Identification of halophytic communities and their relationship with soil properties in rangelands of Sodkh Deh in Damghan

Saline soils are common in different ecological sites of Iranian rangelands. Vegetation distributions in saline soils are correlated with soil properties, so recognition of vegetation changes with soil characteristics is necessary for management and restoration of saline rangelands. The aim of this study is to identify main halophyte communities and their relationship with soil properties of rangelands of Sorkhdeh Damghan in Semnan province. Systemathic-randomised taking sample was selected in each homogenous unite of vegetation for both standing vegetation and soil. Cover percentage for vegetation is recorded and soil properties are measured in laboratory. Results of cluster analysis show that there are five halophyte communities. Analysis of variance indicates that all five communities are significantly different according to the soil properties. We also found that species richness and diversity were significantly greater in Hypocylix kerneri-Salsola dendroides than others. Multivariate analysis shows that soil significantly influences the species distribution and any changes causes in soil properties may transfer the vegetation community to others. EC, K, Caco3 and soil texture are the most dominant factors forming vegetation distribution.