Effects of rangeland mechanical reclamation activities on seasonal and monthly carbon emission (Case study: Sorkhe, Semnan province)

The current research was conducted to investigate monthly and seasonal variations of the carbon dioxide emission from soil in the areas under contour furrow and flood spreading practices in Sorkheh region of Semnan province. The rangeland with no management practices was also considered as the control site. In each area, carbon emission was measured monthly (in 15th day of each month), in a closed chamber using alkali traps over a year. Analysis of variance was used to analyze the data and comparisons were made using Duncan's multiple range test. The relationships of soil moisture, temperature and carbon emission of the sample sites were explored usingPearson correlation coefficient. According to the results the maximum and minium amount of carbon emissions from soil sample sites were recorded in November and February respectivly. The amounts of carbon emission at control site with treated sites were siginificantly different. The maximum amount of carbon emission was observed in flood spreading site in October (1.83 g C/m2/day) and its minimum in contour furrow in February (0.033 g C/m2/day). Seasonaly, the highest emissions was observed in summer and its amounts were decreased in autumn, winter and spring respectively. A negative correlation was also found between carbon emission and soil moisture in contour furrow sites.