Effects of landscape on minimum economic size in range management units around the Margha River in the Izeh

The First International Conferense of IALE-Iran

ABSTRACT:

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of landscape such as physiographic, vegetation type, and relative poverty line on minimum economic size in range management units. Range management units around the Margha River in the Izeh were selected for this study. To achieve this purpose, each vegetation type was sampled using systematic random method and then trend, rangeland condition and productivity of each vegetation type was calculated. Geographical information system (GIS) was used to prepare the different maps, and then the area (ha) of each class was obtained by reclassifying the maps. Consumer costs were calculated using the questionnaire and data obtained from statistical center of Iran. Dependency to rangelands was determined by defining relative poverty line, agriculture and other sources of income. Results showed that these rangelands were in average condition and negative trend. In addition, rangeland optimum size for pure flock sheep, pure flock goat, and mixed flock were 87, 110, and 98 ha, respectively.