Showing 411 results for Om
H. Daghigh, H. Mousavi Jahromi, A. Khosrojerdi, H. Hassanpour Darvishi,
Volume 26, Issue 3 (12-2022)
Abstract
The existence of silty sand in the infrastructure under concrete constructions, hydraulic structures, and irrigation systems has always caused challenges. Improving this kind of soil is always a challenging approach to increase compressive strength and shear stress. There is a conception that adding some extra material such as concrete can increase the stability of this soil against contributed forces. The present study investigated the effects of curing time (3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days) and different percentages of various additives (3%, 5%, and 7%) on the strength of the silty sand soils. A series of laboratory tests were carried out to measure the Uniaxial Compressive Strength (UCS) and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) by evaluating the effect of additives on the strength parameters of silty sand soil. In total, 299 experimental tests have been conducted in the soil mechanics laboratory of SRBIAU. Results indicated that adding additives such as concrete to silty sand soil improved significantly the compressive strength and shear strength. The comparisons among the experimental test illustrate that due to increasing the curing time, the aforementioned parameters were increased significantly; however, Confix and Bentonite aggregates did not have a marginal effect on the compressive strength and shear strength. Also, after the 21st day of the curing time, the rate of increment of the UCS and CBR reached slightly and then attained a constant value. Also, after this duration, the curing time is an independent factor in the variation of the UCS and CBR tests. Furthermore, the addition of 5% Pozzolana cement and 7% Portland cement with 28 days of curing had the highest CBR number and UCS resistance of 176.26 and 17.58 kg/cm2, respectively. Also, the sketch of the different failure patterns was shown during the curing time. Finally, by increasing the curing time, the behavior of specimens from semi-brittle to brittle made them harder.
A. Esmali Ouri1, P. Farzi, S. Choubeh,
Volume 26, Issue 3 (12-2022)
Abstract
Planning and providing appropriate tools to reduce the adverse effects of natural hazards including floods is inevitable. Achieving the above goal depends on having sufficient and accurate knowledge and information about the vulnerability of different ecosystems (watersheds) to various destructive factors. Vulnerability assessment by identifying potential stresses and disturbances (natural and man-made) as well as estimating the sensitivity of watersheds allows for predicting the effects and selecting appropriate solutions for the sustainable management of these ecosystems. Therefore, this study has been designed to identify and rank vulnerable sub-watersheds to floods in the Ardabil plain, taking into account social, economic, infrastructural, and ecological dimensions. First, the indicators and criteria of each dimension were identified taking into account the conditions prevailing in Ardabil plain. Then, information and data on climatic, hydrological, demographic, economic, infrastructure, and land use were obtained from relevant authorities. Then, the mentioned criteria were standardized and the weight according to their importance was calculated based on the BWM method the data obtained from this stage were performed using the TOPSIS technique to rank flood vulnerability for different sub-watersheds in Ardabil plain for the period 2007-2017. Finally, a map of Ardabil's plain vulnerability to floods was prepared and presented. According to the results, the criteria of building density, rainfall, population density, and the unemployment rate were the most important criteria of vulnerability and among the studied dimensions, the infrastructure dimension is too significant in flood vulnerability in Ardabil plain. Based on the comprehensive vulnerability map, sub-watershed 7 in Ardabil plain was identified as the most vulnerable sub-watershed in the study area.
M. Kyanpoor Kal Khajeh, Me. Pajouhesh, S. Emamgolizadeh,
Volume 26, Issue 3 (12-2022)
Abstract
Humans are always trying to change land to use natural resources to meet their needs. One of the land use changes that take place in order to benefit from sustainable water resources is dam construction. Dam construction has many positive and negative consequences for the environment from the beginning to use. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of Gotvand Dam on the problem of collision of water flow path with salt domes and large volume accumulation of salt behind the dam lake. Images of the Landsat 5 satellite TM sensor for 1991, Landsat 7 satellite ETM+ sensor for 2008, and Landsat 8 satellite OLI sensor for 2020 were used to classify images, and prepare land use maps of the studied basin. Reviewing and evaluating the land use maps of the study area showed that agricultural lands are being developed after the operation of the dam. Also, barren lands were decreasing as well as the area's water content was increasing during the study period. In the second period of study (2008-2020), the population of the regions with an increasing area has been increasing. Also, the rangeland and meadows had a decreasing trend during the first and second periods. The results of classification accuracy using the object-oriented method for three periods of 1991, 2008, and 2020 were obtained as 0.92, 0.97, and 0.93, respectively. In general, it can be stated that the construction of the dam has increased the area under cultivation of land and by increasing population and urbanization in the construction area of the dam, destruction and reduction of rangelands occurred.
E. Masoumi, R. Ajalloeian, A.a. Nourbakhsh, M. Bayat,
Volume 26, Issue 3 (12-2022)
Abstract
Since clay is widely used in most construction projects, the issue of improving clay soils has considerable importance. This study aimed to optimize the variables affecting the properties of geopolymer and improve their mechanical properties using Isfahan blast furnace slag. Taguchi's statistical design method was used to model three process variables (blast furnace slag, water, and alkali sodium hydroxide agent) with four different values in the mixing design. Geopolymer was used to optimize the uniaxial compressive strength. Sixteen geopolymer compositions determined by mini-tab software were prepared and their uniaxial compressive strength was measured. The obtained results were modeled by analysis of variance, and then the interactions of the three variables on the uniaxial compressive strength of geopolymer were investigated using two and 3D diagrams. Then, the variables were optimized and the proposed values for the optimal sample were examined at temperatures of 25, 50, and 70°C and at times of 3, 7, 14, and 28 days of operation. A comparison of the results predicted by the models and the results of the experiments confirmed the validity of the models. Also, the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed that the porosity will reduce from 7 to 28 days. It indicated that the use of the geopolymerization method has a significant role in stabilizing weak clay soils with low plasticity. The effect of fibers and geopolymer to reinforce was also investigated and for better evaluation, it was compared with soil stabilization with Portland cement. The results showed that in the most optimal geopolymer composition, the bearing resistance of clay has increased by more than 3400%. Meanwhile, fibers along with geopolymer with optimal percentage and length (0.1% by weight of geopolymer composition and length of 12 mm) were able to increase the uniaxial compressive strength of clay by nearly 4000%, which shows the excellent effect of using cellular fibers parameter whit the geopolymer in this research.
Mrs Soghra Bagheri, M.r. Ansari, A. Norouzi,
Volume 26, Issue 3 (12-2022)
Abstract
Soil erosion has been one of the most important problems of watersheds in the world and is considered one of the main obstacles to achieving sustainable development in agriculture and natural resources. Identifying and prioritizing regions sensitive to soil erosion is essential for water and soil conservation and natural resource management in watersheds. The present research was performed in 2021 year to prioritize the soil erosion susceptibility in 12 sub-watersheds of the Roudzard watershed in Khouzestan province using morphometric analysis and multiple criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods. In this regard, 11 morphometric parameters including shape parameters such as compactness constant (Cc), circularity ratio (Rc), form factor (Rf), elongation ratio (Re), linear parameters such as drainage density (Dd), stream frequency (Fs), drainage texture (Dt), bifurcation ratio (Rb), Basin length (L), Length of overland flow (Lg), and topographic parameter including Ruggedness number (Rn) were extracted and their relative weights were calculated using Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). The prioritization sub-watershed to soil erosion was performed using TOPSIS, VIKOR, and SAW methods, and the results were combined using rank mean, Copeland, and Borda methods. The final prioritization was compared with the amount of specific erosion in the MPSIAC model by determining Spearman's correlation coefficient. The result of the evaluation of morphometric parameters by using the AHP model showed that drainage density (0.161), drainage texture (0.158), and stream frequency (0.146) had the greatest effect on the erodability of the sub-watersheds. In contrast, the form factor (0.049), Elongation Ratio (0.036), and shape factor (0.026) had the least effects on erodability of the study area. In this research, the Spearman correlation coefficient between the final result of prioritizing the sub-watershed and the MPSIAC model was obtained as 0.8 in p-value<0.01. The results of prioritization of the sub-watersheds in terms of their sensitivity to soil erosion showed that sub-watersheds 11, 12, and 10 with an area of 191.83 km2 are categorized as very sensitive to soil erosion due to high value of linear parameters, low value of shape parameters, sensitive geology formation, and poor vegetation cover and located in rank 1 to 3, respectively. According to the results sub-watersheds 11, 12, and 10 have the highest amount of specific erosion equal to 16.03, 12.48, and 11.6 tons per hectare per year, respectively. Therefore, these sub-watersheds are a priority for watershed management operations. The results of the present study showed that MCDM methods and morphometric analysis are suitable tools for identifying areas sensitive to soil erosion and using the combined methods of the results and it is possible to take advantage of each of the different multi-criteria decision-making methods.
S. Parvizi, S. Eslamian, M. Gheysari, A.r. Gohari, S. Soltani Kopai, P. Mohit Esfahani,
Volume 26, Issue 3 (12-2022)
Abstract
Investigation of homogeneity regions using univariate characteristics is an important step in the regional frequency analysis method. However, some hydrological phenomena have multivariate characteristics that cannot be studied by univariate methods. Droughts are one of these phenomena their definition as univariate will not be effective for risk assessment, decision-making, and management. Therefore, in this study, the regional frequency analysis of drought was studied in multivariate methods using SEI (Standardized Evapotranspiration Index), SSI (Standardized Soil Moisture Index), and SRI (Standardized Runoff Index) indices in the Karkheh River basin from 1996 to 2019. The indices calculated probabilistic distribution between the variables of evapotranspiration, runoff, and soil moisture using multivariate L-moments method and Copula functions and considered meteorological, agricultural, and hydrological droughts simultaneously. The results of multivariate regional frequency analysis considering the Copula Gumbel as the regional Copula showed that the basin is homogeneous in terms of severity of SEI-SSI combined drought indices and is heterogeneous in terms of severity of SEI-SSI combined drought indices. However, after clustering the basin into four homogeneous areas in terms of characteristics of SPI (Standardized Precipitation Index), the basin is homogeneous in all areas in terms of univariate SEI, SSI, and SRI indices and is heterogeneous in the third and fourth clusters of SRI and SSI drought indices. Pearson Type (III), Pareto, normal, and general logistics distribution functions were found suitable to investigate the characteristics of SEI, SSI, and SRI drought indices in this case. Finally, large estimates of the types of combined droughts and their probability of occurrence showed that the northern and southern parts of the Karkheh River basin will experience short and consecutive droughts in the next years. Droughts in areas without meteorological data can be predicted in terms of joint probability using the multivariate regional frequency analysis method proposed in this study.
S. Falahati, E. Adhami, H. Owliaie,
Volume 27, Issue 1 (5-2023)
Abstract
Due to the importance of nickel (Ni), and the effect of common soil additives on Ni fractions distribution, the present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of zeolite and vermicompost on nickel fractions over time. The experimental design consisted of a factorial combination of two levels of vermicompost (zero and 2% by weight), three levels of zeolite (zero, 4% by weight of Firoozkooh zeolite, and 4% by weight of Semnan zeolite), and two soil texture (clay and sandy loam) in a completely randomized design in triplicates. Treatments were contaminated with 50 and 100 mg nickel/kg soil. Ni fractions were extracted and measured at 20 and 60 days. The results showed that in initial soils, Car-Ni in sandy loam soil was higher than in clay soil, while the content of Fe, Mn- Ox Ni, OM-Ni, and Res-Ni in the clay soil was higher. In sandy loam soil, more nickel was recovered in Exch- and Car-fractions, while nickel recovery was higher in Mn, Fe-Ox Ni, OM-Ni, and Res-Ni in the clay texture. Zeolite addition caused a significant decrease of Exch- and Car-Ni in the clay soil on 60d and 100 mg/kg Ni level. Exch-Ni was reduced due to vermicompost application. Vermicompost application caused the decrease in Fe, Mn Ox-Ni in both studied soils and times, and OM-Ni increased by vermicompost application. Aging generally reduces the Exch-Ni but changes in Car-Ni over time depending on the soil texture. Aging did not affect Mn, Fe-Ox Ni, and Res-Ni, while OM-Ni increased over time in clay soil.
S. Jalali, K. Nosrati, Z. Fathi,
Volume 27, Issue 2 (9-2023)
Abstract
The geomorphic characteristics of the watersheds are interrelated and the temporal and spatial scale in the form of season and sub-basins affect the concentration of suspended sediment. One of the objectives of this study was to investigate the relationship between suspended sediment concentration and watershed characteristics of Kan River using principal components regression and to recognize the effect of seasons and sub-basins on sediment concentration. The concentration of suspended sediment during four rainfall-runoff events in three seasons and in sub-basins was measured and calculated. The sixteen physiographic and land use characteristics were determined in the sub-basins and the main factors were identified and the scores of each factor for each feature were calculated using principal component analysis (PCA). The results of variance analysis showed that the concentration of suspended sediment was significant in terms of time scale and spring had the highest rate of sedimentation. Redundancy analysis and canonical analysis on the properties that participate in the first factor (PC1) showed the characteristics of the percentage of erodible formation, relatively erodible formation, and percentage of free construction activity, respectively. Road (slope leveling) and stream length are the most essential attributes of sub-basins in the production and concentration of suspended sediment in the study area.
Z. Feizi, A. Ranjbar Fordoee, A.r. Shakeri,
Volume 27, Issue 2 (9-2023)
Abstract
Maintaining soil structure and stability is essential, especially in arid and semi-arid regions with poor soil structural stability. Destruction of soil and its crust can cause wind erosion and desertification. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of using hydrogel nanocomposite mulch on the stabilization of sand surfaces. A wind tunnel test was used to evaluate the erodibility of samples treated with different amounts of hydrogel nanocomposite. The compressive strength of the samples was measured by a manual penetrometer. The prepared nanocomposites were examined using scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) images. The results of the wind tunnel showed that the addition of hydrogel nanocomposite to the samples improved the soil erosion rate by 100% at a speed of 15 m/s compared to the control sample. Bonding between sand particles by spraying hydrogel nanocomposites improves the erodibility of sand. Measurement of mechanical strength of treated samples after 30 days showed that the resistance of the crust increased with increasing the amount of nanocellulose in the composite, which can be expressed due to the increased surface area of the nanoparticle and the possibility of further bonding of the nanocomposite polymer bed with sand particles. While the crust diameter showed no significant difference with increasing concentration and the sample treated with nanocomposites containing 3% nanoparticles was thicker compared to other samples.
V. Rahdari, A.r. Soffianian, S. Pormanafi, S. Maleki,
Volume 27, Issue 3 (12-2023)
Abstract
Industrial development is necessary to create employment and achieve welfare. Nevertheless, due to the important environmental effects of these uses, it is necessary to consider the environmental issues in industrial area land allocation. The current research used the multi-criteria evaluation method and the combination with fuzzy concepts to investigate the land capability for industrial development in the Plasjan sub-basin in the Zayandeh-rood river basin. Evaluation criteria were determined by literature reviewing and using experts' knowledge, and standard applying fuzzy method via proportional functions and weighted using the hierarchical method. The combined classification of satellite images prepared the land use and land cover map. Then, the standardized criteria were combined in the form of a weighted linear combination and the industrial development capability model was prepared for this area and classified into five land capability classes. The results showed that environmental considerations have the most weight with 0.23, and geological and soil texture criteria have the least weight with 0.06. According to the results, only 213 hectares of the region were allocated for industrial and mining use at the time of the study. In comparison, 2325 hectares of the region have very high industrial potential which shows the capability for increasing industrial areas. Also, the highest class of land capability was related to areas without the capability for industrial development with an area of 246375 ha, equivalent to 60% of the entire region, which shows the importance of conservation of the important functions of this region in water supply and ecological resources.
S. Barani, M. Zeinivand, M. Ghomeshi,
Volume 27, Issue 4 (12-2023)
Abstract
In this study the effect of orifice number and dimensions in combined structure sharp crested rectangular weir with multiple square orifice was investigated. For this propose, some experiments in different flow rate, different orifice number and dimensions were done. The results showed that by different orifice numbers and dimensions, flow discharge increased at the same upstream flow head. This increasing trend was observed in all numbers and dimensions of the investigated experiments. The analysis of the quantitative results showed that by increasing the number of orifices, the discharge rate through the combined structure of weir-orifice was increased on average 2.06 liters per second and by increasing each centimeter of orifice dimensions, the discharge was increased by 2.82 liters per second. Also by calculating the percentage of flow rate increase, it was observed that by adding the orifice number, it increases by 18.7% and by increasing the size of the orifice by one centimeter, the flow rate increases by 28.1%.
Z. Naderizadeh, H. Khademi, A. Shamsollah,
Volume 28, Issue 1 (5-2024)
Abstract
Although several reports are available on the distribution of Palygorskite in the soils of arid regions of Iran, there is not much information about the presence and abundance of this important fibrous clay mineral in the soils of Bushehr Province. This research was carried out: (1) to investigate the distribution of Palygorskite and other major associated clay minerals, and (2) to evaluate the relationship between the relative quantity of Palygorskite in clay-sized fraction and the most important soil properties in Dashtestan County, Bushehr Province. Five geomorphic surfaces including eroded rock outcrop, rock outcrop, dissected hill, alluvial fan, and alluvial plain were identified in the study area using Google Earth images and field observations. After sampling representative pedons, the clay mineralogy of two horizons from each pedon was determined. X-ray diffractograms and SEM images showed that in the studied soils, which were classified as either Aridisols or Entisols, Palygorskite was present in different quantities on all geomorphic surfaces. Moreover, Illite, Chlorite, Smectite, irregularly interstratified Chlorite/Illite, and Kaolinite were the other clay minerals that existed in the soils studied. The relative quantity of Palygorskite and Smectite was variable on different geomorphic surfaces. Regardless of the type of geomorphic surface, petrogypsic and gypsic horizons showed the highest quantity of Palygorskite as compared to other horizons which seems to be due to the suitable geochemical conditions of these horizons for the formation and stability of Palygorskite mineral. The higher correlation of Palygorskite content with gypsum, as compared to that with the carbonates, indicates the importance of gypsum in Palygorskite distribution in the soils of the study area. The findings also indicated that the amount of Palygorskite was positively correlated with soluble Mg/Ca ratio, pH, gypsum, and soluble Mg. These parameters appear to control the genesis and distribution of Palygorskite in the soils studied. In general, it is necessary to pay special attention to their clay mineralogy, especially the significant amount of Palygorskite to manage the soils of the study area and to reasonably predict their behavior.
M. Khajeh, C. B. Komaki, M. Rezaei, V. Sheikh, L. Ebadi,
Volume 28, Issue 2 (8-2024)
Abstract
In the future, the risk of land subsidence due to water resources shortage crisis and improper water resources management will become more and more dangerous. It is necessary to assess and identify areas susceptible to subsidence risk and take necessary actions to reduce risks related to land subsidence. In this study, first, the risk of land subsidence was identified and evaluated using a radar interferometry method called LiCSBAS. Then, the spatial relationship between the occurrence of land subsidence hazard and effective factors such as ground elevation, slope, slope aspect, lithology, land use, groundwater decline, distance from rivers, distance from faults, topographic moisture index, and arc curvature was investigated using the random forest (RF) model. In the end, the land subsidence hazard sensitivity map was prepared after calibrating the random forest algorithm. The analysis of LiCSBAS interferometric time series data from 2015 to 2022 showed that the center of the Marvdasht-Kharameh plain and adjacent agricultural areas are continuously subsiding and the mean deformation rate map showed a subsidence rate of 11.6 centimeters per year. The results of determining the spatial relationship between subsidence occurrence and effective factors confirmed the positive impact of distance from rivers, urban and agricultural land uses, depth of bedrock (aquifer thickness), groundwater decline, and alluvial and fine-grained formations on this phenomenon. Also, the results of subsidence modeling using the random forest algorithm showed that factors such as bedrock depth, groundwater decline, land use, and geology have the greatest impact on the potential for subsidence occurrence in the study area. Also, based on the results, about 3 to 4 percent of the areas are in the very high and extremely high-risk classes of land subsidence, especially in the center and suburbs of Mervdasht. Therefore, water resources management and control and developing a systematic program to reduce subsidence risk and aquifer recharge conservation in Merudasht-Kharameh Plain is essential.
M.j. Aghasi, S.a.r. Mousavi, M. Tarkesh, S. Soltani,
Volume 28, Issue 3 (10-2024)
Abstract
Astragalus is the vegetation of many mountains of Iran's plateau and plays a major role in providing ecosystem services due to its pillow shape and deep rooting system, they facilitate the control and penetration of precipitation into the soil. The correlation of Astragalus ecosystems with arid and semi-arid climates has made them vulnerable to climate change. In this study, a runoff yield map based on the Budyco curve under current and future conditions of climate change (2050) was prepared using climate and temperature data from the Chelsea site (CanESM2 GCM) in TerrSet software and by using maps of sub-watersheds, annual precipitation, annual potential evapotranspiration, soil depth, plant accessible water and the current and future "Land Cover - Land Use" map, with a combination of field methods and species distribution models at the local scale of the Shur River watershed of Dehaghan (Central Zagros). Finally, the excess runoff damage produced due to climate change was estimated using the replacement cost method. The results indicated an increase in the annual runoff volume of the watershed from 70 million cubic meters to 105 million cubic meters under climate change conditions for the RCP26 scenario in 2050. Taking into account the cost of 10 million Rials for controlling 530 cubic meters of runoff through various watershed management projects, preventing the damages of excess runoff produced requires a credit amounting to 660 billion Rials based on the present value. This study proved the ability of TerrSet software to predict and produce an ecosystem service map of runoff yield under climate changes or land use changes and with the purpose of valuation on a local scale. Also, the above valuation can be the basis for planning and providing credit for the study and implementation of watershed management projects to deal with the threats of climate change.
J. Karimi Shiasi, F. Fotouhi Firoozabad, A. Fathzadeh, M. Hayatzadeh, M. Shirmardi,
Volume 29, Issue 1 (4-2025)
Abstract
One of the main factors contributing to water erosion is the inherent characteristic of soil erodibility. Erodibility depends on particle size distribution, organic matter, structure, and soil permeability. This research aimed to investigate changes in the soil erodibility factor across geomorphological facies. The soil erodibility index was estimated by sampling 58 points within the geomorphological facies of the Dorahan watershed, using the Wischmeyer and Smith method. In the laboratory, soil granularity distribution, organic matter, soil structure, the amount of gravel, lime, salinity, acidity, and sodium absorption ratio were measured. Results indicated that soil erodibility across the entire area ranges from 0.0148 to 0.0661 (t.hr/Mj.mm). The soil erodibility index (K) for the hro-p1 and hro-p2 facies is higher than for others and exhibits the widest range of variations compared to the other facies. The lowest range of changes within geomorphological facies is associated with the hrc facies. The erodibility index decreases from the east to the west of the basin due to the presence of exposed rock faces, which protect the soil as a cover layer.
H. Ramezani Etedali, M. Ahmadi,
Volume 29, Issue 2 (7-2025)
Abstract
change, accurately predicting wheat production is essential for developing precision agriculture. Remote sensing enables the indirect prediction of crop production before harvest. This research investigates the application of the random forest method and support vector regression for simulating wheat production across ten selected farms in Qazvin Plain from 2019 to 2020, employing NDVI, MSAVI, and EVI vegetation indices. Sentinel 2 satellite data was utilized for the vegetation indices. Production data for the ten wheat fields was obtained from the Agricultural Jihad Organization of Qazvin Province. Evaluation of support vector regression and random forest to assess both the observed and simulated wheat production data was conducted using R2, MBE, RMSE, and MAE statistics. To explore the simulation of wheat production using vegetation indices, seven methods were defined: methods 1 to 3 examine each index separately; methods 4 to 6 focus on binary combinations of the indices; and method 7 considers the combined effects of all three indices. The support vector regression model provided good estimates of wheat production in all methods, except methods one and four, in the test phase, with a coefficient of determination of more than 0.98 and a low RMSE. The random forest model showed significant results in all methods except methods two and six during the test phase, achieving a 95% probability (P-value=0.00) with a coefficient of determination greater than 0.8. Overall, this research highlights the importance and potential of machine learning techniques for timely crop production prediction as a strong foundation for regional food security.
J. Ghaneiardakani, S.a. Mazhari, F. Ayati,
Volume 29, Issue 2 (7-2025)
Abstract
This study investigates the impact of agricultural activities on the soils of southern Mehriz by analyzing their geochemical composition and comparing the physicochemical properties of pistachio orchard soils (agricultural soils) with those of undisturbed natural soils. The results indicate that agricultural practices have led to an increase in Total Organic Carbon (TOC), averaging 1.5%, and a reduction in soil acidity. Additionally, phosphorus concentrations have risen in agricultural soils. These soils also exhibit enrichment in elements such as cadmium (Cd), antimony (Sb), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), scandium (Sc), and rare earth elements (REE) compared to natural soils, with a more homogenized REE distribution pattern. Although the concentrations of these trace elements remain within national environmental standards and below critical thresholds, the study highlights a significant increase in the bioavailability of heavy metals due to agricultural activity. This finding underscores a potential environmental risk if such changes are not properly managed in the future.
S.a. Ghaffari Nejad, F. Moshiri, S.m. Mousavi,
Volume 29, Issue 2 (7-2025)
Abstract
This study was conducted to evaluate soil fertility management scenarios including separate use of chemical and organic fertilizers (animal manure and municipal waste compost) and their integrated application on changes in the amount of available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the soil from November 2017 for four years in six consecutive crops at the Agricultural Research Station of the Soil and Water Research Institute. The results showed a depletion of 14 and 44% of soil available nitrogen and phosphorus, and no depletion of available potassium in the treatment without fertilizer in six consecutive cultivations. Annual consumption of 20 t ha-1 of municipal waste compost and 75% of the recommended nitrogen showed the highest amount of soil-available nitrogen. Unlike phosphorus, the amount of soil available nitrogen in municipal waste compost treatments was significantly higher than in cattle manure. The highest available soil phosphorus was in the treatment with 10 t ha-1 of cattle manure before each crop, and the average available phosphorus in six consecutive cultivations was significantly higher than in the other treatments. The use of 10 t ha-1 of cattle manure and municipal waste compost before each crop resulted in the highest accumulation of potassium in the soil, respectively. The available soil potassium in cattle manure treatments was significantly higher than in municipal waste compost. The results of this experiment indicated the importance of using fertilizers containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in maintaining soil fertility stability in the long term.
M. Shayannejad, E. Fazel Najafabadi, F. Hatamian Jazi,
Volume 29, Issue 3 (10-2025)
Abstract
Regarding the increasing need for water resources and the decline of surface water resources, awareness of these resources is a crucial need in planning, developing, and protecting them. This research was conducted to model the water quality index (the most widely used feature of determining water quality) using machine learning models (Random Forest and Support Vector Machine) in the Zayandehrood River. Regarding the large number of water quality indices, the NSFWQI index was used in this study. First, this index was calculated, and then, input data, including water quality characteristics of 8 stations over 31 years, and the river water quality index were used. In this research, 80% of the data was used in the training stage, and the remaining 20% was used in the evaluation stage. The optimal model was selected based on the evaluation criteria, including R2, CRM, and NRMSE. The results showed that the Support Vector Machine algorithm (0.931 < R² < 0.982, 1.321
A.r. Jafarnejadi, A. Gilani, F. Meskini-Vishkaee, M. Hoseini Chaleshtori,
Volume 29, Issue 3 (10-2025)
Abstract
Rice, as one of the world's most strategic crops, plays a vital role in global food security. This study investigated the effects of different nutrition management approaches on yield and water productivity in dry direct-seeded rice cultivation (local Anbouri Red Dwarf cultivar) at Shavoor Research Station in Khuzestan Province. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with four treatments, including 1) Farmer's conventional practice, 2) Soil test-based fertilization, 3) Soil test-based fertilization + supplementary nutrition, and 4) 25% reduced chemical fertilizers + biofertilizers, with three replications. Results demonstrated that the supplementary nutrition (4270 kgha-1) and biofertilizer with 25% chemical fertilizer reduction (4356 kgha-1) treatments increased yield by 17% and 19.3 %, respectively, compared to conventional practice (3651 kgha-1). This improvement was primarily attributed to increased panicles per m² (10-14%) and enhanced nutrient uptake efficiency. The biofertilizer treatment also showed the highest water productivity (0.25 kg m-³) and the best benefit-cost ratio (23.25). Economic analysis confirmed that combining biofertilizers with 25% chemical fertilizer reduction significantly reduced costs while maintaining yield. These findings suggest that integrating soil testing with either biofertilizers or stage-specific nutrition represents an effective strategy for enhancing yield, improving water use efficiency, and reducing dependence on chemical inputs in dry-seeded rice cultivation. These methods can be recommended as sustainable models for farmers in arid regions like Khuzestan, which face salinity challenges and water resource limitations.
