Effects of some environmental factors on growth characteristics of stipa barbata species in steppe rangelands of Nodoushan -Yazd

Understanding the behavior and action of plant species and their ecological relationships with environmental variables is essential as an important part of the information required in range improvement, rehabilitation and proper utilization of rangelands. In this research, the effects of environmental factors on quantitative growth characteristics of Stipa barbata were investigated by ordination method in rangelands of Nodoushan –Yazd. For this purpose, twenty five sites were identified using the vegetation map and field visits, and in each reference area 30 plots were established along 3 transects of 500 m with random-systematic sampling. Inside the plots, a list of existing species, canopy cover, number of species and production were recorded. Three soil samples were taken from 0–30 cm depth. Soil samples were pooled together to obtain a composite sample. Clay, silt, sand, organic matter, lime, pH, electrical conductivity, sodium, calcium and magnesium were measured. Topographic features such as slope, altitude and aspect, were also recorded, and the type of formation was determined using geological maps. The relationships between growth parameters of Stipa barbata and environmental factors were determined using Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) method. Results showed that there were significant correlations among canopy cover, density and yield with soil factors. According to the results, among soil factors, soil texture, pH, SAR, Ca+2/Na+, calcium carbonate (T.N.V) and gravel had the most influence on canopy cover, density and yield. The effect of topography variables on growth characteristics was not significant. A significant relationship was found between growth characteristics of S. barbata and the type of geological formation.