Iranian Journal of Forest

Iranian Journal of Forest

The effect of Haloxylon ammodendron cover on soil salinity, quality and biological activity in desert ecosystems

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Sedigheh Zarekia 1
Mohammad Matinizadeh 2
Amir Parnian 3
Elham Nouri 4
1 . Forest & Rangeland Research Division, Yazd Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO,Yazd, , I. R.Iran
2 Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands
3 . National Salinity Research Center (NSRC
4 5Senior Research Expert, Forest Research Division, Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands,
10.22034/ijf.2026.515700.2050
Abstract
Introduction: Vegetation in arid and desert regions, whether it seems structurally simple, has complex relationships with each other and with its surrounding ecosystem. By studying the relationship between soil and plants, one can understand the characteristics of each and utilize this knowledge for proper management based on ecological principles. This study aims to investigate the soil characteristics in arid region forests and the effect of Haloxylon shrubs on these characteristics to take steps towards the optimal management of these ecosystems.
Material and Methods: This study was considered in a permanent sample plot with an area of one hectare (100x100 meter). In this sample plot, 15 soil samples were randomly taken from the depth of 0 to 15 cm from under canopy of Haloxylon and 15 soil samples from the control area (without cover). Immediately after sampling, a part of the soil samples was kept in plastic bags (for physical and chemical tests) and the other part was kept in cold conditions (four degrees Celsius for biological tests) and transferred to the laboratory for further analysis. To measure the physical and chemical characteristics, after air drying, the soil samples were passed through a 2 mm sieve and kept at room temperature to perform the required methods. Data analysis was performed using an independent t-test.
Results: In most of the soil characteristics, a significant increase was observed in the soil under canopy of Haloxylon compared to the control. For example, soil salinity under the Haloxylon canopy was 11 ds/m, which was approximately double that of the control area. Most soil characteristics, including organic matter, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, manganese, and magnesium under the Haloxylon canopy were approximately double that of the control areas, with values of 0.34%, 5.6, 469, 0.36, and 3.64 mg/kg, respectively. However, no significant difference was observed in soil lime and calcium content. Soil basal respiration under the canopy of Haloxylon was significantly higher than in open spaces, with values of 1.34 mg CO₂ and 0.49 mg CO₂ per gram of soil per day, respectively (P<0.05). The soil under the shrub canopy also shows the highest nitrification potential (31.66 µg/g), nearly doubling that of the open spaces (16.66 µg/g). No significant differences were observed in induced respiration, averaging 20.7 mg CO₂ per gram of soil per day for both areas. Similarly, microbial biomass carbon showed no significant variation, although it was slightly higher outside the canopy (1.77 mg/g) than under it (1.49 mg/g). These findings highlight soil respiration and nutrient dynamics under vegetation.
Conclusion: Considering the positive effect of the Haloxylon on nutrients and increasing the organic matter of the soil, as well as increasing the indicators of biodiversity of the habitat, which in the long term leads to the protection and improvement of the soil structure and desert surfaces, and on the other hand, the ability of this shrub to adapt and withstand the dry and fragile weather conditions of dry and desert regions, the preservation and revival of this valuable native species is very vital. Developing restoration programs and using species suitable for desert conditions can provide an effective solution to improve soil quality and increase vegetation in these areas.
Keywords
Arid regions
Electrical conductivity
Induced respiration
Organic matter
Soil properties
Subjects
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Iranian Journal of Forest
Volume 18, Issue 1 - Serial Number 1
Summer 2026
Pages 165-181

  • Receive Date 22 April 2025
  • Revise Date 10 January 2026
  • Accept Date 01 February 2026