Studying the relationship between vegetation and physico-chemical properties of soil, case study: Tabas region, Iran

In order to study the relationship between vegetation and physico-chemical properties of soil of the margins of Tabas Kavir (salty desert), vegetation and soil components were surveyed. Regarding to the soil and vegetation distribution and land use in this region, four distinct areas were selected and classified covering all factors. Then, based on different vegetation cover percentage, the minimum plots necessary for validating statistical calculations were assessed. In this case, the plots equal to two fold of assessed value for maximum vegetation cover percentage, i.e 310 spots, were randomly and systematically selected and sampled. According to the observations and based on soil properties in each sampling spots, statistical calculations were done using linear regression to determine the relationship between the distribution of species and soil properties including CaSO₄, CaCO₃, gravel percentage, pH and EC. The best equation was then selected among the 11 suggested equations. This case studied also focused on the some soil factors as variables and their effects on the growth of some plant species (Seidlitzia rosmarinus, Haloxyion aphylum, Alhagi camelorum, Tamarix sp, Prosopis srephaniana, Artemisia siberi, Salsola spp). Generally, in other similar areas like Tabas, these plant species are recommended which show resistant behaviors to such harsh conditions. More efforts should be done to realize other aspects of relationship between soil factors and plants, especially in dry lands.