Range Field Survey and Assessment Manual
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Date
2022
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Publisher
FAO NRM KSA
Abstract
Effective rangeland management relies on a comprehensive understanding of the nature, structure, and extent of the rangelands. Without this knowledge, accurately estimating carrying capacity, selecting appropriate animal species, and optimizing sustainable production become challenging for range managers. Rangeland surveys, conducted at various scales depending on objectives, serve to determine the potential of the rangeland, assess current production levels, evaluate the level of use, analyze the condition and trend, identify the proper mix of animal species, explore multiple uses, and ascertain economic value. This survey manual is designed to guide the observation, assessment, and surveying of rangeland conditions, vegetation, species composition, biomass production, and carrying capacity. Developed to support the National Center for Vegetation Cover (NCVC) in surveying Saudi Arabia's rangelands and natural resources, the manual provides a standardized methodology incorporating geospatial technology, enabling managers and technicians to collect, analyze, and interpret data for sustainable rangeland management in the Kingdom.
Description
The present manual is developed within the framework of the SRADP Component 9 “Strengthening MoEWA’s capacity in sustainable management of rangelands, forests and natural resources to support rural livelihood” and more specifically the subcomponent “sustainable rangeland management” which aims at presenting the main techniques and methods of range field survey and assessment that can be adopted by the Rangeland Department of the established National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification, to identify the condition of the 26 rangeland sites selected all over the country for the implementation of the first phase of grazing management program. The determination of the status of the vegetation cover attributes and productivity with the appropriate methods will help to develop the appropriate restoration - rehabilitation and management techniques and practices for each range site.
Keywords
rangelands monitoring, fields, survey design, surveying