Kavir National Park (KNP) is located in a vast area of central desert of Iran, south of Alborz Mountain Ranges and southeast of Tehran. KNP has been studied for its geology, hydrology and biodiversity but little information is available regarding its plant communities and soil factors. In this investigation, relationship between distribution of plant species and mycorrhizae with soil factors is investigated. Plant specimens and soil samples were collected from 12 stations in plains and mountains (893 up to 1600 m above sea level, respectively). Eighteen dominant plant species were identified 14 of which had mycorrhizal symbiosis. Endomycorrhizal spore abundances did not vary significantly in spring and fall but there were significant differences in the spore abundance between plant communities in plains and mountains. The highest spore abundance was observed in the rhizospheres of Artemisia aucheri and A. sieberi. Mycorrhizal spore abundance is correlated with salinity in spring and P, K and Mg concentrations in fall. Any change in concentration of these ions affected mycorrhizal distribution and other soil factors. Presence of mycorrhizae in 78% of KNP plant species indicated importance of symbiotic relationships in steppic and semi-arid regions. Prevalent mycoorhizal glycophytes and few non-mycorrhizal, halophyte plant species showed the adaptive capability of plants to drought and salinity stresses. Mycorrhiza influences vegetation distribution and community composition. Determining the degree of influence and selection of appropriate management practices for sustainable development and preservation of KNP needs to be investigated further.
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