Land-use type under different topographic conditions and human activities affects soil development. We investigated the effects of land-use,topography and human activity on soil classification changes in the Toshan wa...Land-use type under different topographic conditions and human activities affects soil development. We investigated the effects of land-use,topography and human activity on soil classification changes in the Toshan watershed in northern Iran.Seven representative pedons derived from loess parent materials were studied on different land-uses and topographic positions. The studied pedons in forest(FO) on backslopes and footslope were classified as Calcic Haploxeralfs and Typic Haploxeralfs, respectively. The soils in abandoned lands(AB) and orchards(OR), where formerly under natural forests, located on the shoulder and backslopes positions were classified as Calcic Haploxeralfs and Vertic Haploxeralfs, respectively.Well-developed argillic horizons as indicators for higher degrees of soil evolution were observed in more-stable areas under the natural forest or less disturbed areas. Clay lessivage through these soil profiles have led to formation of Typic or Calcic Haploxeralfs, while under croplands(CP) were classified as Typic Calcixerepts. Conversion of sloping deforested areas to CP along with inappropriate management have accelerated soil erosion, resulting in unstable conditions in which decalcification and formation of developed soils cannot occur. Paddy cultivation in flat areas has caused to reduced conditions and formation of Typic Haplaquepts.Because of unfavorable conditions for chemical weathering(e.g. lower water retention compared to more-stable areas) no vermiculite was detected in the CP. The results showed that evolution and classification of the studied soils were strongly affected by land-use type, topography and management.展开更多
Due to the lack of a uniform and accurate defi-nition of‘drought’,several indicators have been introduced based on different variables and methods,and the efficiency of each of these is determined according to their...Due to the lack of a uniform and accurate defi-nition of‘drought’,several indicators have been introduced based on different variables and methods,and the efficiency of each of these is determined according to their relationship with drought.The relationship between two drought indices,SPI(standardized precipitation index)and SPEI(standard-ized precipitation-evapotranspiration index)in different sea-sons was investigated using annual rings of 15 tree samples to determine the effect of drought on the growth of oriental beech(Fagus orientalis Lipsky)in the Hyrcanian forests of northern Iran.The different evapotranspiration calcula-tion methods were evaluated on SPEI efficiency based on Hargreaves-Samani,Thornthwaite,and Penman-Monteith methods using the step-by-step M5 decision tree regression method.The results show that SPEI based on the Penman-Monteith in a three-month time scale(spring)had similar temporal changes and a better relationship with annual tree rings(R^(2)=0.81)at a 0.05 significant level.Abrupt change and a decreasing trend in the time series of annual tree rings are similar to the variation in the SPEI based on the Penman-Monteith method.Factors affecting evapotranspiration,temperature,wind speed,and sunshine hours(used in the Penman-Monteith method),increased but precipitation decreased.Using non-linear modeling methods,SPEI based on Penman-Monteith best illustrated climate changes affecting tree growth.展开更多
In order to investigate the development of forest soils formed on loess, six representative modern soil pedons were selected along a precipitation gradient extending from eastern Golestan(mean annual precipitation, MA...In order to investigate the development of forest soils formed on loess, six representative modern soil pedons were selected along a precipitation gradient extending from eastern Golestan(mean annual precipitation, MAP = 500 mm)to eastern Mazandaran Provinces(MAP = 800 mm).Physiochemical, micromorphological and magnetic properties, as well as clay mineralogy of soils were studied using standard methods. Soils are mainly classified as Alfisols and Mollisols. Downward decalcification and the subsequent clay illuviation were the main criteria of soil development in all study areas. Pedogenic magnetic susceptibility of pedons studied varied systematically across the precipitation gradient in Northern Iran, increasing from 14.66 ×10-8 m3 kg-1 at the eastern part to 83.75 × 10-8 m3 kg-1 at the western margin of this transect. The frequencydependent magnetic susceptibility showed an increasing trend with rainfall as well. The micromorphological study of soils indicated that there is a positive relationship between climate gradient (increasing rainfall) and the micromorphological index of soil development(MISECA). The area and thickness of clay coatings showed an increasing trend with rainfall. Grain size analysis indicates that pedogenic processes are responsible for changing original grain size distribution of loess in our soils.The correlation achieved among modern soil properties and precipitation could be applied to the buried paleosols in the whole study area to refer degree of paleosol development and to reconstruct the paleoclimate.展开更多
The status of woody plants in dry-land systems is a fundamental determinant of key ecosystem processes. Monitoring of this status plays an important role in understanding the dynamics of woody plants in arid and semi-...The status of woody plants in dry-land systems is a fundamental determinant of key ecosystem processes. Monitoring of this status plays an important role in understanding the dynamics of woody plants in arid and semi-arid ecosystems. The present study determined the dynamism of the Zagros forests in Iran using Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System techniques and statistical science. The results show that the density of trees varied from 10 to 53 % according to the physio- graphic and climatic conditions of semi-arid regions. The best and lowest correlation between vegetation indices and forest density were obtained for the global environmental monitoring index （GEMI; R2 = 0.94） and soil adjust vegetation index （R2 = 0.81）, respectively. GEMI is used to monitor land use changes over a 10-year period. Results show that 2720 ha2 of forest have been destroyed by human interference and tillage on steep slopes during this period which also resulted in the loss of the fertile soil layer. GEMI determined the areas with a biomass of trees and could normally separate border regions with low bio- mass density of trees from regions without canopy cover. The results revealed that assessment of forest and vegetation cover in arid and semi-arid arduous forest regions using satellite digital numbers and ordinary sampling is subject to uncertainty. A stratified grouping procedure should be established to increase the accuracy of assessment.展开更多
Numerous ecological factors influence a plant’s ability to live and grow,in which dryness is a substantial constraint on plant growth in arid and semi-arid areas.In response to a specific environmental stress,plants ...Numerous ecological factors influence a plant’s ability to live and grow,in which dryness is a substantial constraint on plant growth in arid and semi-arid areas.In response to a specific environmental stress,plants can use the most effective bacteria to support and facilitate their growth and development.Today,plant growth promoting rhizobacteria(PGPR)is widely used to reduce drought stress on plant growth.In this study,the effects of drought on Festuca ovina L.germination,growth,and nutrient absorption were investigated using PGPR in a factorial test with a completely random design under four water regimes.Soil water content was kept at 100%FC(field capacity),70%FC(FC),50%FC,and 30%FC.The treatments were inoculated with Azotobacter vinelandii,Pantoea agglomerans+Pseudomonas putida,and a mixture of bio-fertilizers.Results showed that the effects of drought stress were significantly reduced(P<0.05)when A.vinelandii and P.agglomerans+P.putida were used separately,however,the combined treatment of bio-fertilizers had a greater influence on seed germination than the single application.P.agglomerans+P.putida under 30%FC condition resulted in higher increases in stem,root length,and plant dry biomass.The highest uptake of nutrients was observed for the combined treatment of bio-fertilizers under 30%FC condition.Therefore,the use of A.vinelandii and P.agglomerans+P.putida,applied separately or combined,increased tolerance to drought stress in F.ovina by increased germination indices,dry weight,stem length,and root length.Because of the beneficial effects of PGPR on the growth characteristics of plants under drought conditions and the reduction of negative effects of drought stress,inoculating F.ovina seeds with Azotobacter and Pseudomonas is recommended to improve their growth and development characteristics under drought conditions.PGPR,as an affordable and environmentally friendly method,can improve the production of forage in water-stress rangelands.展开更多
基金a part of the Ph D thesis in Department of Soil Science, University of Tehran, Iran (Grant No. 7104017/6/23)
文摘Land-use type under different topographic conditions and human activities affects soil development. We investigated the effects of land-use,topography and human activity on soil classification changes in the Toshan watershed in northern Iran.Seven representative pedons derived from loess parent materials were studied on different land-uses and topographic positions. The studied pedons in forest(FO) on backslopes and footslope were classified as Calcic Haploxeralfs and Typic Haploxeralfs, respectively. The soils in abandoned lands(AB) and orchards(OR), where formerly under natural forests, located on the shoulder and backslopes positions were classified as Calcic Haploxeralfs and Vertic Haploxeralfs, respectively.Well-developed argillic horizons as indicators for higher degrees of soil evolution were observed in more-stable areas under the natural forest or less disturbed areas. Clay lessivage through these soil profiles have led to formation of Typic or Calcic Haploxeralfs, while under croplands(CP) were classified as Typic Calcixerepts. Conversion of sloping deforested areas to CP along with inappropriate management have accelerated soil erosion, resulting in unstable conditions in which decalcification and formation of developed soils cannot occur. Paddy cultivation in flat areas has caused to reduced conditions and formation of Typic Haplaquepts.Because of unfavorable conditions for chemical weathering(e.g. lower water retention compared to more-stable areas) no vermiculite was detected in the CP. The results showed that evolution and classification of the studied soils were strongly affected by land-use type, topography and management.
基金This work was supported by Iran National Science Foundation(INSF)(grant no.96012844).
文摘Due to the lack of a uniform and accurate defi-nition of‘drought’,several indicators have been introduced based on different variables and methods,and the efficiency of each of these is determined according to their relationship with drought.The relationship between two drought indices,SPI(standardized precipitation index)and SPEI(standard-ized precipitation-evapotranspiration index)in different sea-sons was investigated using annual rings of 15 tree samples to determine the effect of drought on the growth of oriental beech(Fagus orientalis Lipsky)in the Hyrcanian forests of northern Iran.The different evapotranspiration calcula-tion methods were evaluated on SPEI efficiency based on Hargreaves-Samani,Thornthwaite,and Penman-Monteith methods using the step-by-step M5 decision tree regression method.The results show that SPEI based on the Penman-Monteith in a three-month time scale(spring)had similar temporal changes and a better relationship with annual tree rings(R^(2)=0.81)at a 0.05 significant level.Abrupt change and a decreasing trend in the time series of annual tree rings are similar to the variation in the SPEI based on the Penman-Monteith method.Factors affecting evapotranspiration,temperature,wind speed,and sunshine hours(used in the Penman-Monteith method),increased but precipitation decreased.Using non-linear modeling methods,SPEI based on Penman-Monteith best illustrated climate changes affecting tree growth.
文摘In order to investigate the development of forest soils formed on loess, six representative modern soil pedons were selected along a precipitation gradient extending from eastern Golestan(mean annual precipitation, MAP = 500 mm)to eastern Mazandaran Provinces(MAP = 800 mm).Physiochemical, micromorphological and magnetic properties, as well as clay mineralogy of soils were studied using standard methods. Soils are mainly classified as Alfisols and Mollisols. Downward decalcification and the subsequent clay illuviation were the main criteria of soil development in all study areas. Pedogenic magnetic susceptibility of pedons studied varied systematically across the precipitation gradient in Northern Iran, increasing from 14.66 ×10-8 m3 kg-1 at the eastern part to 83.75 × 10-8 m3 kg-1 at the western margin of this transect. The frequencydependent magnetic susceptibility showed an increasing trend with rainfall as well. The micromorphological study of soils indicated that there is a positive relationship between climate gradient (increasing rainfall) and the micromorphological index of soil development(MISECA). The area and thickness of clay coatings showed an increasing trend with rainfall. Grain size analysis indicates that pedogenic processes are responsible for changing original grain size distribution of loess in our soils.The correlation achieved among modern soil properties and precipitation could be applied to the buried paleosols in the whole study area to refer degree of paleosol development and to reconstruct the paleoclimate.
文摘The status of woody plants in dry-land systems is a fundamental determinant of key ecosystem processes. Monitoring of this status plays an important role in understanding the dynamics of woody plants in arid and semi-arid ecosystems. The present study determined the dynamism of the Zagros forests in Iran using Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System techniques and statistical science. The results show that the density of trees varied from 10 to 53 % according to the physio- graphic and climatic conditions of semi-arid regions. The best and lowest correlation between vegetation indices and forest density were obtained for the global environmental monitoring index （GEMI; R2 = 0.94） and soil adjust vegetation index （R2 = 0.81）, respectively. GEMI is used to monitor land use changes over a 10-year period. Results show that 2720 ha2 of forest have been destroyed by human interference and tillage on steep slopes during this period which also resulted in the loss of the fertile soil layer. GEMI determined the areas with a biomass of trees and could normally separate border regions with low bio- mass density of trees from regions without canopy cover. The results revealed that assessment of forest and vegetation cover in arid and semi-arid arduous forest regions using satellite digital numbers and ordinary sampling is subject to uncertainty. A stratified grouping procedure should be established to increase the accuracy of assessment.
基金the Research Affairs of the University of Zabol,Iran for the financial support (IRUOZ-GR-8721)。
文摘Numerous ecological factors influence a plant’s ability to live and grow,in which dryness is a substantial constraint on plant growth in arid and semi-arid areas.In response to a specific environmental stress,plants can use the most effective bacteria to support and facilitate their growth and development.Today,plant growth promoting rhizobacteria(PGPR)is widely used to reduce drought stress on plant growth.In this study,the effects of drought on Festuca ovina L.germination,growth,and nutrient absorption were investigated using PGPR in a factorial test with a completely random design under four water regimes.Soil water content was kept at 100%FC(field capacity),70%FC(FC),50%FC,and 30%FC.The treatments were inoculated with Azotobacter vinelandii,Pantoea agglomerans+Pseudomonas putida,and a mixture of bio-fertilizers.Results showed that the effects of drought stress were significantly reduced(P<0.05)when A.vinelandii and P.agglomerans+P.putida were used separately,however,the combined treatment of bio-fertilizers had a greater influence on seed germination than the single application.P.agglomerans+P.putida under 30%FC condition resulted in higher increases in stem,root length,and plant dry biomass.The highest uptake of nutrients was observed for the combined treatment of bio-fertilizers under 30%FC condition.Therefore,the use of A.vinelandii and P.agglomerans+P.putida,applied separately or combined,increased tolerance to drought stress in F.ovina by increased germination indices,dry weight,stem length,and root length.Because of the beneficial effects of PGPR on the growth characteristics of plants under drought conditions and the reduction of negative effects of drought stress,inoculating F.ovina seeds with Azotobacter and Pseudomonas is recommended to improve their growth and development characteristics under drought conditions.PGPR,as an affordable and environmentally friendly method,can improve the production of forage in water-stress rangelands.
