Volume 19, Issue 3 (9-2025)
مرتع 2025, 19(3): 298-315 |
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Shahpiri A, Kooch Y, Hojjati S M. Assessment of the impact of vegetation cover degradation on the chemical composition of roots and soil enzymatic activities in the summering region of Nichkooh, Nowshahr County. مرتع 2025; 19 (3) :298-315
URL: http://rangelandsrm.ir/article-1-1303-en.html
URL: http://rangelandsrm.ir/article-1-1303-en.html
Department of Range Management, Faculty of Natural Resources, Tarbiat Modares University, Noor
Abstract: (1605 Views)
Introduction and Objective: Vegetation degradation and land-use changes can profoundly affect soil properties. In recent years, human activities have accelerated the degradation of many ecosystems, leading to reduced or even complete loss of vegetation cover. Soil fulfills multiple ecological functions, and root traits together with soil enzyme activities serve as key indicators of these functions. Accordingly, this study aims to examine the effects of forest and rangeland cover on root and soil biological characteristics in a semi-arid mountainous region characterized by sensitive and fragile habitats.
Methodology: The study assessed the impacts of different levels of vegetation cover degradation: severe (0–10% cover), moderate (30–40%), and light (60–70%), compared with undisturbed sites serving as controls (90–100% cover). Research was conducted in the Nichkooh summer rangelands, located in the Kojur district of Nowshahr city. Three one-hectare plots (100 m × 100 m) were established in each habitat type. Within each plot, five soil samples were collected from a depth of 0–30 cm to evaluate root traits. For enzyme activity, samples were taken from depths of 0–10, 10–20, and 20–30 cm within 30 cm × 30 cm quadrats. In total, 15 samples per habitat and 45 samples overall were analyzed in the laboratory. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to test for significant differences in soil characteristics across cover types, and Duncan’s multiple range test was used for mean comparisons.
Results: The findings revealed significant effects of land cover type on root traits and enzyme activities. Biomass and associated nutrient concentrations—including carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium—in both fine and coarse roots declined markedly across degraded habitats. This reduction was most pronounced in the surface soil layer, the zone most active in root growth and nutrient cycling. Furthermore, in habitats dominated by Carpinus orientalis Miller – Quercus macranthera Fisch & C.A. Mey and Crataegus melanocarpa M.B. – Crataegus microphylla C. Koch – Berberis integerrima Bunge, the activities of key soil enzymes (urease, acid phosphatase, arylsulfatase, and invertase) decreased with increasing degradation intensity. Enzyme activity was highest in the topsoil across all habitats. Overall, severe and moderate degradation levels differed significantly from light degradation and undisturbed conditions.
Conclusion: The results demonstrate that even light vegetation degradation can reduce soil quality and health, underscoring the critical importance of conserving vegetation and preventing its decline. Restoration efforts should prioritize the use of native plant species adapted to local climatic and edaphic conditions, as these species can rebuild soil structure, enhance nutrient availability, and support ecosystem resilience. Protecting sensitive habitats from human-induced degradation is equally vital. Notably, areas with light to moderate degradation, due to their restoration potential and similarity to undisturbed sites, represent promising targets for rehabilitation through the reintroduction of native vegetation.
Methodology: The study assessed the impacts of different levels of vegetation cover degradation: severe (0–10% cover), moderate (30–40%), and light (60–70%), compared with undisturbed sites serving as controls (90–100% cover). Research was conducted in the Nichkooh summer rangelands, located in the Kojur district of Nowshahr city. Three one-hectare plots (100 m × 100 m) were established in each habitat type. Within each plot, five soil samples were collected from a depth of 0–30 cm to evaluate root traits. For enzyme activity, samples were taken from depths of 0–10, 10–20, and 20–30 cm within 30 cm × 30 cm quadrats. In total, 15 samples per habitat and 45 samples overall were analyzed in the laboratory. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to test for significant differences in soil characteristics across cover types, and Duncan’s multiple range test was used for mean comparisons.
Results: The findings revealed significant effects of land cover type on root traits and enzyme activities. Biomass and associated nutrient concentrations—including carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium—in both fine and coarse roots declined markedly across degraded habitats. This reduction was most pronounced in the surface soil layer, the zone most active in root growth and nutrient cycling. Furthermore, in habitats dominated by Carpinus orientalis Miller – Quercus macranthera Fisch & C.A. Mey and Crataegus melanocarpa M.B. – Crataegus microphylla C. Koch – Berberis integerrima Bunge, the activities of key soil enzymes (urease, acid phosphatase, arylsulfatase, and invertase) decreased with increasing degradation intensity. Enzyme activity was highest in the topsoil across all habitats. Overall, severe and moderate degradation levels differed significantly from light degradation and undisturbed conditions.
Conclusion: The results demonstrate that even light vegetation degradation can reduce soil quality and health, underscoring the critical importance of conserving vegetation and preventing its decline. Restoration efforts should prioritize the use of native plant species adapted to local climatic and edaphic conditions, as these species can rebuild soil structure, enhance nutrient availability, and support ecosystem resilience. Protecting sensitive habitats from human-induced degradation is equally vital. Notably, areas with light to moderate degradation, due to their restoration potential and similarity to undisturbed sites, represent promising targets for rehabilitation through the reintroduction of native vegetation.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2025/01/4 | Accepted: 2025/07/8 | Published: 2025/09/1
Received: 2025/01/4 | Accepted: 2025/07/8 | Published: 2025/09/1
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