The effect of canopy covers of four rangeland plants on some soil quality indices

Vegetation is the most important factor affecting the stability of ecosystems. Therefore, the study of the factors causing the establishment and distribution of plants as well as the effect of plant species on the characteristics of ecosystem is important. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of canopy cover of four rangeland plants (Hertia angustifolia (DC.) Kuntze, Pyrethrum roseum, Astragalus gossypinus Fischer. and Artemisia sieberi Besser) on some of soil quality indices. Thus, this study was conducted in a rangeland of Sardoie – Jiroft. Soil sampling was carried out in three parts of this rangeland in- and out of the plants (depth < 30cm), and calcium carbonate equivalent (CCE), salinity (EC), acidity (pH), soil texture (sand, silt, clay), microbial respiration (MR), organic carbon content (OC), and water repellency of the soils were measured. The results showed that OC, EC, CCE, and water repellency in-side the plant canopy were significantly higher than those out-side the plant canopy (P<0.05). Also, more OC in-side the plant canopy and their decomposition could cause more microbial respiration as well as more salinity and more water repellency. The results also showed that the amount of silt as the most sensitive particle to erosion out-side plants was less than in-side but it was opposite for sand particles that it may show more water erosion in the bare land, especially sheet erosion, indicating the positive effect of plant canopy on the stability of soil.