revealed that cryopreservation approach is the most promising method for long-term preservation of the A. persicum seeds. Long-term seed preservation via cryopreservation is an important approach to prevent this species from loss of genetic diversity and risk of extinctionJournal of Rangeland Science (JRS)Effect of Seed Priming on Enhancement of Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Annual Sainfoin (Onobrychis crista-galli (L.) Lam.) in Medium and Long-term Collections of Gene BankVolume 8 (2018)Issue 2, April 201820240130Effect of Seed Priming on Enhancement of Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Annual Sainfoin (Onobrychis crista-galli (L.) Lam.) in Medium and Long-term Collections of Gene BankENAzadehKavandiagricultural faculty, Islamic Azad University,Saveh , IranAliAshraf JafariResearch Institute of Forests and Rangelands; Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO)MojtabaJafarzadehFaculty of Agriculture, Islamic Azad University, Brojerd Branch, Brojerd IranJournal Article20240130Annual Sainfoin (Onobrychis crista-galli (L.) Lam.) is widely adapted to moderate and cold regions of Iran and naturally grows in pasture and rangelands used for forage in these areas. In order to study the effects of priming on seed germination and seedling growth in O. crista-galli, two factorial experiments were conducted based on a randomized complete design with three replications under laboratory and greenhouse conditions in Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands, Tehran, Iran in 2014-2015. Experimental factors were (A) five conservation methods including medium-term storage (active cold room 4°C for 15 years), long-term storage (basic cold room -18°C for 15 years), regenerated seeds (control) and deteriorated seeds using accelerated ageing techniques )40°C, 98% of RH for 48 and 72h). Levels of factor B were four priming treatments including Control (without priming), two osmopriming (PEG -0.4Mpa and -0.8Mpa), and hydropriming (imbibition with distilled water). Data were collected for germination percent, rate of germination, root length, shoot length, seedling length, vigor index, seedling weight and root/shoot length ratio (R/S). Result of laboratory showed higher mean values of most traits except root length in base store (-18°C). In both experiments, the highest root length was obtained in aged seeds. In greenhouse, higher values of many traits were obtained in osmopriming (PEG -0.4Mpa). In both experiment, higher mean values of many traits were obtained using hydropriming in seeds conserved in both base and active store. In the latter stores, highest root length, seedling length, R/S ratios were obtained by osmopriming (PEG -0.4Mpa and -0.8Mpa). To accelerate aging test, higher mean values of all the traits were obtained by osmopriming (PEG -0.4Mpa). It was concluded that osmopriming could be used as an effective method for the recovery of natural and artificial deteriorated seeds.Journal of Rangeland Science (JRS)Investigation of the Relationship between Altitude and Aspect with Plant Diversity: A Case Study from Nawa Mountain Ecosystem in Zagros, IranVolume 8 (2018)Issue 2, April 201820240130Investigation of the Relationship between Altitude and Aspect with Plant Diversity: A Case Study from Nawa Mountain Ecosystem in Zagros, IranENSaeedMahmoudiFormer Student in Agroecology, Department of Production Engineering and Plant Genetics, Razi University0000-0003-4271-5429MahmudKhoramivafaAgronomy and Plant Breeding, Razi University, Kermanshah, IranMoslemHadidiHydraulic and Water Resources Management Department0000-0002-1111-4316Journal Article20240130Mountain ranges cover around one-half of Iran, and Zagros ecosystem is considered as one of an important biological site in Iran. Physiographic factors such as altitude and aspect have an important role in plant species distribution. This study was conducted in the Nawa mountain ecosystem in the western side of Zagros ranges, located in the western zone of Iran in 2016. The experiment aim was to reveal the influences of altitude and aspect on features of plant biodiversity. Hence in the each main aspect regarding to gradient, transect-lines were established with distance 100 m into another and perpendicular to gradient from the elevation of 1200-2400 m a.s.l. Four plots (1 m²) were randomly located along each transect; generally, 208 plots were drown. The Shannon–Wiener index for α-diversity was calculated, and field data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA. There were 158 identified plant species belonging to 104 genus and 27 families based on the results. Altitude and aspect had a significant effect on the plant diversity and species richness (p<0.01). The highest values of the Shannon–Wiener index and species richness (2.58 and 1033 respectively) were seen in lower elevations (from 1200-1400 m a.s.l.). Results also showed that the highest and lowest values of the plant diversity and species richness for the southern aspect were 2.51 and 8.9 and for eastern aspect 1.20 and 3.63, respectively. Interaction effects of environmental variables were only significant on the species richness. There was a negative correlation between the plant diversity and species richness with altitude in all main aspects, too. Along the altitudinal belts, the highest species diversity and richness belonged to low and mid-elevational zones of the Nawa mountain.Journal of Rangeland Science (JRS)Soil Organic Carbon Content and Stocks in Relation to Grazing Management in Semi-Arid Grasslands of KenyaVolume 8 (2018)Issue 2, April 201820240130Soil Organic Carbon Content and Stocks in Relation to Grazing Management in Semi-Arid Grasslands of KenyaENHillaryRotichDepartment of land resource and Agricultural technology, University of NairobiRichardOnwongaFaculty of Agriculture, University of NairobiJudithMbauLand resource management and Agricultural technology, faculty of agriculture, university of NairobiOscarKoechLand resource management and agricultural technology, faculty of agriculture, university of nairobiJournal Article20240130Rangelands cover approximately 85% of Kenya’s land mass and is a major resource for livestock farming with a considerable potential to mitigate climate change, yet these lands are stressed differently by various management. Our study aimed at determining the influence of grazing management systems (rotational, continuous and ungrazed) on soil organic carbon stocks in Yoani ranch located in the southern rangelands of Kenya (2016). This research was conducted on a commercial grazing ranch, a section of it was converted from continuous grazing into rotational grazing and has been under rotational grazing for 11 years during the time the research was conducted. Within the same ranch, there was a section with similar geomorphology and soils as the rotationally grazed which was not converted and has been continuously grazed for over 30 years to represent the continuous grazing system. The ungrazed area consists of an abandon section of the ranch for more than 30 years due to a deep gully which was formed by gully erosion creating an isolated area inaccessible by livestock. Soil samples were taken up to a depth of 1.2m, at an interval of 0-10, 10-20 cm, 20-30 cm, 30-60 cm, 60-90 cm and 90-120 cm. The difference between soil sampling depths is because the upper layer between 0-30 cm is more dynamic with respect to soil microbial activities which can be influenced by grazing as compared to the deeper depths along the soil profile. The ungrazed site recorded significantly (P<0.5) higher soil organic carbon concentrations than rotational and continuously grazed sites for all soil layers up to 1.2m depth. The rotationally grazed site had higher soil organic carbon concentrations across depths compared to continuously grazing system which was attributed to grazing management effects.Journal of Rangeland Science (JRS)Nutritive Value and Digestibility of Rumex obtusifolius in Three Phenological Stages by Chemical, Nylon Bag and Gas Production MethodsVolume 8 (2018)Issue 2, April 201820240130Nutritive Value and Digestibility of Rumex obtusifolius in Three Phenological Stages by Chemical, Nylon Bag and Gas Production MethodsENMohammadAmiri AndiDepartment of animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural resources, Sanandaj branch, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj, IranRambodMortezaeiM.Sc. (Graduated), Department of Animal Sciences, Sanandaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj, IranAliAhmed Alaw QotbiDepartment of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Rasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Rasht, IranJournal Article20240130The present study was conducted to identify nutritional value of Rumex obtusifolius in three phenological stages (vegetative growth, flowering, and maturity). Samples were randomly taken in pastures of Saravan in Rasht, Iran in 2015. After drying and grinding, the chemical compositions of Crude Protein (CP), Crude Fiber (CF), Ether Extract (EE), Total Ash (ASH), Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF), and Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF) were measured based on standard methods. Gas production (in vitro) and Dry Matter (DM) degradability (in sacco) were determined. Phenological stage effects were studied using a completely randomized design in three replications and data were analyzed using SAS software. In phenological stages of the plant with the progress of maturity, the amounts of CP, ASH, Nitrogen Free Extract (NFE), and Non Fibrous Carbohydrates (NFC) decreased while the CF, NDF, and ADF contents increased. CP had the highest value (23.92%) in the vegetative growth and lowest value (6.11%) in maturity stage. The gas production in 96 hours of vegetative growth, flowering, and maturity stages was 37.68, 40.76, and 26.69 ml/0.2g of dry matter. The DM degradability in 96 hours for vegetative growth, flowering, and maturity stages was 80.25, 70.42, and 40.43%, respectively. The correlation coefficient between gas production method and DM degradability methods were 0.99, 0.98, and 0.97 for vegetative growth, flowering, and maturity stages, respectively. Therefore, the gas production method due to its lower cost was suggested for measuring nutritive value of this plant. The results showed that considering higher or equal protein content of this plant during the vegetative growth and flowering stages as compared to alfalfa, it can be used for ruminant animal diet. Using this wild source is possible to significantly decrease the expenses involved in animal nourishment.Journal of Rangeland Science (JRS)Role of Plant Species and Ecological Patches in Conserving and Fixing Natural Landsʹ Soil Using Landscape Functional Analysis (LFA) (Case Study: Dehbar Rangeland, Torghabeh, Mashhad, Iran)Volume 8 (2018)Issue 2, April 201820240130Role of Plant Species and Ecological Patches in Conserving and Fixing Natural Landsʹ Soil Using Landscape Functional Analysis (LFA) (Case Study: Dehbar Rangeland, Torghabeh, Mashhad, Iran)ENMohammadKia KianianAcademic Member of Desert Studies Faculty, Semnan University, Iran0000-0001-6461-1335GholamAli HeshmatiRange and Watershed management Faculty, Agriculture and Natural Resource University of Gorgan, IRAN.MohamadKia KianianAcademic Member of Desert Studies Faculty, Semnan University, IranSamiraHossein JafariDepartment of Nature Engineering and Medicinal Plants, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Torbat Heydarieh, Torbat Heydarieh, IranDawoodZakeriFaculty of natural resources, Isfahan University of Technology(IUT),Isfahan, Iran.Journal Article20240130Degradation of plant patches is considered as one of the indices for rangeland degrading health condition. Investigating the accuracy of triple indices (infiltration, stability and soil nutrient cycle) presented by LFA method seems necessary to determine its efficiency in semi-arid areas with the least cost. This study aims to investigate the role of vegetative species and growing forms on soil surface characteristics in Dehbar semi-steppe rangelands, Iran in 2014. So, eleven soil surface characteristics in different vegetative types each of 3 replicates were measured using landscape functional analysis (LFA). Then, the measured parameters were classified based on their sustainability, permeability and food chain continuum for each plant species. According to the results obtained from various analytical investigations, the ecological patches consisting of Artemisia aucheri (46.83%) and complex of Artemisia aucheri and Agropyron intermedium (with the amount of 41.7%) were higher than other forms of vegetative growth for soil sustainability. The complex of Acantholimon sp., Artemisia aucheri and Astragalus commixtus had the lowest amount in terms of soil sustainability (38%). The comparison of soil permeability indices for different types of plant covers showed that the percentage of Artemisia aucheri (32.06%) and complex of Artemisia aucheri and Agropyron intermedium (33.5%) had the highest amount while all other patches were equal and had the lowest amount. In terms of food chain, the ecological patches such as Artemisia aucheri (25.63%) and complex of Artemisia aucheri and Agropyron intermedium (27.66%) had the highest amount. The complex of Artemisia aucheri and Astragalus commixtus (16.36%), the complex of Acantholimon sp., Artemisia aucheri and Astragalus commixtus (13.63%) and the complex of Acantholimon sp. and Agropyron intermedium (15.36%) had the lowest values (p≤0.01). Therefore, Artemisia aucheri (shrub) and a complex of Artemisia aucheri and Agropyron intermedium (grass) patches, introduced as ecological indicators for the study area, are suggested for rangelands restoration.Journal of Rangeland Science (JRS)A Total Ratio of Vegetation Index (TRVI) for Shrubs Sparse Cover Delineating in Open WoodlandVolume 8 (2018)Issue 2, April 201820240130A Total Ratio of Vegetation Index (TRVI) for Shrubs Sparse Cover Delineating in Open WoodlandENHadiFadaeiAssistant professor of Amin police-science universityJournal Article20240130Persian juniper and Pistachio are grown in low density in the rangelands of North-East of Iran. These rangelands are populated by evergreen conifers, which are widespread and present at low-density and sparse shrub of pistachio in Iran, that are not only environmentally but also genetically essential as seed sources for pistachio improvement in orchards. Rangelands offer excellent opportunities for remote-sensing-based inventories; detection of each shrub using very high-resolution satellite data is typically easier in sparse rangelands where the distance between shrubs exceeds the height of trees. In this study, the densities of juniper and natural pistachio shrubs were estimated using remote sensing to help the sustainable management and production of pistachio in this rangeland. Satellite imagery was acquired in July 2008 by Advanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS). A vegetation index including Total Ratio Vegetation Index (TRVI) was introduced for these rangelands with sparse shrub cover, and the relationship between the new index and shrub density was investigated by the data of ALOS using 3×3 and 5×5 maximum filtering algorithms in the summer of 2011. The results showed that the distinguishing and estimating of tree density in such an open woodland using maximum filtering 3×3 filtering algorithms were more effective than filtering on ALOS satellite imageries.Journal of Rangeland Science (JRS)A Pricing Model for Value of Gas Regulation Function of Natural Resources Ecosystems (Case Study: Sheikh Musa Rangeland, Mazandaran Province, Iran)Volume 8 (2018)Issue 2, April 201820240130A Pricing Model for Value of Gas Regulation Function of Natural Resources Ecosystems (Case Study: Sheikh Musa Rangeland, Mazandaran Province, Iran)ENAhmadFatahiardakaniDepartment of Agricultural Economics, Ardakan University, Ardakan, Iran0000-0002-3609-6345AhmadFatahiardakaniDepartment of Agricultural Economics, Ardakan University, Ardakan, Iran0000-0002-3609-6345MasoudFehresti SaniDepartment of Agricultural Economics, Ardakan University, Ardakan, IranMajidSadeghiniaDepartment of Rangeland Management, Ardakan University, Ardakan, Iran0000-0002-7028-4702Journal Article20240130Rangeland ecosystems provide a wide range of services such as gas regulation function whose economic value has not been understood. The present study aimed to estimate the economic value of CO2 absorption and oxygen generation services using unit price in Sheikh Musa Rangeland, Mazandaran Province, Iran. In the study area, clipping and weight and photosynthesis methods were applied to estimate dry matter production, CO2 absorption, and oxygen production. Also, Shadow price, Replacement cost, and Social cost methods priced the economic value of gas regulation function differently. Finally, their means were compared and their geometric mean was used as the unit price; then, the economic value of the function was estimated in 2016. Results showed that Sheikh Musa Rangeland ecosystem annually produces 2081.4 t dry matters and 2454 t oxygen and absorbs 7294.15 t CO2. Given the estimated price, the value of CO2 absorption function was found to be 7264.6 million IRR and the economic value of oxygen production was calculated as 3,852 million IRR per year. In overall, the economic value of Sheikh Musa ecosystem was estimated as 11117.4 million IRR (318364 US $) per year and 1.06 million IRR per ha. Given the valuation that shows the minimum value of Sheikh Musa ecosystem and high importance of its gas regulation function, it is recommended to conduct further studies on pricing models for Rangeland ecosystems and to apply environmental management practices for the sake of Rangeland and local health.Journal of Rangeland Science (JRS)Shrubs Associations in Relation to Ecology of Savannah Rangelands at El Suki Area, Sennar State, SudanVolume 8 (2018)Issue 2, April 201820240130Shrubs Associations in Relation to Ecology of Savannah Rangelands at El Suki Area, Sennar State, SudanENAbdelfadeelAbuelgasimSinnar UniversityJournal Article20240130Not all of the Sudan has been covered by post studies; and parts of it seemed more favoured research topic of the others. The first attempt to study the flora of the study area was in 1958, which included in the work of Harrison and Jackson about classification of the Sudan vegetation. The study area was very rich of plant diversity, especially trees and shrubs, because of the high rainfall and a good climate and rich soil. This study is an attempt to investigate and update the associations between the shrubs species to know their ecological positions among the vegetation cover of the Savannah range lands. A field survey was conducted in the two seasons of 2011-2012 and 2012 - 2013 at the south-eastern part of Sinnar State. Five major transects were taken, each of 3000 m length and 10 m width, in a total area of 150.000 m2. Results showed that Acacia oerfota is the dominant shrub species throughout the study area, with Acacia mellifra and Combretum aculeatum as ecological associates in relationship, because they were abundant, frequent and of high density, and less diversity in the Savannah Rangelands at El Suki Area, Sennar State, Sudan in the two seasons of survey.Journal of Rangeland Science (JRS)Transformational Change in Environmental and Natural Resource ManagementVolume 8 (2018)Issue 2, April 201820240130Transformational Change in Environmental and Natural Resource ManagementENJohnLeakeUniversityJournal Article20240130It is widely agreed the Anthropocene has seen an unprecedented decline in the natural resources conditions that have underpinned the economic growth of the last few hundred years. As communities, we have not responded to Boulding’s vision of ‘the coming space ship earth’ although not for want of much official and private effort. As ‘wicked problems’ the impacts have been often ignored or off loaded to policy makers, with mixed success.
As this book describes, a key difficulty for policy makers is articulating a compelling narrative while the changes needed to ‘transform’ the situation can occur. Transformational change, like innovation, suffers from the ‘shock of the new’, there are few pointers to success and the links between cause and effect are often widely separated in time. The changes needed are often ‘public goods’ and not easily converted into financial benefits that might motivate individual action.
The book arose from a conference organised by Young while he held the Gough Whitlam and Malcom Fraser Chair of Australian Studies at Harvard. It was funded by the Harvard Centre for the Environment in the context of the need for water reform in the then context of drought in Western USA. Young bought his experience to bear, plus that of many Australians from other domains (including ex-Prime Minister Kevin Rudd) to illustrate lessons of success and failure. Readers will find authoritative dissections of our climate change policy machinations, the ‘Pink Batts’ fiasco, drought policies over time and the un anticipated benefits derived from Landcare.Journal of Rangeland Science (JRS)FULL PROFESSOR LAUCHLAN HUGH FRASERVolume 8 (2018)Issue 2, April 201820240130FULL PROFESSOR LAUCHLAN HUGH FRASERENAliAriapourDepartment of Range Management, Borujerd Branch, Islamic Azad University, Borujerd, Lorestan Province, Iran0000-0001-6783-0680Journal Article20240130He received his B.Sc. degree in Biology (1990) from Department of Biology, University of British Columbia, Canada, also M.Sc. in Botany (1993) from Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Canada and Ph.D. in Plant Ecology (1996) from Department of Animal & Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, England.
Dr. Fraser's expertise is in grassland and wetland ecosystems, with a focus on ecosystem reclamation, biodiversity, range management, climate change, and food web theory. Lauch is the Associate Editor of two academic journals (Applied Vegetation Science and Plant Ecology), Editorial Board of Rangeland Science Journal and chair of HerbDivNet, an international network of over 60 scientists united to explore the drivers controlling herbaceous plant diversity.
In 1969, he started his collaboration with Post-Doctoral Research Associate in University of Ottawa till 1999. At the same time since 1998 to 1999 was lecturer in Department of Biology in Carleton University. Then was Assistant Professor of Akron University in Department of Biology from 1999 to 2004 and after that he was Associate Professor (tenured) and Tier II Canada Research Chair in Community and Ecosystem Ecology, Thompson Rivers University, Department of Natural Resource Sciences and Biological Science the Range Organization in the form of preparing range management plans till 2009. Finally now he is full professor and Tier II Canada Research Chair in Community and Ecosystem Ecology, Thompson Rivers University.
He is the author of 6 books, 55 papers and articles and more than 12 technical reports also has been presented 129 papers in scientific assemblies.
He had been supervisor and advisor lots of graduate students in MSc. and PhD. also advisor of post-doctoral students.
Graduate courses taught at TRU and Akrom university are: Research Methods, Preparation and Presentation, Advanced Topics in Evolution and Ecology, Community/Ecosystem Ecology, Wetland Ecology, Topics in Integrative Biology and Scientific Writing.