Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
PhD, Range Management Sciences, Rangeland and Watershed Management Department, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
2
MSc, Range Management Sciences Faculty, Rangeland and Watershed Management Department, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
3
Assistant Professor, Department of Range and Watershed Management, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Urmia University, Urmia
4
PhD, Range Management Sciences Faculty, Rangeland and Watershed Management Department, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
Abstract
To assess the effect of grazing gradient on some soil physiochemical properties in Incheh rangelands of Golestan province, soil properties such as potassium, organic matter, calcium, magnesium, calcium carbonate, electrical conductivity, bulk density, porosity, weighted mean particle diameter, saturation percentage and the percentage of soil particles at 50, 150, 350, 650 and 1050 meters was measured in the vicinity of pen. Systematic random sampling of soil from 0-15 cm depth was conducted and after soil characteristics measurement in laboratory, ANOVA test was used for data analysis and Duncan test was used for comparison of mean in five sites. Result showed that grazing intensity had an impact on some properties where soil organic carbon was increased, however, it was reduced again in the middle of grazing gradient. Moisture saturation percentage and magnesium followed the same trend, however, calcium and silt showed the reverse trend. As well as potassium, lime, aggregate stability, bulk density, sand, clay and electrical conductivity showed no significant difference in five sites. These factors indicate that soil in moderate grazing has the best condition.
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