Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Master student of Natural Resources Engineering, Desertification combating, University of Hormozgan, Bandarabas, Hormozgan, Iran.
2 Academic member, Natural resources engineering group, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Hormozgan, Bandarabas, Hormozgan, Iran
3 Associated Professor, Natural resources engineering group, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Hormozgan, Bandarabas, Hormozgan, Iran.
Abstract
Introduction
The distribution of plants in different habitats is influenced by environmental and edaphic conditions. Identifying the relationship between soil factors and vegetation, as well as the specific soil characteristics in which these species are found, is one of the important goals of this research. Taking steps in this direction will help prevent habitat destruction and facilitate the restoration of damaged areas. Let me know if you need any further adjustments!
Materials and methods
The study identified three representative areas using the physiognomic-systematic method, focusing on the habitat of Ferula assafoetida L. Areas with less than 15% coverage were classified as low-density, those with 15-30% coverage as medium-density, and areas with more than 30% coverage as high-density. In each representative area, eight transects of 1000 meters were systematically established and positioned perpendicularly to each other. To account for slope variations in sampling, quadrat sampling along the transects was employed. The plot size was determined using the minimum level method, with species density measured in 2 x 2 square meter plots across a total of 240 plots. To prepare soil samples, two soil profiles were dug at a distance of 500 meters along each transect, resulting in a total of 48 profiles from which soil samples were collected at depths of 0 to 30 cm. In each representative area, three transects of 1000 meters were placed perpendicularly, with ten sampling bases spaced 100 meters apart along each transect. The collected samples were transported to the Water and Soil Laboratory of Hormozgan University for analysis. The amount of gum collected from each base was measured using a digital scale with an accuracy of 0.001 grams. A comparison of the production of this plant gum was conducted across the different habitats. The changes in edaphic factors in representative areas were analyzed using SPSS software with the GLM test, revealing low density at 15.8 bases per hectare, medium density at 27.8 bases per hectare, and high density at 46.9 bases per hectare of Ferula assafoetida L.
Results
In the areas with low density, the soil acidity level was measured at 7.4, while in the medium-density area, it was 7.8, and in the high-density area, it reached 8. These results indicate that soil acidity is higher in densely populated areas and lower in areas with low density, suggesting that Ferula assafoetida is more compatible with alkaline soils. As soil acidity increases, the density of this plant decreases. The analysis of density changes in relation to organic matter percentage showed that organic matter has a direct effect on plant density; as organic matter increases, so does the density of the plant. Conversely, when the soil has low organic matter content, the density of Ferula assafoetida declines. Additionally, the comparison of average potassium levels revealed that the low-density area had the lowest potassium content, while the high-density area had the highest. The combined levels of calcium and magnesium were also lowest in the low-density area and highest in the dense Angozeh habitat. Furthermore, the number of Ferula assafoetida bases per unit area increased in regions with higher sand content, whereas the number of bases decreased in clay soils. This plant is not compatible with saline or acidic soils.
Conclusion
Understanding the ecological needs and performance of plant species is essential for implementing remedial activities in dry and desert ecosystems. Bestak city, located in Hormozgan province, is home to numerous Anghuzeh plantations, which have the potential to produce gum, generate currency, and provide significant economic value for local communities. The region is characterized by elevations ranging from 1900 to 2500 meters. This species exhibits a greater geographical distribution in areas with sand, silt, and high acidity, with increased density and decreased distribution in clay-rich areas. According to the findings, it appears that this plant thrives in light soils.
Keywords
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