Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1
خیابان شهید بهشتی روبروی سازش. مرکز تحقیقات کشاورزی ومنابع طبیعی. بخش منابع طبیعی اکرم احمدی
2
Assoc., Prof., Forest Research Department, Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran, I.R. Iran
3
Research expert, Natural Resources Research Department, Golestan Province Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Gorgan
4
Research Assistant Professor, Natural Resources Research Department, Golestan Province Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Gorgan, Iran
5
Researchers, Water and Soil Research Department, Golestan Province Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Gorgan, Iran.
6
Research Expert, Forest Research Division, Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran, Iran.
7
PhD in Forestry, Natural Resources and Watershed Organization
10.22092/ijsr.2025.367059.760
Abstract
Cupressus sempervirens var. horizontalis species, as one of the valuable tree species in the Hyrcanian forests of northern Iran, plays a significant role in maintaining biodiversity and the ecological balance of forest ecosystems. Therefore, investigating soil characteristics in the cypress reserve is essential due to its role in preserving biodiversity and soil quality. Since land use change and land degradation impact soil properties, and given the importance of this issue, the aim of the present project was to examine the biological, physical, and chemical variables of soil in the Ramian cypress stand and adjacent agricultural land. This study was conducted in two one-hectare plots: one in agricultural land and one in the cypress stand. The methodology included recording general information and excavating soil profiles to study soil horizons. Soil samples were collected at a depth of 0–15 cm beneath the tree canopy, and physical, chemical, and biological properties of the soil were measured. Analysis of the biological data using independent t-tests revealed significant differences in basal respiration and nitrification rates between the two soil types. Specifically, basal respiration and nitrification were higher in the cypress stand (4.33 mg CO₂·g⁻¹ dm·24 h⁻¹ and 1.714 μg N·g⁻¹ dm·5 h⁻¹), respectively than in the agricultural soil (2.99 mg CO₂·g⁻¹ dm·24 h⁻¹ and 0.454 μg N·g⁻¹ dm·5 h⁻¹, respectively). However, there were no significant differences in microbial biomass and substrate-induced respiration between the two soils. Surface soil samples indicated that the agricultural soil had higher pH (7.96), phosphorus (23.42 mg/kg), potassium (275.2 mg/kg), silt (57.6%), and clay (29%) compared to the cypress stand soil (pH 6.58, phosphorus 10.54 mg/kg, potassium 163.8 mg/kg, silt 41.2%, and clay 4.8%). Conversely, the cypress stand soil exhibited higher electrical conductivity (1.36 dS/m), zinc (1.57 mg/kg), and sand content (54%) compared to the agricultural soil (0.41 dS/m, 1.07 mg/kg, and 13%, respectively). Both soils were classified as Inceptisols. Land use had differential effects on the physical and chemical properties of the soil, mediated by the dominant species, which produce diverse litter and root exudates, thereby regulating the size and activity of soil microbial communities as well as the organic and mineral elements of the soil.
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