Volume 20, Issue 2 (3-2027)
مرتع 2027, 20(2): 0-0 |
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Saberi M, Dehmardeh M R, Rashki S, Ebrahimi M. The Effect of Different Degrees of Desertification on the Chemical Balance of Soil Nutrients and Vegetation in the Bampour Desert Region, Iranshahr. مرتع 2027; 20 (2)
URL: http://rangelandsrm.ir/article-1-1375-en.html
URL: http://rangelandsrm.ir/article-1-1375-en.html
Abstract: (46 Views)
Background and objectives: The climatic conditions of arid and semi-arid regions on the Iranian Plateau have created sensitive and fragile ecosystems. In these areas, soil erosion and desertification are major processes that severely threaten water and soil resources. Given the key role of nutrients in soil fertility and vegetation sustainability, understanding the effects of desertification on the balance of these elements is essential. However, a comprehensive study in this regard—particularly in the southeastern desert regions of Iran—has not yet been conducted. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of varying degrees of desertification on chemical stoichiometry (the balance of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus) in both soil and plant organs in the Bampour desert region.
Methodology: Based on soil and vegetation criteria, five desertification levels were selected: potential, light, moderate, severe, and very severe. At each level, soil and vegetation sampling was carried out using a completely randomized design within 100 m × 100 m sites (a total of 15 sites). A total of 45 soil samples and 45 quadrats were analyzed. Within each quadrat, existing plant species, litter, and root samples were collected from a 0–30 cm depth. After drying, plant organs (leaves, stems, roots, and litter) and soil samples were prepared for chemical analysis. Total carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus concentrations were measured in all samples using standard laboratory methods, expressed as a percentage of dry matter. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA in a completely randomized design with three replicates. A correlation matrix was also used to assess the relationships between elemental concentrations and stoichiometric ratios in plant tissues and soil.
Results:The highest concentrations of soil carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus were observed under potential desertification conditions. With increasing desertification severity, soil carbon significantly decreased (p < 0.01). Desertification also caused significant declines in the soil C:N, N:P, and C:P ratios. The C:N ratio was highest in the potential desertification stage (0.32). Similarly, aboveground plant carbon content declined significantly with increasing desertification intensity (p < 0.05), with the highest value in the potential stage (37.29%) and the lowest in the severe stage (27.04%). The N:P ratios of roots and litter also declined significantly with increasing desertification severity (p < 0.01), showing minimum values at the potential stage and maximum values at the very severe and severe stages. The lowest and highest C:P ratios were recorded in the very severe and potential desertification stages, respectively.
Conclusion: In general, considering the changes observed in the structure of vegetation, soil fertility, and carbon and nitrogen storage, it can be concluded that desertification had a significant effect on reducing soil nutrients and saving plant tissue elements in the Bampur desert region. These results justify management efforts to combat land degradation through desertification and deserve the attention of decision-makers. From a practical perspective, stoichiometric indices of elements (chemical balance between carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus) in soil and plants can be used as effective tools for monitoring desertification processes, assessing environmental quality, and restoration planning of degraded ecosystems in arid and semi-arid regions.
Methodology: Based on soil and vegetation criteria, five desertification levels were selected: potential, light, moderate, severe, and very severe. At each level, soil and vegetation sampling was carried out using a completely randomized design within 100 m × 100 m sites (a total of 15 sites). A total of 45 soil samples and 45 quadrats were analyzed. Within each quadrat, existing plant species, litter, and root samples were collected from a 0–30 cm depth. After drying, plant organs (leaves, stems, roots, and litter) and soil samples were prepared for chemical analysis. Total carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus concentrations were measured in all samples using standard laboratory methods, expressed as a percentage of dry matter. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA in a completely randomized design with three replicates. A correlation matrix was also used to assess the relationships between elemental concentrations and stoichiometric ratios in plant tissues and soil.
Results:The highest concentrations of soil carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus were observed under potential desertification conditions. With increasing desertification severity, soil carbon significantly decreased (p < 0.01). Desertification also caused significant declines in the soil C:N, N:P, and C:P ratios. The C:N ratio was highest in the potential desertification stage (0.32). Similarly, aboveground plant carbon content declined significantly with increasing desertification intensity (p < 0.05), with the highest value in the potential stage (37.29%) and the lowest in the severe stage (27.04%). The N:P ratios of roots and litter also declined significantly with increasing desertification severity (p < 0.01), showing minimum values at the potential stage and maximum values at the very severe and severe stages. The lowest and highest C:P ratios were recorded in the very severe and potential desertification stages, respectively.
Conclusion: In general, considering the changes observed in the structure of vegetation, soil fertility, and carbon and nitrogen storage, it can be concluded that desertification had a significant effect on reducing soil nutrients and saving plant tissue elements in the Bampur desert region. These results justify management efforts to combat land degradation through desertification and deserve the attention of decision-makers. From a practical perspective, stoichiometric indices of elements (chemical balance between carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus) in soil and plants can be used as effective tools for monitoring desertification processes, assessing environmental quality, and restoration planning of degraded ecosystems in arid and semi-arid regions.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2026/03/14 | Accepted: 2027/03/1 | Published: 2027/03/1
Received: 2026/03/14 | Accepted: 2027/03/1 | Published: 2027/03/1
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