The effect of land covers on soil quality properties in the Hyrcanian regions of Iran

Abstract

The present study examined the effect of land covers on some of soil quality properties. For this purpose three plantation stands (i.e., Alnus subcordata L., Poplus deltoids L. and Taxadium distichum L. Rich) and an uncultivated land (control area) were considered. Soil samples were collected at two different depths (0-15 and 15-30 cm) and characterized with respect to water content, pH, texture, total organic carbon and nutrient stocks (N, P, K, Ca and Mg). Our findings showed that the highest values of sand, clay and total organic carbon were detected in Alnus subcordata L., Poplus deltoids L. and Taxadium distichum L. Rich, respectively. Whereas the highest of pH, water content and silt were observed in the control area. Measurements of soil nutrient stocks showed that fertility decreased in relation to increased soil depth, with significant differences depending on soil depth. As a conclusion, the broad-leaved species were more successful about most of nutrient stocks than needle-leaved stand and control area.

Keywords

• plantation
• broad-leaved
• needle-leaved
• nutrient stocks
• soil