An investigation of management effects on range functionality (case study: Karkaboud and Kouin, Taleghan)

Ecosystem function is affected by management activities in rangeland ecosystems. Hence, it is necessary to consider management effects on rangeland ecosystem to reduce its degradation. In order to determine the effects of management activities on rangeland ecosystem, four management treatments were chosen in Taleghan, Iran. Functionality characteristics including: stability, infiltration and nutrient cycling were calculated using Landscape Function Analysis (LFA). LFA calculates these parameters using 11 soil surface indicators. Results showed that stability, infiltration and nutrient cycle were higher in Karkaboud than the other locations because of low grazing pressure and non-accessibility conditions. As grazing pressure increased we witnessed less stability, infiltration and nutrient cycling in Karkaboud cascade, Kouin and Kouin-Marjan. Main causes of decline in stability, infiltration and nutrient cycling are perennial vegetation removal, soil trampling and decrease in soil organic matter and subsequent increase in erosion and soil instability.