Comparison of plant and soil organic matter properties in exclusion and grazing areas (Case study: Mashhad rangelands)

Study on plant vegetation changes has many applications for range improvement and range management. Plant vegetation percentage, production and composition were studied over fouryears in a17-year exclusion area and a grazing area in Golestan Research Station in Mashhad City. Soil organic matter content of both areas was measured at 0-30 cm soil depth. Plant composition was determined by identifying the perennial species. Vegetation percentage and plant production were estimated using quadrate and clipping method, respectively. In general, plant vegetation percentage and plant production were higher in exclusion area as compared with grazing area; however, this increase was not statistically significant in some years. Plant vegetation composition also showed some differences, but the changes seemed to be low during the exclusion period. Organic matter percentage was calculated to be 0.57 and 0.54 for exclusion and grazing areas, respectively. In conclusion, in the areas with similar climatic condition, range exclusion will not result in large changes in plant composition and vegetation percentage for fodder production or creating green space.