Vegetation Diversity in Lowland Rangeland of Hyrcanian Vegetation Zone and Its Relationship with Soil Properties (Case Study: Behshahr, Mazandaran Province)

Document Type : Original Articles

Authors

1 Former Msc Student of Rangeland management, Department of Rangeland management, Faculty of Natural Resources, Sari Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources University

2 Associate Professor, Department of Rangeland management, Faculty of Natural Resources, Sari Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources University

3 Professor, Department of Rangeland management, Faculty of Natural Resources, Sari Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources University

4 Instructor, Department of Rangeland management, Faculty of Natural Resources, Sari Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources University

Abstract

Environmental factors particularly soil properties influence the species composition and vegetation diversity in rangelands. Soil in some parts of lowland areain Mazandaran province is saline. This made some limitations for establishment of vegetation. In this study the relationship between vegetation and soil properties were assessed in lowland rangeland of Hyrcanian zone in the city of Behshahr, Mazandaran Province. Vegetation was sampled along transects with 100 m length using 1 m2plots. Cluster analysis showed six vegetation types. ANOVA results indicated that greater values of species richness and diversity indices were found in Artemisia sieberi-Medicago rigidulaand Halocnemum strobilaceum-Juncus maritimus. Results from RDA analysis showed that salinity, soil texture and soil moisture are main drivers of vegetation distribution in this area. An increase in EC,CaCo3andsilt was associated with the establishment of Salicornia europaea-Spergularia marinaand Halocnemum strobilaceum-Juncus maritimus. Aeluropus littoralisand Hordeum marinum-Plantago psylliumwere found where soil had lower EC but higher moisture, Organic carbon and clay. A reduction in soil EC and soil moisture was the favorite of Artemisia sieberi-Medicagorigidulaand Juncus maritimus.

Keywords

References

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