Investigation of the Variations of Soil Factors under Haloxylon aphyllum Cultivation

Determination of the relationships between soil and plant cover indispensible in the in planning and management of the arid regions, the aim being to revitalize plant cover, conserve soil and to combat desertification. Among factors affecting plant cover, particularly in arid and semiarid areas are soil traits. During the present study, the effect of Haloxylon aphyllum Cultivation on soil physiochemical properties (at different depths) was investigated. A split plot design was employedin the study, in which cultivated and non-cultivated areas were considered as inter-related factors, whereas soil depths of(0-10), (10-30) and (30-60) cm as intra- related factors. Soil texture, EC, pH, nitrogen, phosphorous and organic matter was assessed. Soluble salts of Na, Ca, Mg, Cl, K, carbonate and bicarbonate were measured. Haloxylon aphyllum has led to a significant difference between Ca, Mg and bicarbonate in the first layer as compared with the third. A significant difference has been observed between nitrogen in the first soil layer in comparison with that in the second layer. Significant differences were also observed among all Haloxylon aphyllum cultivated soil layers as to the contents of Soluble K, absorbable K as well as phosphorous.