The ecological role of Tamarix in the dynamics of soil properties in the hyper-arid regions of Khuzestan

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Natural Resources Research Department, Khuzestan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO),

2 Assistant Professor, Soil and Water Research Department, Khuzestan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Iran

3 Associate Professor, Forest Research Department, Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Iran

4 Assistant Professor, Forest Research Department, Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Iran

‎10.22052/deej.2025.257289.1115

Abstract

Introduction: Tamarix spp. are halophytic, drought-tolerant shrubs that have either naturally expanded or been introduced through planting across many arid and semi-arid regions of Iran, including Khuzestan province. Owing to unique morphological and physiological traits—such as salt secretion via foliar glands, deep root systems, and the production of salt-rich litter—these shrubs significantly influence the chemical, biological, and physical properties of soil. Although sometimes considered invasive, their potential to improve degraded saline soils is generating growing ecological interest.
 
Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the impact of Tamarix shrubs on key soil chemical and biological properties in a hyper-arid region of southwestern Iran. Specifically, it compares soil from beneath the Tamarix canopy with soil from adjacent, unvegetated control areas to assess the shrub's role in soil nutrient enrichment and the stimulation of microbial activity.
 
Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in the Shadgan wetland area, located in southern Khuzestan province, Iran. The region has a hyper-arid climate, characterized by high temperatures, low annual rainfall (~150–200 mm), and high evapotranspiration (>2500 mm/year). Soil samples were collected from the 0–15 cm surface layer at two locations: beneath Tamarix canopies and from adjacent unvegetated control plots. Standard laboratory protocols were used to analyze chemical properties—including pH, EC, organic carbon (OC), available phosphorus (P), and exchangeable cations (K, Na, Mg, Ca)—and biological indices, such as basal respiration, substrate-induced respiration, microbial biomass carbon (MBC), and nitrification potential. An independent-samples t-test was used to statistically compare the two treatments.
 
Results Soil organic carbon content was significantly higher under Tamarix canopies than in control plots (0.45% vs. 0.28%; Δ = 0.17, 95% CI: 0.02–0.32, *p* < 0.05), a difference that remained significant following multiple comparison corrections. This enrichment was associated with enhanced microbial activity; microbial biomass carbon and nitrification potential were approximately 25% and 30% greater under the shrubs, respectively (*p* < 0.05). In contrast, while moderate to large effect sizes were observed for substrate-induced respiration and sodium and chloride concentrations, these differences were not statistically significant after multiple comparison correction. Collectively, these findings indicate that Tamarix shrubs enhance soil biological quality by increasing organic matter input and stimulating microbial processes.
Conclusion:  The persistence of significant effects for key soil indicators after rigorous statistical correction underscores the ecological importance of Tamarix in rehabilitating saline, arid lands in Khuzestan. While the non-significant results for other indicators warrant further investigation, this study provides scientific evidence to support the inclusion of this native shrub in sustainable soil management and restoration strategies for dryland ecosystems.

Keywords

Main Subjects

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Desert Ecosystem Engineering
Volume 14, Issue 47
July 2025
Pages 45-56

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