Saffron Agronomy and Technology

Saffron Agronomy and Technology

Agroecosystem Services of Saffron Fields in the Khorasan Razavi and South Khorasan Provinces, Iran

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
1 Professor, Department of Agrotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad
2 Department of Agrotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran
3 PhD Graduate, Department of Agrotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran
10.22048/jsat.2026.560835.1579
Abstract
Evaluating and quantifying agricultural ecosystem services in saffron-based agroecosystems is essential for understanding their economic value and informing sustainable management strategies. This study specifically aimed to estimate and monetize multiple ecosystem services and disservices provided by saffron fields. Primary data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered to saffron growers in selected counties of Khorasan Razavi and South Khorasan provinces (Mashhad, Torbat-e Jam, Torbat-e Heydarieh, Khalilabad, Bardeskan, Birjand, Zirkouh, and Boshruyeh), with a total of 120 completed questionnaires. According to the study's aims, the value of five types of saffron ecosystem services (such as food production, oxygen production, biodiversity, conservation, and lack of migration) and two of their negative consequences (including emission of greenhouse gases and phosphorus and nitrogen leakage) were estimated. The results showed that the total net value of ecosystem services in the studied fields was 39353.6 US$/hectare per year. Furthermore, in this research, the prevention of rural migration was introduced as one of the factors of cultural service and estimated at 24579.3 US$/hectare per year. According to the results, the average values of cultural and provisional services and biological diversity accounted for 62, 43, and 5.8% of the total value of ecosystem services in saffron fields. These findings highlight the overall importance of assessing both ecosystem services and disservices in saffron agroecosystems to inform sustainable management and policy decisions.
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