A quantitative assessment of soil quality is essential for evaluating soil functionality and determining appropriate soil management strategies.This study aimed to quantitatively assess soil quality in semi-arid rangelands of Zanjan Province under three management systems: natural rangeland (unmanaged), grazing exclosure with reseeding, and seedling planting (afforestation). Physical, chemical, and biological soil properties were measured at 0–30 cm depth, and a minimum data set (MDS) was identified using principal component analysis (PCA). Soil quality indices (SQIs) were determined using both linear and nonlinear scoring functions, which were subsequently integrated using additive and weighted methods. The efficacy of the models was evaluated using discriminant analysis. PCA identified five critical indicators for MDS, including geometric mean diameter of aggregates (GMD), plant-available water (AW), electrical conductivity (EC), available potassium (K), and bulk density (BD). The findings indicate that the implementation of restorative systems led to a significant enhancement in soil quality compared to natural rangelands. Specifically, the seedling-planting system demonstrated reduced BD and increased GMD, AW, and K, although there was a slight increase in EC in this system. Discriminant analysis indicated that the simple, unweighted linear SQI provided the greatest power to discriminate among management systems and is recommended as a superior index for field monitoring. The simultaneous application of exclosure and seedling planting in semi-arid rangelands has been demonstrated to improve soil structural properties, moisture levels and fertility. This approach significantly improves soil quality and offers an effective strategy for restoring rangeland ecosystem functions and promoting sustainable natural resource management.
Shamkhani, H. , Askari, M. S. , Vaezi, A. R. and Alamdari, P. (2025). Quantitative Assessment of Soil Quality Under Rangeland Management Systems in Zanjan Province. Iranian Journal of Soil and Water Research, (), -. doi: 10.22059/ijswr.2025.403694.670018
MLA
Shamkhani, H. , , Askari, M. S. , , Vaezi, A. R. , and Alamdari, P. . "Quantitative Assessment of Soil Quality Under Rangeland Management Systems in Zanjan Province", Iranian Journal of Soil and Water Research, , , 2025, -. doi: 10.22059/ijswr.2025.403694.670018
HARVARD
Shamkhani, H., Askari, M. S., Vaezi, A. R., Alamdari, P. (2025). 'Quantitative Assessment of Soil Quality Under Rangeland Management Systems in Zanjan Province', Iranian Journal of Soil and Water Research, (), pp. -. doi: 10.22059/ijswr.2025.403694.670018
CHICAGO
H. Shamkhani , M. S. Askari , A. R. Vaezi and P. Alamdari, "Quantitative Assessment of Soil Quality Under Rangeland Management Systems in Zanjan Province," Iranian Journal of Soil and Water Research, (2025): -, doi: 10.22059/ijswr.2025.403694.670018
VANCOUVER
Shamkhani, H., Askari, M. S., Vaezi, A. R., Alamdari, P. Quantitative Assessment of Soil Quality Under Rangeland Management Systems in Zanjan Province. Iranian Journal of Soil and Water Research, 2025; (): -. doi: 10.22059/ijswr.2025.403694.670018
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