The Effect of Prosopis juliflora Afforestation on Soil Physicochemical Properties in Sand Dunes (Case study: Magran Shush

This study was done to evaluate the effect of afforestation in sand dunes at the vicinity of Shush, because of the importance of soil protection and wind erosion in sand dunes, also sand dunes afforestation as an effective and long lasting fixation mechanism. The study site was covered by petroleum mulch about 20 years ago and afforested by Prosopis juliflora. To study the effects of afforestation on sand dunes, two 10 ha afforested sites (25-50 and 75-100 percent canopy coverage) and control were selected. In each of studied site 15 plots were established and soil physiochemical properties were determined. Our result indicated that afforestation caused soil texture to change from sandy to sandy-loam. Also, soil phosphorus, potassium, organic carbon and nitrogen increased in 0-5 cm soil depth by afforestation that could be because of nutrient absorption from soil depth and returning to the surface by litter fall compared to the control. This study revealed that 25-50 percent canopy coverage resulted in better soil physiochemical properties compared to control site. In conclusion, sand dunes afforestation not only resulted in sand dunes fixation but also soil fertility and long lasting fixation.