Structural and Biomass Traits of Capparis spinosa in Bilashvar Rangeland, Ardabil

Measuring plant characteristics is one of the essential requirements for calculating plant functional diversity. Therefore, in the present study, the plant characteristics of Capparis spinosa L. were measured at the locations of its distribution in Rouhkandi, Ghareh Darreh and Bileshwar rangelands. Vegetation sampling was carried out systematically in 30 two-by-two-meter plots that were 30 m apart along three transects of 300 m. At the same time, the plant characteristics (structural and biomass traits) of 10 C. spinosa rootstocks that were healthy and strong, and well grown in each location were measured. Diameter of crown and collar diameter of each stand, number of dams per stand, height of each ditch, number of branches per dune, length of each branch, number of fruits per dune, fruit health, fruit length and width of each dune, as structural traits and weight of fruit with peduncle, number flower or bud of each duck and fresh weight of each duck were considered as biomass traits. The results of traits comparison showed that the values of structural traits as well as the number of fruits per leaf and average weight of each fruit were not the same in different rangelands. Overall, there was a significant difference between the structural and biomass traits of C. spinosa in the distribution sites. However, structural and biomass traits appear to be correlated with one another and reinforce the other factor. Therefore, it is recommended that if management of C. spinosa species breeding, soil conservation and carbon sequestration is required, it should be developed in locations that increase its structural traits. If management of breeding is to be used as a medicinal plant, it needs to be developed in places where biomass traits are increased.