Abstract

Determination of Range Suitability Using GIS Technique(Case Study: Sub-Basin of Haraz)

Dr. Karim Soleimani Assistant Professor, College of Natural Resources
University of Mazandaran,
Iran
Email: solaimani2001@yahoo.co.uk

Arash kakolarimi
Former M.Sc. Student
College of Natural Resources
University of Mazandaran
Sari

Reza Tamartash
Instructor
College of Natural Resources
University of Mazandaran
Sari

S. Ramazan Mousavi
Instructor
College of Natural Resources
University of Mazandaran
Sari

Sasan Amini
M.Sc. Student in Watershed Management
College of Natural Resurces
University of Tehran
Karaj

Zeinab Yaghobi, B.Sc. in Range and Watershed Management, College of Natural Resources, University of Mazandaran, Sari

In the determination of ranges suitability of Lasem (Pankoh, Mianroud, Gatechal & Sorkh pileh) three factors including production forage, water resources and soil erodibility were examined. The PSIAC method was used to determine soil erodibility. To determine of water resources suitability, the factor related to quality, quantity and distance from water resources, and to determine forage production suitability, production in any vegetation type, condition and trend of range, palatability and allowable use factor were examined. Finally the range suitability terms of sheep grazing was determined using geographic information system (GIS) and method by FAO, whit combining tree factors of forage production, water resources and soil erodibility.The results determine of range suitability indicates that the slope factor, is the main factor in range suitability decrease. In the area, 17.7% of ranges suitability S2, 49.3% S3 and 33% in class N classified. Class N located within the slope classes of more than 60%. No part of range area didn’t come in suitability class of S1 and the greatest area related to suitability class of S3.
Keywords: Range Suitability, GIS, Forage Production, Slope, Lasem