Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Assistant professor at Zabul University
2
Assistant Professor of Natural Engineering Department,, Higher Education Complex Saravan
10.48308/envs.2024.1360
Abstract
Introduction: Establishing exclosures in degraded rangelands is considered a suitable option for the restoration of deteriorated soils. Therefore, this research aims to investigate the impact of exclosures on the physicochemical properties of Sufikam rangelands soil in the northern part of Golestan Province.
Material and methods: In this study, 60 soil samples were collected from exclosures areas and naturally grazed rangeland areas using a sampling method. Soil properties, including organic matter, particle stability, electrical conductivity, acidity, SAR, ESP, and the percentage of Clay, Sand, and Silt, were measured. After determining and calculating the mentioned parameters, the normality of the data was examined using the Shapiro-Wilk test for comparison between the exclosures and natural rangeland areas, the t-test and Wilcoxon test were employed in the R software environment.
Results and discussion: The results indicate differences in electrical conductivity, acidity, organic matter, particle stability, SAR, and ESP concentrations between the two study areas. The clay content in the exclosures area has increased compared to the naturally grazed area, while the sand content in the naturally grazed area is significantly higher than in the exclosures area. Pearson correlation between soil parameters in the exclosures area shows a positive correlation between organic matter and particle stability, as well as between acidity, electrical conductivity, SAR, and ESP. Additionally, there is a negative correlation between organic matter and particle stability with acidity, electrical conductivity, SAR, and ESP.
Conclusion: The use of exclosures can contribute to the stability of soil particles and improve land performance. Soil stability is a crucial feature in maintaining desirable agricultural practices and achieving sustainable land performance. This study demonstrates that the use of exclosures as a suitable and effective management practice can enhance rangeland health and improve the physicochemical properties of the soil. Therefore, it is essential to consider exclosures treatment as a key component in the design and implementation of natural resource management plans.
Keywords: Rangeland management, Soil stability, Organic matter, R software, Sufikam rangelands.
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