Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1
Associate Professor, Rangeland and Watershed Management Department, Faculty of Water and Soil, University of Zabol
2
M.Sc. in Rangeland Management, Faculty of Water and Soil, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effects of long-term (15-year) enclosure on the physical and chemical properties of soil in the arid and semi-arid rangelands of the Koteh region in Khash county. For this purpose, two sites were selected for comparison: an enclosed rangeland and a grazed rangeland with similar topography. Vegetation and soil samples were collected at two depths, 0–15 cm and 15–30 cm, and parameters such as soil texture, pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon, total nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and bulk density were measured. The results of data analysis showed that enclosure significantly increased canopy cover (32.3% vs. 10.9%), litter, and plant species diversity. Also in the 0–15 cm depth, organic carbon (0.48% vs. 0.24%) and total nitrogen (0.052% vs. 0.022%) were significantly higher in the enclosed area, while bulk density, available phosphorus, and potassium were higher in the grazed rangeland. At the 15–30 cm depth, organic carbon (0.33% vs. 0.23%) and total nitrogen were also higher in the enclosed area, with no observed differences in soil texture between the two sites. Additionally, pH and electrical conductivity values at both depths in the enclosed area were lower or similar to those in the grazed rangeland, indicating a relative improvement in soil quality under long-term enclosure. These findings suggest that long-term enclosure can enhance the sustainability and ecological function of rangelands in arid and semi-arid environments by improving key soil indicators.
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