A model of rangeland suitability for gum tragacanth exploitation (Case study: Shwishe, Kurdistan)

Kazem Saedi
Email: kazemsaedi@yahoo.com

Presenting a new spatial model for suitability of gum tragacanth exploitation is the aim in this study. After preparing basic information including topographical 1:50000 maps, aerial photograph, vegetation types, as well as local exploiter’s comments, useful criteria were determined. To estimate the gum yield per cover area, a 100 m 2 circle quadrate was used in different types. Total yield for the studied site was estimated exceeding 18000 kg that should be exploited in a rest-rotational system during 5 years. Gum-productive Astragalus species form the average of 3% of vegetation cover. Using GIS approaches, maps of land form (slope, aspect and elevation from sea level), vegetation type, yield, distance from village, cultivated and rocky area as well as exploiters comment prepared. Eventually, 3%, 15%, 27%, 55%, of the study area were determined as S1, S2, S3 and non-suitable for gum exploitation.