Soil physiochemical characteristics of Lycium depressum Stocks. habitat in saline and alkaline rangelands in north of Golestan Province, Iran

Over the last five years, restoration and rehabilitation projects in saline and alkaline rangelands at north of Golestan Province in Iran through plantation of Lycium depressum Stock. have not achieved any success. One reason behind this lies in the lack of knowledge about relations between the soil and plant. This study aimed at assessing and comparing soil physiochemical characteristics inside and outside of Lycium depressum Stocks. habitat in Aq-Qala county rangelands. Soil samples were collected from a 0-30 cm depth in three zones of a) next to the plant stand, b) between plant stands and c) outside of the habitat in 10 replications. Soil texture, bulk density, porosity, MWD, organic matter, nitrogen, calcium, magnesium, calcium carbonate, saturated moisture, pH and EC were measured. Data analysis was done using one-way analysis of variance through statistical packages in Rstudio software. The result showed that sand, clay, bulk density, porosity, MWD and EC were significantly different between inside and outside the habitat (p<0.05). On the other hand, there was no significant difference within the between plant stands zone and the outside of the habitat zone pertaining organic matter, nitrogen and saturated moisture (p>0.05). However, significant difference was observed between next to the stand and other two treatments regarding the same variables. In conclusion, it can be outlined that L. depressum Stocks. microhabitat has specific soil physiochemical characteristics which allow the presence, growth and natural regeneration of the species. Hence, it is recommended to consider soil characteristics particularly physical characteristics in finding the correct location for plantation.