Abstract
Soil plays a crucial role in the provision of ecosystem services, particularly in mountain areas that are frequently regarded as delicate and vulnerable systems. The alteration of vegetation cover is known to impact the various fractions of organic matter and other soil properties, subsequently influencing the activities of microbes and enzymes that play a role in nutrient cycling. However, there is not much information available regarding the effect on soil properties in semi-arid mountain landscapes. Here, we studied different soil features under woodland (dominated by Carpinus orientalis Miller.), shrubland (dominated by Berberis integerrima Bunge.) and grassland (dominated by Festuca ovina L., Dactylis glomerata L. and Bromus danthoniae Trin.) in the north of Iran. In the summer, a total of eighteen soil (0–10 cm depth) samples were collected from each vegetation type. In addition, to investigate the dynamics of soil microclimate and biota population, the same number of soil samples were collected in the fall season. Results indicated that woodland had a more fertile soil and a higher biological activity than the other vegetation types. Soil earthworm groups showed higher densities in the fall season, whereas soil biota population and microbial processes were enhanced in the summer season. In addition, the study area presented hot spots of soil fertility and biological activities in woodland compared with shrubland and grassland. As a conclusion, distinct soil properties are influenced by various types of vegetation (particularly woody species in contrast to grass covers). With the aim of increasing soil functioning or rehabilitating degraded areas, natural resource managers are suggested to establish wood covers (trees or shrubs) rather than grasslands, whenever possible.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.