Investigating the effect of rangelands structure on the surface indicators and soil functional attributes in arid and semi-arid areas

It is necessary to recognize the relations between ecosystem components for suitable management of landscapes. Structure and function are two inherent components in each ecosystem. Thus, this study aims to investigate effects of ecosystem structure on soil surface indicators and landscape functional attributes in Fath-Abad Rangelands, Ferdows. In order to this we used Landscape Function Analysis (LFA) method to determine soil stability, infiltration and nutrient cycling using of 11 soil surface indicators. Data submission and analysis was performed by electronic LFA form (in Excel format) . ANOVA was used for determination of different existence between data and Duncan multiple ranges test for difference level. Landscape Organization Index for the area was 0.42. The results showed that different patches have significantly different stability, infiltration and nutrient cycling in the area as most of these characters are maximum in forb, shrub and shrub-grass patches. It may be resulted by specific structure such as strong roots, shaping and inter-density in these patches. In contrast, the inter-patch areas have the least amount of the functional characters that can be explained by the lack of litter and vegetation at these areas. For better management and increased performance characteristics pastures increased vegetation, especially the structure of Forb and Grasses is necessary.