A Study on Vegetation and Soil Properties
in Degraded Rangelands for Reclamation and Sustainable Development –
A Case Study from Sub Desert Sangar Tappeh Plain, Iran

Farhad Honardoust¹, N. Biroudian², M. M. Adhami.M³, Gh. R. Mokhtari⁴, J. Naseri⁵

^{1, 3, 4, 5}-Forest, Range and Watershed Management Organization,
Head Office of Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran
Presenting Author: e-mail: F_Honardoust@Yahoo.com

² Gorgan University, Iran
e-mail: Biroodian@yahoo.com

Abstract

Salinity and water logging is the main problem of the vast area in Sangar Tappeh plain in the north of Gorgan, Iran. Because of special climate, geomorphology and soil properties, the area is highly suitable for salinization and desertification. It is necessary to investigate the ecosystem elements and their effects on desertification. The factors such as micro-topography, soil characteristics and properties affect the plant growth and development. In this study, after determining plant species and communities in the plain, canopy cover, soil salinity, texture and water logging were studied through a systematic sampling in the area, which is a typical region in eastern coast of Caspian Sea. By analysis of variance the relationship between soil properties and plant community characteristics were tested. The plant species distribution in the area showed different degree of tolerance to soil salinity. The highly tolerant species were found at the center of playa and the medium tolerant plants at the edges. Among the all species, Holacnemum strobilaceum showed a maximum tolerance to the salinity. This plant can be used for salinity control and vegetative cover for the arid and semi-arid areas. Also, Aeluropus littoralis and Puccinellia distans were found to be suitable for the saline and water logging areas in the edges of the playa.

Keywords: salinity, canopy cover, soil texture, Sofikam