Volume 18, Issue 4 (1-2025)
مرتع 2025, 18(4): 549-564 |
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Hematizad Z, Erfanzadeh R, Omidipour R. Variability of Soil Physical, Chemical, and Biological Characteristics along a Livestock Grazing Intensity Gradient (Case Study: Arid Rangelands, Ilam Province). مرتع 2025; 18 (4) :549-564
URL: http://rangelandsrm.ir/article-1-1264-en.html
URL: http://rangelandsrm.ir/article-1-1264-en.html
Department of Rangeland Management, Faculty of Natural Resources, Tarbiat Modares University, Noor
Abstract: (387 Views)
Background and objectives: Livestock grazing, as a primary use of rangelands in Iran and globally, alters soil characteristics, which are essential components of rangeland ecosystems, through various mechanisms. Soil plays a crucial role in the improvement and restoration of rangelands. Given the extensive effects of livestock on soil, livestock grazing management is vital for forage quality and rangeland health. This study addresses one of the challenges of rangeland management in Iran, namely the increase in livestock beyond the capacity of rangelands.
Materials and Methods: This study investigated the effect of livestock grazing at different intensities in the rangelands around Ban Rahman village in Mehran city, Ilam province. A grazing gradient of 3-4 km in length, with six sites of varying grazing intensities, was examined. Grazing intensity decreases with distance from the village, which is the center of the most intensive grazing area. Five plots of 10 x 10 meters were randomly established within each site, and soil samples were taken from a depth of 0-10 cm in three quadrats of 1 x 1 meter within each plot. Soil samples were collected to measure physical, chemical, and biological factors. In the laboratory, electrical conductivity (EC), nitrogen, phosphorus, lime, potassium, soil microbial activities, soil moisture, and soil particle percentages were analyzed.
Results: The findings indicated significant differences in biological and chemical parameters such as pH, EC, carbon, organic matter, soil moisture, and microbial activities across different grazing intensities, whereas soil phosphorus (P) and carbon/nitrogen ratio did not show significant differences. Increased grazing intensity along the gradient resulted in decreased soil factors such as EC, soil organic matter, nitrogen, soil moisture, and soil microbial respiration. Conversely, factors such as calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and EC increased with grazing intensity. Additionally, at higher grazing intensities, the percentage of soil clay increased, while the amounts of silt and sand did not show significant differences.
Conclusion: The general results indicated that livestock grazing likely affects various soil characteristics directly and indirectly through factors such as trampling, adding urine and feces, and removing plants. Increased grazing intensity and plant removal exert pressure on plants and soil, reducing soil microbial activity due to decreased organic carbon in these areas. The study concluded that moderate grazing intensity is optimal, maximizing forage harvesting while minimizing damage to rangeland soil.
Materials and Methods: This study investigated the effect of livestock grazing at different intensities in the rangelands around Ban Rahman village in Mehran city, Ilam province. A grazing gradient of 3-4 km in length, with six sites of varying grazing intensities, was examined. Grazing intensity decreases with distance from the village, which is the center of the most intensive grazing area. Five plots of 10 x 10 meters were randomly established within each site, and soil samples were taken from a depth of 0-10 cm in three quadrats of 1 x 1 meter within each plot. Soil samples were collected to measure physical, chemical, and biological factors. In the laboratory, electrical conductivity (EC), nitrogen, phosphorus, lime, potassium, soil microbial activities, soil moisture, and soil particle percentages were analyzed.
Results: The findings indicated significant differences in biological and chemical parameters such as pH, EC, carbon, organic matter, soil moisture, and microbial activities across different grazing intensities, whereas soil phosphorus (P) and carbon/nitrogen ratio did not show significant differences. Increased grazing intensity along the gradient resulted in decreased soil factors such as EC, soil organic matter, nitrogen, soil moisture, and soil microbial respiration. Conversely, factors such as calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and EC increased with grazing intensity. Additionally, at higher grazing intensities, the percentage of soil clay increased, while the amounts of silt and sand did not show significant differences.
Conclusion: The general results indicated that livestock grazing likely affects various soil characteristics directly and indirectly through factors such as trampling, adding urine and feces, and removing plants. Increased grazing intensity and plant removal exert pressure on plants and soil, reducing soil microbial activity due to decreased organic carbon in these areas. The study concluded that moderate grazing intensity is optimal, maximizing forage harvesting while minimizing damage to rangeland soil.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2024/06/2 | Accepted: 2025/01/19 | Published: 2025/01/29
Received: 2024/06/2 | Accepted: 2025/01/19 | Published: 2025/01/29
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