Comparison of substratum litter quality between three shrub plants in Marvast, Yazd province, Iran

Plant litter is one of the best factors in the protection and stability of soil and by decomposition of litters, the percentage of organic matter could be increased which also improves the chemical properties of soil and plant production. The aim of this study was to compare the litter quality accumulated beneath three shrub species (Amygdalus scoparia, Ebenus stelata, Daphne mezerum) by measuring the soil chemical (carbon, calcium, magnesium, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) and physical (Electrical conductivity and acidity) properties in Marvast rangelands, Yazd province, Iran. At the end of growth season, fifteen sites were selected and soil samples containing litter material was done randomly taken beneath and outside of the shrub canopy covers. Then, the chemical and physical characteristics of litter were measured in the laboratory. In order to compare the litter characteristics, one-way ANOVA were made between species and, between outside and beneath the shrubs. Mean comparisons were made using Duncan method. The results showed that the litter samples under E. stelata and D. mezerum shrubs had the highest values for calcium, magnesium and nitrogen contents. In contrast, the litter samples collected from outside shrubs had the highest values carbon content and electrical conductivity. The phosphorus contents between the species and between under and outside shrub of litters were statistically equal. Generally, the results of this study showed that the woody species in dry regions had different capacity in litter quality and soil improvement. It should be considered in the activity of rangeland improvement and development.