Environmental Erosion Research Journal

To determine the effect of conversion of rangelands to dry land farming on losses of carbon and nitrogen, Dryland farming areas and adjacent rangelands were determined. Popular areas in each of the treatments were determined and soil sampling was done. Treatments were chosen so that each treatment and the surrounding area (control), topography and climate characteristics are the same and the only variable factor is land use. Treatments were choice according the characteristics such as the diversity of cultures (annuals orperennials) and physiographic (slope, aspect and elevation). To study the physical and chemical properties of soil, 3 profiles were dugin each Treatments and a total of 45 soil profiles were excavated. Data analysis was done using the student t-test and analysis of variance. The results showed conversion of rengelands to drylands farming effect on carbon and nitrogen stocks in ecosystem. Conversion of pasture to cropand leads to reducedby an average of 44.5 in soil organic carbon content. Peacultivation reduces the carbon content of the soil (44.8%). Viticulture and almond decreased soil organic carbon by 24.2% and 30.2%, respectively. Thus, planting grapes were detectedas the best in terms of maintaining stocks carbon and nitrogen.