摘要: Background Carbon sequestration in plants and soils plays a crucial role in the carbon cycle, contributing to the reduction of carbon dioxide levels and enhancing soil productivity. Identifying plant species with higher carbon sequestration potential is essential for the restoration and maintenance of pasturelands. Methods This study examined carbon sequestration in various plant organs: roots, stems, and leaves, of two plant species, Wild Almond (Amygdalus scoparia) and Ephedra (Ephedra procera). In addition, soil characteristics and carbon sequestration levels were assessed by collecting soil samples from depths of 0–15 cm and 15–30 cm, both at the base of plants and in the spaces between them. In this research, the first experiment comprised two factors: the first was the plant type (wild almond and Ephedra), and the second factor was plant organ (leaf, root, shoots). The second experiment also had two factors: the first factor comprised three types of soil mass (which were dug at the bases of wild almond, Ephedra and the control), and the second factor was the sampling depth of the soil (0-15 and 15-30 cm). The study was conducted in the Dolatabad region of Fars Province, Iran. Results Soil beneath Wild Almonds had higher organic carbon, organic matter, and carbon sequestration than Ephedra and control soils. Furthermore, the 0–15 cm depth showed greater levels of these factors than the 15–30 cm depth. As soil depth increased, organic carbon, organic matter, and carbon sequestration decreased, while soil acidity increased. However, soil moisture content did not significantly vary between the two depths. Soil type and depth had a significant effect on electrical conductivity. The control soil exhibited a significantly higher electrical conductivity than the Ephedra and Amygdalus soils. Additionally, average values indicated that electrical conductivity was significantly greater at the soil surface. Notably, both depths of the control soil showed the highest conductivity among all treatments, with the control differing significantly from the other groups. High electrical conductivity in the soil may indicate the presence of high salinity levels. Soils with Amygdalus and Ephedra showed a significant difference in clay content between the two soil depths, with the 0–15 cm depth exhibiting the highest clay content among all treatments. Conclusions Wild Almonds were found to store significantly more organic carbon and organic matter in their tissues than Ephedra. The cultivation of wild almond is exceptionally practicable because of its high tolerance to drought, whereas other water-dependent species may need a great deal of management if cultivated in vast areas of rangelands. Organic carbon plays a more significant role than organic matter in determining the extent of carbon sequestration in the soil. Soil texture, particularly clay content, emerged as one of the most influential factors in carbon sequestration.