Effect of grazing utilization on vegetation and soil properties in steppe rangelands (Case study: steppe rangelands Saveh)

This research was aimed to investigate the effects of different grazing systems and intensities on soil and vegetation properties. Initially, the canopy cover percentage, density, and species height were measured using systematic random sampling. To investigate the changes in soil parameters in each area, 15 soil profiles were taken from 0 to 20 cm depth by systematic random sampling method. Data were analyzed in a completely randomized design. Also, continuous and heavy grazing during the year led to the removal of key species and changes in species composition. According to the results, continuous and heavy grazing resulted in increased soil potassium and phosphorous content. However, pH in none of the study sites was not statistically significant. Nitrogen and organic matter content did not differ significantly among the study sites. In addition, no grazing at exclosure increased the soil permeability. Although exclosure and rotation grazing at a moderate grazing intensity could desirably increase the vegetation cover, it had no significant effect on soil chemical properties. Generally, since arid regions are fragile ecosystems, the management of these areasshould include economic and biological considerations.