The effect of grazing intensity on vegetation and soil at different distances of village critical centre (Case study: Panjalo village in Moghan)

The aim of this study effect of different grazing intensities in the degradation of rangeland, on the same vegetation type with almost the same ecological condition, on the indicators of vegetation and soil properties in the rangeland of Panjalo village in Ardabil province was conducted. At each site three transects and in each transect 10 plots of 1m² was taken. In each plot, the parameters of density, production, canopy cover, litter, bare soil and stone and gravel were recorded. Soil samples were collected from a depth of 0-30 cm. The soil parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity, potassium, lime, phosphorus, organic carbon and nitrogen were measured. One-way analysis of variance and Duncan test were used to examine all parameter means equality and grouping of treatments respectively. The results showed the highest production and canopy cover (129/61 gr/m2 and 87/41%) in the light grazing and the lowest (71/91 gr/m2 and 25%) in the heavy grazing. The highest bare soil and stone and gravel amount (65/63 and 5/31%) in the heavy grazing and the lowest (10/05 and 0%) in the light grazing were observed. The highest diversity and richness (0/85 and 2/28) in the medium grazing and the lowest (0/79 and 2/08) in the heavy grazing were observed. The results showed that by increasing grazing intensity, the amount of EC, lime and phosphorus were increased (P<0/01). The highest amount of potassium (3/96) and pH (7/82) in the medium grazing and the lowest amount of organic carbon in the heavy grazing were observed.