Tamarix shrub is one of the most important plants in the arid and semi-arid regions which can more effect on soil microbial activities and community and it increases soil fertility through efficient nutrient cycling. In addition, this plant as a natural and adapted vegetation cover in the study area has important role in soil conservation and wind erosion control. The aim of this study was investigation of the natural tamarix shrub effect on soil microbial biomass and activities of desert soils in Pharokhabad plain of Dehloran, Ilam province.
In order to study of soil biological properties, soil sampling carried out from soil surface (0-5 cm) under canopy of tamarix shrub and open area by using systematic randomized method. Total soil samples were 62 samples including 31 samples under canopy and 31 samples out of canopy. After collecting soil samples, it transfer to the laboratory and soil biological analyses including microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen, basal respiration, substrate induced respiration, metabolic quotient, microbial quotient and soil organic carbon were carried out on soil samples. Statistical analyses such as one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and correlation coefficient were performed by SAS 9.1 software. The t-test was used to compare mean of soil biological properties.
The results of this study showed that there was significant differences (P<0.05) between under canopy and open area in terms of soil biological properties. The highest soil organic carbon amount (2.16%) observed under canopy of tamatrix comparison with open area. Soil microbial biomass carbon (654 mg C kg-1 ) and nitrogen (79 mg N kg-1 ) were higher significantly under canopy of tamarix than out of canopy. In addition, basal and induced respiration was higher statistically (P<0.01) under canopy than open area. Basal respiration under canopy found positively correlated with metabolic quotient (qCO2), while there was a significant negative correlation between basal respiration and soil organic carbon.
To sum up, according to results, soil biological activities and microbial biomass increased under canopy which indicates tamarix shrub is important plant in the study area. For example, the highest microbial biomass carbon found under canopy compared to open area. Therefore, in order to increase soil quality and health as well as combating soil erosion, reclamation and protection of tamarix shrub is essential in the study area. In this regards, department of natural resources and watershed of Ilam province and Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) can contribute for plantation and reclamation of this plant and other native vegetation cover.
- حق عضویت دریافتی صرف حمایت از نشریات عضو و نگهداری، تکمیل و توسعه مگیران میشود.
- پرداخت حق اشتراک و دانلود مقالات اجازه بازنشر آن در سایر رسانههای چاپی و دیجیتال را به کاربر نمیدهد.