Abstract
Fires are one of the most important factors affecting natural ecosystems. This study was done in order to investigate the effects of fire on soil chemical properties, soil seed bank and vegetation cover in Yeke Bermagh, Highland ranegelands in the southern part of Golestan National Park. After determination of control and burned area, sampling was done with 5 transects and 5 plots. Vegetation cover, density and production were recorded in each site. One plot was chosen for analysis of soil chemical properties and soil seed bank along transects. Sampling for seed soil bank determination was accomplished in two depths, 0-5 cm and 5-10 cm. In order to distinguish the differences between the two depths in each site, the independent t-test, and pair t-test were used. Comparison of soil properties in the two control and burned areas showed that pH, potassium, nitrogen, phosphors, carbon, EC and CEC in the burned area was more than control area. According to the results the amount of richness and diversity of seed bank in the control area was higher than the burned area. Furthermore, richness and diversity in the first depth was more than the second depth, in both areas.
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