The effects of some soil properties and topography on some functional traits of Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl. in Angemar rangeland, Lasem watershed

Using ecological indicators for assessing and monitoring the ecosystem status is highly important. This study aimed to investigate the effects of some soil and topography properties on functional traits of Stachys lavandulifolia including species leaf area index, leaf dry matter content and plant height in Angemar rangeland. Thirty soil samples were collected from 0-30 cm of soil surface and their physical and chemical characteristics were measured in the laboratory. Chi-square test (Pearson) and multiple regressions were used to analyze the data. According to the results, leaf dry matter of the species was not correlated to the measured physiographic factors (altitude, aspect and slope). There were significant correlations between leaf area index of the species with pH, nitrogen content and sand percentage of soil samples. Results indicated that dry matter content had significant correlations (P<0.05) with pH, organic carbon, phosphorus and clay percentage of the soil samples. There was also a significant correlation between the species height and their leaf area index (P < 0.05, R2= 0.417).