Evaluation of changes in the chemical and biological soil properties of Brant`s oak (Quercus brantii Lindl.) forests in the Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, Iran

Forest destruction causes soil destruction as the basis of terrestrial ecosystem life. Therefore, monitoring the soil and evaluating the process of changes over time can prevent the destruction of the soil and consequently the ecosystems with scientific data. In this study, the chemical and biological properties of soil were investigated in two Brant's oak (Quercus brantii Lindl.) sites, Chari and Mavarz, as a part of Zagros Forests in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province, Iran. Soil samples were collected from a depth of 0-10 cm and chemical and biological characteristics were measured in two years 2019 and 2021. The results in Chari site showed that the values of organic carbon, organic matter, substrate induced respiration, and nitrification potential increased significantly in the second year compared to the first year. This finding can be attributed to the more species diversity, higher canopy percentage, and relative protection of the Chari site. While in Mavarz site, only electrical conductivity and dry weight of soil showed significant changes in the second year compared to the first year which could be caused by livestock grazing and decrease in rainfall. The trend of changes in the Chari site has been positive which made improvement of some soil characteristics. Generally, management based on protecting the Zagros habitats as well as its positive effect on the biological and chemical characteristics of the soil can have a significant role in the health of oak trees which are encountering the oak decline.