Selection of Appropriate Estimation Methods of Range Conditions (Case Study: Kabirkooh Rangelands of Zagros, Iran)

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The range conditions explain its health as a management tool. Obviously, theimplementation of this important assessment requires the most appropriate study methodfor each region. In order to select the most appropriate methods of range conditions inKabirkooh grasslands of Zagros in Iran, five estimation methods (i.e. six-factor, fourfactor,vegetation and soil combination, value of pasture and climax) were studied in threekey and critical areas. In each area, five stations were selected using the randomizedsystematicmethod. The differences between methods were analyzed using the factorialexperiment by the help of the randomized complete blocks design with five replications.The results showed that there were significant differences (p<0.01) between both rangeconditions’ determination methods and different areas. Regarding Kabirkooh rangelands incurrent circumstances, four-factor method for semi-arid region is more applicable for therange condition determination. Biomass production and range conditions had a closerelationship using Pearson correlation test (p<0.01, r=0.86).