Variation as Well as Amount of Mineral Elements Fixed by Salsola rigida and the Effects on Soil Physical and Chemical Properties in Desert Regions

Variation as well as amount of mineral elements fixed by Salsola rigida along with their effects on soil surrounding the plant in desert regions have been investigated in this study. In any of typical area , four plots ,each of a 100m2 area were taken and in each plot, following a study of plant covering parameters, two profiles (one under) salsola plant and one in between plants) were dug. Soil samples (72 in total ) were taken from each profile at three depths of 0-1 0, 10-25 , and >25 em. The samples, either plant or soil were analyzed in the laboratory for 19 soil and 6 plant parameters. Analysis of soil data indicate the important findings in which are :
a) Soil EC is the prohibitive fetor in plant's spread . b) Optimum EC was determined to be less than 8 ds m-I Introduction of the plant is not recommended in areas with an EC of more than 11 ds m'.c) the plant is sensitive to high doses of lime in soil. d) Plant cover is harshly reduced with exces s Na and Cl in soil. e) Ca and Mg content in areas with low plant cover is sub stantially more than that in areas with substantive plant cover. The most important effects of the plant on soil through increase. in so il elements are: a) increase in organic matter which in the long run improves soil structure, b) increase in soil N as the most important nutrient needed by plants, c) increase in K which in turn increased the nutritive value (increase in protein) of plant species, d) considerable increase in HC03 in plant's surrounding soil. Determination of macroelements
through leaf analysis revealed: a) the amount of elements present in leaf is not to the extent that can harm the cattle, b) awerage Ca, Mg, and Na content in top branches and leaves is more in areas with good plant cover as compared to the remaining two areas, c)there exists a significant correlation between Ca, Mg, and P in soil and in biomass. Taking into account the considerable adaptability of this plant species to adverse climatic and ecological condition, proper establishment and reproduction, this plant can be recommended and used as a valuable and important species in desert control, plant cover improvement and for age provision in nomadic rangelands.