Environmental Erosion Research Journal

The aim of this study is investigates the effects of different patches shrubs on the soil surface indicators in Gub Gugeh rangelands, in Golestan Province. The sampling was taken along transects of 50 meters, which are 10 meters away from each other. Via LFA models, three factors of stability, infiltration and nutrient cycling using 11 indicators of surface soil in patch and inter-patch were measured. In the study area exist three patches rangelands including shrubs patch Suaeda (Suaeda physophora), sagebrush (Artemisia sieberi) and mixed patches ( Artemisia sieberi + Suaeda physophora). The inter-patch areas (barren soils + litter) were identified, as well. The obtained result shows the stable characteristics between mixed patch and sagebrush patch, and there are no significant differences. Considering the permeability index, the highest rate belongs to mixed patch, but, the lowest permeability belongs to the areas of barren soil and litter. The nutrient cycling index indicates significant differences among the patches in the study area. In general, it shows the mixed ecologic patches (Artemisia sieberi and Suaeda physophora) improve the properties of more than other considered patches. Therefore, the mixed patched can be considered as an ecological index in the study area. The studies of functional features of patches of rangelands will help effectively in the detection the healthiness of arid and semi-arid rangelands, the improvement of soil conditions as well as the recognition of the effects of managerial and natural changes of rangelands.