Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 1Soil Conservation and Watershed Management Department, Kermanshah Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research,Education and Extension Organization (AREEO)
2 Soil Conservation and Watershed Management Research Institute
3 Professor, Soil Conservation and Watershed Management Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
The degradation of soil structure and reduced water permeability are indicators of soil destruction, contributing to diminished stability, compromised production quality, and environmental issues. To counteract soil degradation, soil conservation methods are widely employed to modify soil and water processes, enhancing properties like structure and permeability. However, limited research has evaluated the effectiveness of these methods. This study focuses on assessing the impact of soil management and protection measures on soil structure and permeability in the Rezin watershed of Kermanshah province. Eight restoration and protection techniques were chosen and examined in the study area. Following profile excavation and soil sampling, indices such as MWD, GMD, and WSA >0.25 were measured and computed. The final penetration speed was also assessed. Comparative analysis of MWD, GMD, WSA >0.25, and final infiltration rates between soil protection operations and control areas was conducted using a T-test for independent samples via SPSS software. Results indicated that the lowest MWD indices, at 0.15 and 0.35 mm, were associated with land leveling and planting, while the highest, at 1.9, 1.8, and 1.6 mm, were linked to 20- and 10-year gardens and forest areas, respectively. Notably, fodder operations and 10-year garden construction exhibited the highest WSA >0.25 index, indicating the formation of coarse and stable soil aggregates due to protection operations. Final infiltration rate results demonstrated changes in drylands to seedling cultivation, with 10-year gardens showing the highest increase at 21.8% compared to the control.
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