Studying the effect of management on Atriplex canescens impact on soil properties and organisms activity (Case study: Shahriar Rangelands)

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Atriplex canescens on soil properties and organism's activities under grazing and exclosure conditions at Shahriar rangelands. In each site, four transects were selected by random-systematic method and 10 quadrates of nine m2 were established along transects with 30-m intervals. In each quadrate, the amount of seed per plant, litter and the number of nests under shrubs were recorded. A number of five quadrates were also established randomly along each transect, and soil profiles were dug. Soil samples were taken at two depths to measure soil properties. Data analysis was performed by independent T-test and mean comparisons were done by Duncan's multiple range test. According to the obtained results, under exclosure condition, although the study species could increase the nitrogen and potassium of surface soil, increased sodium and EC negatively affected the soil. In addition, significant differences were found for the amount of seed and litter (p