Optimal rangeland management to improve rangeland livelihood (Case study of Lar Absar Mazandaran rangeland)

Rangelands are ecosystems with various services and functions in addition to providing forage. Among the most important uses that can be made of rangeland are tourism, livestock grazing, and beekeeping. In this study, livestock grazing, tourism in customary systems, beekeeping, and exploitation of medicinal plants in the Lar Absar rangeland of Mazandaran were studied, and the suitability of the rangeland for each type of use was scored. Rangeland management methods and grazing systems were presented according to the condition and orientation of the rangeland and taking into account soil limiting factors. Then, the priority of using the rangelands was determined for each of them. Expenses, income, and net profit for each type of use were calculated based on market day conditions and the exchange rate in 1400 for 100 days. The results showed that livestock grazing is one of the appropriate exploitations in Lar Absar rangeland, and the best grazing livestock (according to vegetation and environmental factors) is sheep. Some types of plants can be well managed by using the natural grazing method and another part of the rangelands with the balanced grazing method and intermittent and delayed grazing systems in order to increase the level of productivity and improve the condition of the rangelands and with a plan for the productivity of the management. It is possible to properly and cheaply manage the rangelands of this system and improve its plant composition. The results showed that if livestock grazing is done in the rangelands, 42.7 million Tomans of income will be grazed, and tourism, beekeeping, and extraction of medicinal plants will be implemented. Around 380 million Tomans (15200 $) will be added to the ranger income. This increase in income can improve the livelihood of the user. In rangeland, fencing, beekeeping, the use of hives, and medicinal use, the machine for harvesting medicinal plants is recommended.