Effect of different shrub species on their sub-canopy soil and vegetation properties in semiarid regions

Shrubs are one of the most dominant plant types in semiarid ecosystems all over the world. What remains to be investigated is how soil and vegetation characteristics vary under canopy of different species of shrubs in these regions. Thus, this study aimed to compare the effect of three shrub species (Amygdalus scoparia, Ebenus stellata, and Daphne mezereum) on soil and vegetation characteristics under their canopies in semiarid rangelands in Iran for restoration purposes of degraded areas. Fifteen sites were selected in such three shrub species, which were found close to each other in each site. Soil and vegetation characteristics were measured under the shrubs, comparing with outside the shrub canopies (control). One-way ANOVA and nonmetric dimensional scaling were used to clarify the differences of the effects of different shrub species on sub-canopy soil and plants. The results indicated that the effect of different species of shrubs on soil properties was not equal, more pronounced by A. scoparia. Similarly, the highest value of Shannon-Wiener diversity was recorded under A. scoparia (2.07) as compared with D. mezerum (1.76), E. stellata (1.41) (F = 32.25, p < 0.01). The highest and lowest values of Menhinick richness index were observed under A. scoparia (3.43) and E. stellata (1.46), respectively (1.41) (F = 13.30, p < 0.01). Compared with two other shrubs, a taller canopy in A. scoparia (3.50 m vs. 2.60 m and 1.83 m) probably led to greater litter input by the shrub. Different effects of different species of shrubs on sub-canopy soil and vegetation should be considered in the restoration projects of degraded semiarid rangelands.

Automated summary

This study compared the effects of different shrub species on soil and vegetation characteristics in semiarid rangelands, revealing varying impacts on soil properties and vegetation diversity. The taller canopy of A. scoparia likely led to greater litter input, highlighting the importance of considering different shrub species in restoration projects for degraded semiarid rangelands.