Effects of Bromus kopetdaghensis Drobov Pit-Seeding on Soil and Vegetation Characteristics in a Semi-Arid Rangeland

Aims: Pit-seeding is widely recognized as a primary method for rangeland improvement in hilly and sloping areas. This research aimed to investigate the impact of pit-seeding on soil and vegetation properties in the semi-arid rangelands of Hamadan Province.  Materials & Methods: Systematic random sampling was conducted in May ۲۰۲۲. Ten ۱۰۰-meter transects were established in the pit-seeding area, and an equal number of samples were collected from an adjacent uncultivated control area.  Findings: ANOVA analysis revealed no significant differences in soil bulk density (SBD), soil moisture content (SMC), or pH values between pit-seeding and control regions. However, the electrical conductivity (EC) of soil in the control region was ۵.۹ ds.m⁻¹, which was significantly higher than ۴.۳ ds.m⁻¹ in the pit-seeding area. Statistical comparisons (p<۰.۰۵) of soluble sugar levels showed that plants in the pit-seeding area had significantly higher sugar content than those in the control region. Additionally, the highest numerical values for bioindicators (richness, evenness, and diversity) were observed in the pit-seeding area, while the lowest values were recorded in the control region. Proline, catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD) levels were significantly higher in the control region, likely due to livestock grazing. Soil nutrient levels, including calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn), were also notably greater in the control region. Conclusion: Pit-seeding improved vegetation quality and strengthened ecological bioindicators in semi-arid rangelands, fostering healthier plant communities. This method effectively reduced soil electrical conductivity, creating more favorable conditions for vegetation growth. Moreover, pit-seeding maintained higher soil nutrient levels, underscoring the importance of sustainable grazing practices in preserving ecosystem balance.

کلیدواژه ها:

grazing ، Proline ، catalase ، peroxidase