Effect of forestry on plant species diversity and physicochemical characteristics of soil In the warm and dry desert climate

In order to investigate the diversity of plant species in forested areas, this study was carried out in forestry near the Khuzestan Steel Industries Company with a total area of 60 hectares in the southeast of Ahwaz, Khuzestan province. For this purpose, 30 plot of 20 × 20 meters in size were systematically randomized in the forested area and 30 samples were taken in the control area. Within each sample plot, vegetation cover (tree species, shrubs and herbaceous), physical and chemical characteristics of soil was studied. The grass cover was taken in 8 × 8 m (64 square meters) sample pieces, which were taken at the center of the sample plot of 400 square meters. In this region, 53 plant species were identified. CCA Analysis showed that the control area and the forested area each form a separate ecological group in the region. In terms of composition of plant species, the highest amount of plant species diversity indices in the control area was estimated. Adaphical conditions showed that afforestation had no effect on soil texture and soil acidity, but the chemical properties of soil in the control area showed better conditions. The results of this research suggest that forestry without observance of technical and scientific criteria can reduce the density and diversity of herbaceous vegetation in the area, which can have destructive effects on the habitat.