Determination of Soil Salinity in Frankenia hirsuta L. Habitat (Case Study: Saline and Alkaline Rangelands of Golestan Province)

Soil salinity is one of the important factors which can influence the growth and distribution of plant species. Saline and alkaline rangelands of Golestan Province, Iran with low-deep underground water level are considered as a halophyte plant species growing area. Attempts have been made to determine soil salinity and its relationship with Frankenia hirsuta L. In order to determine the Electrical Conductivity (EC) of soil, three soil samples had been taken in the flowering stage of Frankenia hirsuta from the soil at depth of 0-30 cm in three undergrazing, exclosure and control areas (where there was no Frankenia hirsuta). Data were collected and analyzed for soil Electrical Conductivity (EC). Results showed that there was a significant difference (P≤0.01) among three sampling areas (exclosure, undergrazing and control). High EC values were obtained for control area. So, the presence of this species in saline and alkaline rangelands was highly affected by soil salinity. Soil salinity in the control area was 39% higher than undergrazing area.