Identification of appropriate rangeland restoration methods based on environmental data (Case study: Taleghan rangeland)

Overgrazing and inappropriate use of Taleghan rangelands has led to poor and very poor condition for almost all vegetation types. Taking the importance of rangelands in forage production and other benefits into consideration, management of these rangelands and improving their condition seems essential. The present research was conducted using data integration of vegetation, condition, slope, soil, precipitation, etc. in a Geographic Information System (GIS) environment. Our study area was located in 50˚, 36ó, 43ð - 50˚, 53ó, 23ð longitude and 36˚, 5ó, 19 ð - 36˚, 19ó, 19ð latitude in the middle area of Taleghan watershed with the area of 37977 hectares. According to the results, improving methods and reforming activities could be suggested including prevention of livestock grazing (enclosure), sowing, inter seeding, broad casting and hoe sowing in areas which have poor and very poor condition (in 6621.325, 1274.381, 694.561, 1215.254 and 2368.101 hectares (areas), respectively). Such activities may improve livestock grazing management as well as watershed conditions, wildlife habitat or other similar purposes.