Comparing the litter quality and its effect on soil characteristics of three species in rangelands of Vard-Avard

The aim of this research was to investigate the relationship between litter quality and soil characteristics (carbon, nitrogen, potassium and phosphorous) in three range species, Artemisia sieberi, Artemisia aucheri and Acantholimon sp. Soil and litter sampling was done at the end of growing season (autumn 2004) after identification of the sites of these species in Vard-Avard. Sampling was conducted in the key area of each site based on randome-systemic method. Number of determined plots was based on the characteristics of the studied sites. The results showed in Acantholimon sp. litter the characteristics of C, N and P were greater than the other species. But in generally Artemisia sieberi litter quality was the best.