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Assessment of the allocation of elements in the aerial parts, litter and roots of some Gramineae species
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Milad Parandeh-Roudi   , Majid Mohammadasmaeili * , Abolfazl Tahmasebi , Mehdi Sadeghi |
| , ma_456@yahoo.com |
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Abstract: (138 Views) |
Understanding the pattern of nutrient allocation in different plant organs is a key basis for comprehending nutrient cycling and achieving sustainable rangeland management. In this study, the distribution of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, carbon, and lignin was examined in the aboveground organs, litter, and roots of five dominant grass species in the Gomishan protected area. Sampling was conducted using a systematic-random method during the flowering stage. Transects were placed 100 m apart, and along each transect, ten 1 m² plots were randomly selected (30 plots in total). Element concentrations were measured using standard laboratory procedures. The results indicated that nitrogen showed no significant differences among species or organs, while phosphorus, potassium, calcium, carbon, and lignin exhibited clear interspecific variations. The highest phosphorus contents were recorded in the aboveground (206 ppm) and root (234 ppm) of Phalaris minor, whereas the lowest was found in the litter of Bromus scoparius (60 ppm). Potassium reached its maximum in the aboveground organ of Puccinellia distans (1083 ppm) and in the root of Aeluropus lagopoides (169 ppm), with the lowest value in the root of Bromus scoparius (53 ppm). Calcium was highest in the aboveground organ of Lolium perenne (600 ppm) and in the root of Puccinellia distans (944 ppm). Organic carbon reached maximum levels in the aboveground organ of Puccinellia distans (16.3%), in the litter of Aeluropus lagopoides (15%), and in the root of Lolium perenne (23.4%). The highest lignin contents were observed in the aboveground organ (4.7%) and litter (7.8%) of Lolium perenne. These findings highlight species-specific strategies for nutrient uptake, storage, and reallocation, which directly influence litter decomposition rates, soil fertility, and carbon sequestration. Future studies with extended temporal coverage, broader species diversity, and simultaneous assessment of soil properties and grazing intensity are recommended. The outcomes of this study provide a scientific foundation for selecting suitable species in rangeland restoration programs and for improving livestock nutrition management in semi-arid regions, particularly in the Gomishan protected area.
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Article number: 11 |
| Keywords: Rangeland improvement, Rangeland restoration, Rangeland ecosystem, Nutrient cycling, Sustainable rangeland management |
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Full-Text [PDF 1630 kb]
(52 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2025/08/31 | Accepted: 2025/09/19 | Published: 2026/03/11
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