Soil quality indicators are clearly plant species-specific: Implication for ecosystem management in a semi-arid landscape

Shrubs play are a fundamental component within rangeland habitats that affects many of the nutrient cycle processes and soil quality indicators. Insufficient attention has been paid to the investigation of the impact of semi-arid mountainous shrub lands on soil quality indices. In order to address these knowledge gaps, we investigated the impact of various shrub species (i.e., Carpinus orientalis Miller., Crataegus microphylla C. Koch., Berberis integerrima Bunge., Prunus spinosa L. and Rhamnus pallasii Fisch. and C. A. Mey), which are native in the northern Hemisphere (i.e. in Asia, Europe, North America and North Africa), on soil litter and soil properties. In order to carry out this research, litter (organic layer) and soil (0-10 cm depth) samples were collected from a surface area of 30 x 30 cm under the canopy of 15 individuals from each of the mentioned shrub species. A total of 75 litter samples and 75 soil samples were collected and analyzed for different features. According to results, Carpinus cover had higher litter quality, soil fertility and enzyme activities. Over time, the mineralization of soil C has increased with soil under Carpinus showing the highest mineralization. Compared to the autumn season, N mineralization was higher in summer season. The properties of fine roots (i.e. biomass, P, K, Ca and Mg), as well as the properties of coarse roots (i.e. biomass, Ca and Mg) are significantly influenced by the presence of shrubs. The changes of fine root C and N, coarse root C, N, P and K were not significant among shrub species. Based on hot spots output, the soil quality indicators decreased in order of Carpinus > Crataegus > Berberis > Prunus > Rhamnus. Our finding showed that soil quality indicators change patchy under different shrub species in a semi-arid landscape.