Effects of long term exclosure and rest- rotation grazing system on some soil physicochemical properties in rangelands of semi- arid (Case study: semi-Steppe rangelands of Hamzavi research station: Semirom of Isfahan)

     Soil serves as an important rangeland ecosystem component and evaluating the effects of management practices on structure and function of range ecosystems can assist managers to select the best option in their reclamation plans. This study aimed to compare the effects of long-term exclosure (33 years) and rest-rotation grazing system on some soil physicochemical properties in semi-arid rangelands of Hamzavi research station, Hanna- Semirom in Isfahan province. Six transects were established in each area and three plots of 2m2 were placed along each transect randomly and 72 soil samples were collected from five points of the plot at the soil depth of 0-10 and 10-30 cm. Soil properties such as pH, EC, CaCO3, organic carbon, absorbable phosphor, total nitrogen, K, Ca, Mg, soil saturated percentage, cation exchange capacity, soil clay, silt, sand, and fine sand contents were measured in the soil laboratory. Independent t-test was used to compare soil properties in both areas. Results revealed that soil properties were more appropriate in areas under long-term rest-rotation grazing system compared with exclosure area. According to the results, most soil properties were differed significantly (α = 5%) due to rest-rotation grazing system in both areas, except pH, Mg, soil saturated percentage, silt, sand, and fine sand contents. This study showed that rest-rotational grazing systems can maintain ecosystem health condition in semi-arid area as well as decrease the costs of animal husbandry and is a more appropriate management option for ranchers compared with long-term grazing exclosure.