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Assessment of vegetation cover changes and floristic structure in the Shir Misheh forest stand, Tarom County
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Farhad Aghajanlou *   , Peyman Akbarzadeh |
| , Faghajanloo@yahoo.com |
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Abstract: (140 Views) |
Dry and semi-arid ecosystems in Iran are highly sensitive to climatic changes and human pressures, making them vulnerable to vegetation degradation and biodiversity loss. This study aimed to assess changes in vegetation cover, floristic structure, and biodiversity indices in the Shir Misheh forest stand, Tarom County – Zanjan, during 2021–2023. Four 100-m² plots were randomly selected, and annual data on ground cover, mosses and lichens, litter, bare soil, stones and gravel, and soil erosion indices were recorded and analyzed. Friedman’s test indicated that mean ground cover increased from 18.23% in 2021 to 30.39% in 2023 (P < 0.05). Conversely, the proportion of stones and gravel (16.4% to 18.65%) and soil erosion significantly increased (P < 0.05), highlighting the physical vulnerability of the area. Although biodiversity indices showed an upward trend, changes were not statistically significant. The floristic composition included 40 species from 11 families, with dominance of Poaceae, Asteraceae, and Fabaceae, and hemicryptophytes (71.4%) being the most frequent life form. Findings indicate an increase in ground vegetation cover, reflecting a relative improvement in site ecological conditions, likely influenced by management interventions or climatic variations. However, the observed increase in soil erosion underscores the need for soil protection and stabilization measures. This study emphasizes the necessity of long-term monitoring for the effective and sustainable management of natural resources in the dry and semi-arid regions of the country.
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Article number: 13 |
| Keywords: Vegetation cover, Biodiversity, Floristic structure, Soil erosion, Shirmisheh site, Tarom. |
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Full-Text [PDF 2484 kb]
(86 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2025/07/13 | Accepted: 2025/09/3 | Published: 2026/03/11
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