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Effect of shrub encroachment on their sub-canopy soil and vegetation properties
  • Reza Erfanzadeh,
  • Moslem Yazdani,
  • Asghar Saleh Mosleh Arani
Reza Erfanzadeh
Tarbiat Modares University

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Moslem Yazdani
Tarbiat Modares University
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Asghar Saleh Mosleh Arani
Yazd University
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Abstract

Shrub encroachment (SE) has been occurring and studied worldwide over the last century. What remains to be investigated is how soil and vegetation characteristics vary under canopy of different species of shrubs for restoration goals. Thus, this study aimed to compare the effect of three shrub species (Amygdalus scoparia, Ebenus stellata, and Daphne mezereum) on soil and vegetation characteristics under their canopies in semiarid rangelands in Iran for restoration purposes of degraded areas. Fifteen sites were randomly selected in such three shrub species which were found close to each other in each site. Soil and vegetation characteristics were measured under the three shrubs, comparing with outside the shrub canopies (control). One-way ANOVA and non-metric dimensional scaling were used to clarify the differences of the effects of different shrub species on sub-canopy soil and plants. The results indicated that the effect of different species of shrubs on soil properties was not equal, more pronounced by A. scoparia. Similarly, the highest value of herbaceous Shannon-Wiener diversity index was recorded under A. scoparia (2.07) as compared with D. mezerum (1.76), E. stellata (1.41). The highest and lowest values of Menhinick richness index were observed under A. scoparia (3.43) and E. stellata (1.46), respectively. Compared with two other shrubs, a taller canopy in A. scoparia (3.50m vs. 2.60m and 1.83m) probably led to greater litter input by the shrub. Different effects of different species of shrubs on sub-canopy soil and vegetation should be considered in the restoration projects of degraded semiarid rangelands.
09 Dec 2020Submitted to Land Degradation & Development
10 Dec 2020Submission Checks Completed
10 Dec 2020Assigned to Editor
16 Dec 2020Reviewer(s) Assigned
26 Jan 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
27 Jan 2021Editorial Decision: Revise Major
10 Mar 20211st Revision Received
11 Mar 2021Submission Checks Completed
11 Mar 2021Assigned to Editor
28 Mar 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
28 Mar 2021Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
10 Apr 20212nd Revision Received
12 Apr 2021Submission Checks Completed
12 Apr 2021Assigned to Editor
17 Apr 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
17 Apr 2021Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
21 Apr 20213rd Revision Received
21 Apr 2021Submission Checks Completed
21 Apr 2021Assigned to Editor
26 Apr 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
26 Apr 2021Editorial Decision: Accept