Assessment of Grazing Exclusion as a Strategy for Reducing Physical, Chemical, and Biological Soil Risks in the Rangelands of Sarbisheh Plain, South Khorasan Province

Saberi, Morteza; Behi, Mina; Karimian, Vahid

doi:10.22111/jneh.2025.52306.2118

Assessment of Grazing Exclusion as a Strategy for Reducing Physical, Chemical, and Biological Soil Risks in the Rangelands of Sarbisheh Plain, South Khorasan Province

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

¹ Associate Professor, Rangeland and Watershed Management Department, Faculty of Water and Soil, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran

² MSc Graduate in Range Management, Faculty of Water and Soil, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran

³ Assistant Professor, Nature Engineering Department, Faculty of Natural Resources, Yasouj University, Yasouj, Iran

10.22111/jneh.2025.52306.2118

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effects of livestock exclusion (enclosure) and grazing on the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil at three depths (0–15, 15–30, and 30–45 cm) in the Sarbisheh rangelands, located in South Khorasan Province, Iran. The study area has an arid climate with an average annual rainfall of approximately 170 mm and is dominated by shrub vegetation. Soil samples were systematically collected from two sites: one enclosed and one grazed. Physical properties (texture, bulk density, porosity, mean particle diameter), chemical properties (organic carbon, organic matter, total nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, pH, electrical conductivity, lime content, moisture), and biological properties (microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen, basal and stimulated respiration, microbial fraction) were measured. Data were analyzed using a factorial design under a completely randomized framework. Results indicated that both grazing treatment and soil depth had significant effects (p < 0.01) on most measured properties. Higher levels of organic carbon, total nitrogen, phosphorus, and biological indicators were observed in the surface soil of the enclosed area, decreasing with depth and in the grazed area. Microbial indices showed strong positive correlations with other soil properties in the enclosed site. Overall, enclosure improved soil structure, fertility, and microbial activity, thereby enhancing rangeland ecosystem function. However, limitations such as the specific climatic conditions, limited sample size, and low vegetation diversity should be considered. Therefore, further studies in ecologically diverse areas are recommended.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Environmental Hazards

References

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