Comparing qualitative soil indicators under two range management scenarios (case study: Chut Rangelands in Gonbadekavoos)

Soil quality includes two general points of view intrinsic characteristics and the dynamic nature of soil that is influenced by human activities and management decisions. Therefore, in this study, changes of soil quality indicators under two management approaches, including corporate management and condominium management, were assessed. At first, the study area was identified by using the images of Landsat satellite and Google Earth, then controlled by field survey and GPS. Finally, 21 samples were obtained from the area. Then, to determine the physical indicators (soil texture, aggregate stability, bulk density and porosity) and chemical indicators (organic matter, pH, electrical conductivity, nitrogen, sodium and potassium), samples were transported to the laboratory. The statistical analysis over data was performed by using SPSS software and T test. The results demonstrated that organic matter, nitrogen, stability and porosity in soil were significantly increased, but soil bulk density was significantly decreased in the section of corporate management by comparison with the section of parcenary management.