Effect of grazing intensity on rangeland health indicators in determining semi steppe rangelands(Case study: Chaharbagh semi steppe rangelands)

In order to investigate the effect of grazing intensity on ecological indicators using qualitative rangeland health model, we selected Chaharbagh semi steppe rangelands. Then, three functional attributes (soil/site stability, hydrologic function and biotic integrity) of rangeland health were evaluated using rangeland health model. In this study 17 ecological indicators were used. Increasing grazing intensity resulted in variation of ecological indicators and also three functional attributes of rangeland health in key area evaluated as healthy category in comparison to reference area. Grazing intensity in critical area resulted in soil degradation between basal areas(inter patches) and also affected on plant structure characteristics e.g. dominance and perennial plants composition. Results showed that three functional attributes of rangeland health can be at risk in critical area in comparison with reference area.