Investigation of grazing effects on some soil chemical characteristics (The case study in the Kojur of Noushahr region)

This research was carried out to investigation of grazing effects on some soil chemical characteristics. For this purpose, Kojur region in western of Noshahr was selected. By field inspection, three different areas including (reference area, key area and critical area) were recognized. Then, information of soil samples were obtained from to horizon of soil profile (0-10cm, 10-30cm), in two times of before and after grazing season. Five soil samples were taken from each horizon from each area. Firstly, data were tested for normality of distribution. Analysis of variance was used to test the treatment effects. Duncan test was indicate to separate the means. Results show that carbon, total nitrogen and organic matter decreased with increasing of grazing intensity. Value of pH, C/N, K and P were higher in heavy grazing. This research showed, heavy grazing jeopardized the sustainability of the ecosystem by creating negative changes in soil chemical and vegetation characteristic.