Short-term land degradation driven by livestock grazing does not affect soil properties in semiarid steppe rangelands

The soil–vegetation relationships are reciprocal and fundamental for terrestrial ecosystem integrity. However, the long-term degradation of vegetation cover alters edaphic conditions, which can lead to habitats, obstructs proper functioning. This study aimed assess effects perennial steppe due overgrazing (i.e., continuous free grazing) on physicochemical characteristics soil fertility in rangelands Halfa ( Macrochloa tenacissima syn. Stipa ) semi-arid areas Algeria. parameters superficial horizons degraded steppes other undegraded were compared order suggest adequate strategies rangeland management remedy thereby ensure sustainability these agro-pastoral systems. soil, collected from surface (A1 A2) pedological profiles, was analyzed according standard methods analyses determine particle size fractions (clay, silt, sands), pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total active CaCO 3 , organic matter (SOM), carbon, nitrogen, C:N ratio. distribution variation between two types examined using generalized linear mixed models redundancy analysis. Findings this revealed that by short-term did not cause a significant variability A1 A2. sites studied have clayey–silty textures non-degraded coarse dominated sands steppes. environment grass characterized calcareous substratum with high carbonate content (total = 36.8–41%, 17.5–18.5%), an alkaline pH (8.09–8.19) EC averaging 0.99 ± 1.24 dS/m. Soils had low SOM contents (1.42–2.93%), carbon (0.82–1.64%), nitrogen (0.1–0.15%). strong positive correlations recorded fine-size fractions, SOM, indicated good structural stability steppes, while negative same variables sand substantiate soil. correlation ratio rate mineralization rapid semiarid higher state steppe. Our findings urge implement restoration plan against avoid irreversible habitat destruction future because even plant livestock overgrazing—in short term—has affected rangelands.