Volume 18, Issue 1 (7-2024)
مرتع 2024, 18(1): 119-131 |
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Joneidi H, Kakekhani S, Kamali N. Comparison of Physicochemical and Biological Soil Properties under Different Rangeland Management Practices. مرتع 2024; 18 (1) :119-131
URL: http://rangelandsrm.ir/article-1-1237-en.html
URL: http://rangelandsrm.ir/article-1-1237-en.html
Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran & University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj
Abstract: (374 Views)
Background and objectives: Sustainable development and food security rely heavily on the preservation and restoration of natural areas. Soil health is fundamental for rangeland ecosystem function, and land management practices significantly impact its quality and productivity. Rangeland restoration practices and exclosures have been widely implemented to improve vegetation cover and soil health. This study investigates the effects of different rangeland management practices on key soil physicochemical and biological properties in the Khamesan representative watershed, Kurdistan province, Iran.
Methodology: The Khamesan watershed (4193 ha), located 35 km from Kamyaran city, was selected for the study. Three management regimes were evaluated: restored rangelands (mechanical and biological operations since 2006), exclosures (established in 2007), and livestock grazing areas. Within each management area, three homogenous sites with similar physiographic characteristics were chosen. Five soil profiles were sampled at each site (one central and four surrounding) from a depth of 0-30 cm. Analyzed soil properties included bulk density, texture (silt, clay), porosity, average particle diameter, electrical conductivity, pH, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, nitrogen, organic carbon, carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, basal respiration, stimulated respiration, microbial biomass carbon, microbial biomass nitrogen, microbial biomass carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, and microbial metabolic coefficient. Data were analyzed using SPSS 19 software.
Results: Management practices significantly influenced soil physicochemical and biological properties. Notably, restoration and exclosure treatments impacted soil texture (silt and clay percentage), bulk density, porosity, average particle diameter, organic carbon, phosphorus, soil carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, basal respiration, stimulated respiration, microbial biomass carbon, microbial biomass nitrogen, microbial biomass carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, and microbial metabolic coefficient. Biological indicators were more sensitive to management interventions compared to other soil properties. The highest basal respiration (0.93 mgCO₂g⁻¹dm²h⁻¹) was observed in the grazed area, while the lowest (0.57 mgCO₂g⁻¹dm²h⁻¹) occurred in the restored area. Similarly, bulk density was highest (1.69 g/cm³) in the grazed area and lowest (1.57 g/cm³) in the restored area. The carbon-to-nitrogen ratio was also higher in restored pastures (12.18) compared to grazed areas (6.91).
Conclusion: Healthy soil is essential for ecosystem life support, including vegetation and biodiversity. Rangelands are often subjected to prolonged overgrazing, necessitating management interventions to improve protection levels. Our findings indicate that biological indicators are more sensitive to management practices and environmental changes than other soil properties, making them valuable tools for assessing soil health in rangeland ecosystems. Restoration practices and proper management enhance vegetation cover, promote soil aggregation and structure, increase carbon input, and stimulate soil microbial populations, ultimately improving soil health and quality. This study demonstrates the positive impacts of restoration operations and exclosures on soil improvement in the Khamesan watershed.
Methodology: The Khamesan watershed (4193 ha), located 35 km from Kamyaran city, was selected for the study. Three management regimes were evaluated: restored rangelands (mechanical and biological operations since 2006), exclosures (established in 2007), and livestock grazing areas. Within each management area, three homogenous sites with similar physiographic characteristics were chosen. Five soil profiles were sampled at each site (one central and four surrounding) from a depth of 0-30 cm. Analyzed soil properties included bulk density, texture (silt, clay), porosity, average particle diameter, electrical conductivity, pH, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, nitrogen, organic carbon, carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, basal respiration, stimulated respiration, microbial biomass carbon, microbial biomass nitrogen, microbial biomass carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, and microbial metabolic coefficient. Data were analyzed using SPSS 19 software.
Results: Management practices significantly influenced soil physicochemical and biological properties. Notably, restoration and exclosure treatments impacted soil texture (silt and clay percentage), bulk density, porosity, average particle diameter, organic carbon, phosphorus, soil carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, basal respiration, stimulated respiration, microbial biomass carbon, microbial biomass nitrogen, microbial biomass carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, and microbial metabolic coefficient. Biological indicators were more sensitive to management interventions compared to other soil properties. The highest basal respiration (0.93 mgCO₂g⁻¹dm²h⁻¹) was observed in the grazed area, while the lowest (0.57 mgCO₂g⁻¹dm²h⁻¹) occurred in the restored area. Similarly, bulk density was highest (1.69 g/cm³) in the grazed area and lowest (1.57 g/cm³) in the restored area. The carbon-to-nitrogen ratio was also higher in restored pastures (12.18) compared to grazed areas (6.91).
Conclusion: Healthy soil is essential for ecosystem life support, including vegetation and biodiversity. Rangelands are often subjected to prolonged overgrazing, necessitating management interventions to improve protection levels. Our findings indicate that biological indicators are more sensitive to management practices and environmental changes than other soil properties, making them valuable tools for assessing soil health in rangeland ecosystems. Restoration practices and proper management enhance vegetation cover, promote soil aggregation and structure, increase carbon input, and stimulate soil microbial populations, ultimately improving soil health and quality. This study demonstrates the positive impacts of restoration operations and exclosures on soil improvement in the Khamesan watershed.
Type of Study: Applicable |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2023/12/23 | Accepted: 2024/04/25 | Published: 2024/07/31
Received: 2023/12/23 | Accepted: 2024/04/25 | Published: 2024/07/31
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