Iranian Journal of Applied Ecology

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Azizzadeh Z, Mohammad Esmaili M, Sattarian A, Hosseini S A, Bahmanesh B. Investigating the Effect of Microtopography on the Structure of Vegetation Cover and Some Soil Chemical and Physical Properties in the Gomishan Rangelands (Northern Golestan Province). Iranian Journal of Applied Ecology 2026; 14 (4) :59-70
URL: http://ijae.iut.ac.ir/article-1-1264-en.html

Microtopography, a key factor in the heterogeneity of rangeland ecosystems, can simultaneously affect the structure of vegetation cover and soil properties. Although there are several studies on the effect of topography on these components, an integrated study of its effects at the microscale on vegetation cover and soil properties in ecosystems under livestock grazing has received less attention. This study aimed to investigate the effects of microtopography on the dimensions of vegetation patches, the vegetative form of dominant species, and some physical and chemical properties of soil in the Gomishan rangelands, Golestan Province, Iran. Sampling was conducted from 30 vegetation patches in three microtopographic positions in two management areas. Composite soil samples were collected from a depth of 0-30 cm. The results showed that EC and pH had the most significant negative correlations with the dimensions of vegetation patches. In the out-of-the-enclosure area, microtopography had a significant effect on EC, pH, lime, and phosphorus, whereas in the enclosure area, only EC was significantly affected. The vegetative forms of the dominant plants showed significant differences in different microtopographic positions. These findings indicate the important role of microtopography in regulating the spatial distribution of soil and vegetation in saline-alkaline rangelands.