Investigation of Some Environmental Impacts of Capparis Decidua Nebkha (Case Study: Jask Area)

In arid and semiarid ecosystems, woody plants act as obstacles which reduce wind velocity, thereby cause the deposition of wind-blown sand. Deposition of sediments within and around the canopy of Capparis deciduas forms a land scape known as nebkha. This study investigated the environmental landscape impacts of C. decidua nebkha in the habitat of the plant in Jask area in Hormozgan Province. Sediment grain sizes especially for the particles less than 100 micron (dust) were determined using a sieve stack and GR graph Software. Physical and chemical properties of soil in nebkha and inter nebkha were measured. To determine the role of nebkha in sand trapping ability, nebkha in different sizes were randomly collected and nebkha volume was measured using Surfer 9 Software. To study the effects of nebkha on plant diversity, 4 plots were placed in each nebkha and inter nebkha. Then, species and their density were measured. Results showed that on average, 12.38± 3.5 percent of nebkha had the grain size of less than 100 Micron, grains which are called dust. Soil moisture and organic compounds in nebkha were significantly more than inter nebkha. Each tree was able to trap 13 m3 of sediment. Results also showed density and plant diversity increased where nebkha volume increased. It is concluded that nebkha improved plant diversity, sand accumulation and fixation of dust in arid areas. It is also concluded that determination of plants that are resistant to nebkha and sand burial would have positive impacts on environment.