JWSS - Journal of Water and Soil Science

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Uprooting trees and pit – mound micro topographies are due to creation of heterogeneity condition in soil ecosystem. Pay attention to mountainous condition of hyrcanian forests in Iran and presence of trees with high diameters (old trees), therefore, it is imagined that many of trees are prone to uprooting. Thus, the aim of this research is studying variability some of soil physico - chemical characters in uprooted trees location and pit – mound position. For this purpose, twenty hectare areas of Tarbiat Modares University Experimental Forest Station studied that is located in Mazandaran province, northern Iran. Numbers of thirty four uprooted trees were found. Five microsites were distinguished including mound top, mound wall, pit bottom, pit wall and closed canopy. Soil samples were taken at 0 - 15, 15 - 30 and 30 - 45cm depths from all microsites using core soil sampler (81cm2 cross section). Soil acidity, water content, organic matter, total nitrogen and carbon to nitrogen ratio measured in the laboratory. A statistical result is indicating that the most water content, organic matter and nitrogen devoted in pit bottom. Mound top and wall included maximum of acidity. The most value of carbon to nitrogen ratio found in mound wall, as well. Soil acidity showed no significantly differences among different depths. The results of this research can be considered in forest soils survey and forest management.

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Saturated hydraulic conductivity (Kfs) and macroscopic capillary length of soil pores are important hydraulic properties for water flow and solute transport modeling. Measuring these parameters is tedious, time consuming and expensive. One way is using indirect methods such as Pedotransfer functions (PTFs). The objective of this research was to develop some PTFs for estimating saturated hydraulic conductivity and inverse of macroscopic capillary length parameters (*). Therefore, the coefficients, Kfs and * from 60 points of Azadegan plain in Shahrekord were measured using single ring and multiple constant head method. Also, some of the readily available soil parameters from the two first pedogenic layers of the soils were obtained. Then, the desired PTFs were developed using stepwise multiple linear regression. The accuracy and reliability of the derived PTFs were evaluated using root mean square error (RMSE), mean error (ME), relative error (RE) and Pearson correlation coefficient (r). The highest correlation coefficients of 0.92 and 0.72 were found between Kfs-bulk density and *-bulk density, respectively. There was no significant correlation between soil particle size distribution and Kfs and *. This can be related to the fact that most of the soil samples were similar in texture and macro pores. The most efficient PTFs in predicting Kfs and * could explain 85 and 66 percent of the variability of these parameters, respectively. All the derived PTFs underestimated the Kfs and * parameters.

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To investigate spatial variability of soil characteristics in the most valuble forest stands in the northern Iran using geostatistical approach, a twenty hectare area in Experimental Forest Station of Tarbiat Modares University was considered. Soil samples were taken from pits, mounds, canopy gaps, under single trees and closed canopy positions at 0 - 15, 15 - 30 and 30 - 45 cm depths using core soil sampler (81cm2 cross section). pH and organic matter were measured in the laboratory, and then carbons to nitrogen ratio and carbon sequestration were calculated. Spatial variability for soil characteristics revealed anisotropic variogram due to the same variability of surface variogram in different depths. pH in all the depths and carbon sequestration in 30 - 45cm depth showed exponential model whereas the other soil characteristics resulted in a linear model in different layers. The results of spatial structure showed pH with medium structure in all the depths, organic matter and carbon to nitrogen ratio with pure nugget effect (non structure), carbon sequestration in 0 - 30cm depth with weak structure and 30 - 45cm depth with medium spatial structure.

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Discrete Models of Spatial Variability (DMSV) have limitations for soil identification in traditional soil maps. New approaches, generally called digital soil mapping (DSM), using continuous methods (CMSV), try to predict soil classes or soil properties based on easily-available environmental variables. The objective of this study was to map the soil classes of the Borujen area, Chaharmahal-va-Bakhtiari province, using digital elevation model (DEM) and its attributes and Soil-Land Inference Model (SoLIM). To do this, eighteen terrain attributes were derived from the DEM of the area. The primary analysis showed seven attributes are the most important derivatives. These derivatives as well as three dominant soil subgroups and seven soil families of the region (41 profiles from 125 profiles) were used to construct the input data matrix of the model. Then, output fuzzy soil maps of SoLIM were converted to polygonal soil map, using ArcGIS. Results showed that different combinations of DEM attributes have different accuracy rates for soil prediction. The accuracy of the interpolation was twice that of the extrapolation. Although SoLIM had an acceptable accuracy for soil nomination, and identification of soil map units’ types, it did not have enough accuracy for the location of soil classes. It seems that using other data like parent material and geomorphic surface maps will increase the accuracy of the model prediction.

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This research was carried out to determine spatial distribution of heavy metals concentration in soil particle size classes using Landsat ETM+ reflectance in Southern Isfahan city in the vicinity of Bama mine. To fulfill this goal, 100 compound soil surface samples were collected randomly from the area. The samples were air dried and soil particle size classes 250-500, 125-250, 75-125, 50-75 and <50 μm were determined using appropriate sieves after dispersion of the bulk samples of soil using ultrasonic apparatus. Total Zn, Pb and Cd concentrations were measured using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer after wet digestion of samples in acid nitric. The results indicated significant negative correlation coefficients between heavy metals concentrations of soil particle size classes and soil spectral reflectance in the visible, near infrared and panchromatic bands of Landsat ETM+ satellite. Stepwise multiple regression models were used for estimating heavy metals concentration in soil particle classes through satellite data. Furthermore, spatial distributions of heavy metals were mapped using stepwise multiple regression equations. Results also showed heavy metals concentrations in all soil particle size classes were maximum close to the mines and decreased by increasing the distance from these sources.

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The purpose of this study was to investigate cadmium adsorption through Freundlich and Langmuir equations in sediments of Karun River in three hydrometric stations (5th Ahvaz Bridge, Darkhovin and Khorramshahr) in the low-water and high-water seasons. Fitting of data from experiments on cadmium absorption to Freundlich and Langmuir equation showed they are compatible. According to the conducted experiments, there was a significant difference at 0.01 levels between b coefficient of Langmuir equation with the organic matter percentage and the clay content in both Low and high water seasons, while there was no significant difference between k coefficient of Langmuir equation with the organic matter percentage and the clay content for the two seasons. The results also suggested that there is a significant relationship between Kf of Freundlich equation with the organic matter percentage and clay content, at significant levels of 0.05 and 0.01 for the organic matter percentage and the clay content, respectively. Comparison of the means of low and high water seasons revealed that there is no significant relationship between Langmuir coefficients, whereas in Freundlich equation, a significant difference at 0.01 level was observed between kf coefficients. Generally, the obtained results indicated that cadmium adsorption by sediments in low-water season is higher than high-water season. Also, cadmium adsorption by the 5th Ahvaz Bridge sediments due to the sandy texture was less than those adsorbed by both Darkhovin and Khorramshahr sediments.

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Studying the distribution of Zn in the soils allows investigating their mobility and bioavailability. In this research, 10 calcareous soil samples were selected, and sewage sludge-amended (1% w/w) and -unamended (control) soils were incubated for 1 month. Before planting, fractions of Zn were determined, three seeds of wheat were planted in each pot and after 8 weeks, they were harvested. Results showed that all Zn fractions were increased by sewage sludge addition. Results of pot experiment indicated a significant correlation between Zn concentration in wheat with exchangeable (r=0.92**) and Zn associated with Fe and Mn oxides (r=0.76*) in control soils. In addition, significant correlation coefficient was found between Zn associated with Fe and Mn oxides and Zn uptake index (r=0.86**). Moreover, wheat responses were significantly correlated with Zn exchangeable (r=0.71*- 0.84**) in amended soils. Yield was correlated with Zn associated with carbonates and Zn associated with Fe and Mn 0.69 and 0.75, respectively. Zn uptake index was correlated with Zn associated carbonates (r=0.64*). Therefore, the exchangeable and Zn associated with Fe and Mn oxides in control soils and the exchangeable and Zn associated carbonates and Zn associated with Fe and Mn oxides in amended soils could be used as available fractions of wheat.

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To study the effects of irrigation durations and land slopes on wetting pattern dimensions, some experiments were performed using an emitter with constant discharge of 4 liters per hour by 2, 4, and 6 hours irrigation durations. Experiments were conducted on lands with the slopes of 0, 5, 15 an 25 percent, with silty loam soil texture in 3 replications in Fathali region, Mogan plain, Iran. Results showed that increasing the land slope caused an increment in wetting pattern dimensions and bulk, in constant irrigation durations. When slope increased, the depth of infiltrated water along the emitter had a little decrease which wasn’t significant. The upstream and downstream components of wetting pattern were symmetrical on 0 percent slope but not on steep lands. So, optimizing the water use, which is saved in the soil, depends on the land slope and the crop should be planted 10 to 25 centimeters away from the dripper. The investigation of soil moisture distribution on wetting pattern in slope lands showed that contrary to the flat lands the main part of the moisture is accumulated in lower part of the emitter, and wetting pattern in these sloping lands was larger than in flat lands.

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It is necessary that ETr (Alfalfa-reference evapotranspiration) values be converted to ETo (Grass-reference evapotranspiration) or vice versa. The main objective of this study was to develop ETr to ETo ratios (Kr values) for a growing season in Shahrekord plain, Shahrekord, Iran. Mean monthly and total (growing season) values of Kr were calculated based on 185 daily ET data set in Chaharthakhteh Agricultural Resaerch Station of Shahrekord. The ETr and ETo values were calculated using six models for developing Kr values. The models included the Standardized American Society of civil Engineers Penman-Monteith (ASCE-stPM), American Society of Civil Engineers Penman-Monteith (ASCE-PM), 1982 Kimberly-Penman (KP), and modified Jensen-Haise (JH). Kr values as a function of some of the climatic variables in FAO56 Irrigation and Drainage Paper were compared with lysimeter ETr values. For the growing season, Kr values based on lysimeter study was 1.12, which was comparable to 1.12, and 1.16 for ASCE-PM, and JH, respectively, but was far from 1.27 for 1982 KP models. ETr values in each method compared to ASCE-stPM-ETo were not comparable to 1.40 derived from Kr value based on FAO56 method.

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Landslide as a global disaster causes great human and financial damages. Identification of landslide causes and zonation assist in instability control and construction projects siting. This study aimed to identify landslide causes and instability zonation in Ardal county, Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari province, Iran, using Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). Current landslides were delineated through field survey and interpretation of Earth Google images and geologic maps. By using Digital Elevation Model (DEM), slope, aspect, geologic, soil, distance to faults, distance to roads, distance to rivers and landuse/landcover maps and expert knowledge, the pairwise comparison matrix was designed. The weights for all the involved thematic maps were calculated and susceptible zones were mapped. The hazard map indicated more than 77% of current landslides are located in the severe and very severe hazard classes. Comparing landslide hazard map and trigger maps revealed the most influential factors in landslides are distance to roads and slope maps while distance to faults and aspect show the lowest impacts on landslides.

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Rhizosphere is a small zone and has quite different chemical, physical, and biological properties from bulk soil. This research was performed to study the available Zn and its fractions in the wheat rhizosphere and bulk soils by using rhizobox at greenhouse conditions. Total organic carbon (TOC), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and available Zn using 7 chemical procedures and Zn-fractions were determined in the rhizosphere and bulk soils. The results indicated that TOC, DOC and MBC in the rhizosphere were increased significantly (P<0.01). Zn extracted using several chemical extractants (except 0.01 M CaCl2) in the rhizosphere were significantly (p<0.05) higher than in the bulk soils. Also, concentrations of Zn-fractions (except carbonate-associated) in the rhizosphere were significantly (p<0.05) different from concentrations of Zn-fractions in the bulk soils. Results indicated that correlation between uptake index and extracted Zn using DTPA-TEA and Mehlich 3 were significant (p<0.05). Moreover, significant correlation (p<0.05) between uptake index and exchangeable Zn and Zn associated with iron-manganese in the wheat rhizosphere and bulk soils were found. The results of this research illustrated that available Zn and its fractions in the rhizosphere soils are different from the bulk soils. Therefore, application of the rhizosphere soil would be recommended in the study on these properties after planting.

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The main scope of this research is evaluation of Soil Conservation Service Procedure in derivation of initial abstraction of precipitation in watershed scale. For this purpose Dalaki watershed which is located in south east of Iran was selected then by using hec-hms and GIS models and a number of observed rainfall runoff events some parameters like CN of watershed ,K and X of Muskingam method and initial abstraction of precipitation were calibrated through two different search algorithm of univariate and Nelder & Mead methods. The early results of this research indicated the superiority of Univariate search algorithm over the Nelder&Mead method both in calibration and also validation processes. Then using calibrated CN and Initial abstraction parameters which were derived through Univariate search algorithm, the factor between initial abstraction and potential retention of surface runoff (S) in each of sub basins were estimated. 0.13, 0.43 and 0.19 were derived as the above mentioned factor respectively for Minimum, Maximum and mean of the above mentioned factor in this step of the research which showed an acceptable compatibility to the offered factor of 0.2 by SCS. Then in rainfall runoff modeling process of this watershed SCS offers a reliable method of initial abstraction estimation.

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In order to investigate the cumulative effect of three-year application of municipal solid waste compost (C) and the compost accompanied with chemical fertilizer (CF) on the concentrations of some heavy metals in various organs of rice plant, a field experiment with completely randomized design in three replications was performed in 2009. Treatments were as follows: Control (without C and CF), CF (100 kg urea, 100 kg super phosphate and 100 kg potassium sulphate per ha), 15, 30 and 45 tons of C without CF, 15, 30 and 45 tons of C with 25%, 50% and 75% CF. Results showed that application of compost in three years would increase the amounts of Ni, Pb, Cd and Cr in different organs of rice plant. Also, application of C accompanied with CF increased the amount of Ni, Pb, Cd and Cr in various organs of rice compared to C. The highest concentration of nickel and lead (9.1 and 7.8 mg.kg-1 respectively) were obtained in grains in 45 ton C + 50% CF per ha treatment. Meanwhile, the maximum content of cadmium in grain (1.6 mg.kg-1) in 30 ton C + 75% CF ha-1treatment, and the highest amount of chromium in grain (1.8 mg.kg-1 ) resulted from 30 ton + 25% CF ha-1treatment.

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Sediment yield of watersheds results from different erosional and hydrological processes which make it too complicated to be predicted. Awareness of runoff and sediment yield regimes is useful to better understand the erosional condition of watersheds for management. Therefore, determination of factors controlling hydro-sedimentary response of watersheds is very necessary. For this purpose, ground surveying and measurements of hydrograph and sediment graph were carried out in the representative basin of Khamsan in the uplands of Gavshan dam during 9 months. Finally, relationships between runoff and sediment yield were obtained, then corresponding runoff-sediment events were analyzed. Results showed that 5 events out of 6 occurring runoff events had eight-shaped hysteresis loop and only one event showed clock-wise hysteresis loop. Among them, the highest and lowest flood discharges were attributed to the events of 02.11.2010 and 05.01.2011 with 151488 M3 and 11764.8 M3 Run off, respectively. The study also showed that for this watershed no specific type of loop existed for a particular season. Accordingly, the seasonal patterns could not be attributed to a particular type of loop. Precipitation and runoff characteristics may have also played a role in addition to other factors. Results emphasize the importance of rainfall distribution and rising-falling limbs of hydrograph for the corresponding hysteresis loops in small watersheds.

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Zinc (Zn) is one of the essential micronutrients for plant growth and its deficiency frequently occurs in calcareous soils. But, a suitable extractant for estimation of plant-available Zn in calcareous soils, amended with sewage sludge, has not been presented yet. The aim of this research was to assess several chemical extractants (7 extractants) for estimation of available Zn in calcareous soils amended (1% w/w) and unamended with sewage sludge. Results showed that Mehlich 3 and Mehlich 1 extractants extracted the highest and the lowest concentrations of Zn in both amended and unamended soils, respectively. All wheat indices (wheat yield, Zn concentration and Zn uptake) increased by sewage sludge addition. Besides, the results indicated that in unamended soils, significant correlations were found (r=0.65^*- 0.91^**) between extracted Zn using AB-DTPA, DTPA-TEA and Mehlich 3 extractants and different wheat indices. On the contrary, in sewage sludge-amended soils, only the correlation between extracted Zn using Mehlich 2 and Zn concentration was significant (r=0.83^**). According to this study findings, the suitable extractant for extracting wheat-available Zn is thoroughly different in calcareous soils amended and unamended with sewage sludge.

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In this study, the impact of some organic matters and a moisture super absorbent were investigated on available water and delay of permanent wilting point in a sample soil of Rasht landscape. In incubation stage, 12 Treatments including control (70% v/v soil with 30% of the composted manure) and various amounts of soil, municipal compost, composted manure, olives and rice wastes along with a super absorbent (A₂₀₀) were used in a completely randomized design. In order to provide water-release curve and to determine the amount of moisture needed for Field Capacity (FC) and Permanent Wilting Point (PWP), filter paper method was used. Three treatments having more available moisture and further delay in permanent wilting point in incubation stage were being applied in greenhouse stage, along with the control treatment. In greenhouse stage, impact of treatments and irrigation period (36, 72 and 168 hours) were studied on plant growth of Lysimachia, in a factorial experiment based on randomized complete block design. Results showed that the greatest weight of shoot dry matter was obtained in 30% municipal waste compost treatment and rice wastes treatment in 36 hours irrigation period, but at 168 hours period, dry matter decreased and the greatest dry matter was obtained from superabsorbent treatment. 

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Conventional methods for estimating evapotranspiration are based on point measurement and suitable for local areas, therefore, cannot be generalized for larger areas or watershed basins. The remote sensing technology is capable of using satellite images and meteorological data to estimate evapotranspiration in a wider area. In this study, estimates of evapotranspiration (ET) by SEBAL and METRIC models based on Landsat 7 ETM+ sensor were compared against ET measured by lysimeter on seven satellites passing time over Shahrekord plain located in Karun basin. The results showed that the lowest indices of NRMSE, MAE and MBE (respectively, 0.317, 1.503 and -0.973 mm per day) and the maximum of d index (0.768) belonged to SEBAL. These indices were 0.420, 2.120, 2.023 and 0.646 for METRIC, respectively. The results showed that the SEBAL was more accurate than METRIC model for estimating ET under Shahrekord plain conditions. As long as the possibility of getting complete hourly meteorological data be provided, or some modifications on METRIC model were done, SEBAL show closer results to reality, and therefore is recommended.
 

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This study was designed to investigate the possibility of using the surface energy balance algorithm for land (SEBAL) and mapping evapotranspiration at high resolution with internalized calibration (METRIC) models to estimate evapotranspiration (ET) in Shahrekord  plain (Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari province, Iran). Two sets of Landsat ETM+ data dated June 30^th and August 21^st, 1999 were provided to estimate and compare reference evapotranspiration (alfalfa) at regional scale using Landsat ETM+ data to ET estimations by five mathematical methods (experimental and combined) known as standardized Penman-Monteith by American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE-stPM), Penman-Monteith (F56PM), Blaney-Cridle (F24BC), Hargreaves-Samani (HS) and evaporation pan (F24P). Results showed that ET at cold anchor pixel for SEBAL were 6.97 and 6.77 millimeters per day and for METRIC were 10.27 and 9.31 millimeters per day, on days when the satellite passed over. Hargreaves-Samani ET values, as the suitable mathematical model for the studied area, were 8.0 and 7.5 millimeters per day, respectively, on two satellite passes. Results showed that, in the first pass all statistical indices for SEBAL were less than the second pass, maybe due to higher air temperature and wind speed. On the other way, statistical indices in METRIC on the alternate pass, however, showed higher values over the corresponding values in SEBAL. ET values on two satellite passes for anchor pixels were 5.65 and 5.93 mm/day in SEBAL, and 5.22 and 6.65 mm/day in METRIC, respectively. ET values on the same days of satellite overpass for Hargreaves – Samani (HS) were 8.0 and 7.5 mm/day. Consequently, based on the results, both RS-ET models were comparable to empirical models such as (HS). Generally, the results showed that SEBAL had higher accuracy than METRIC, presumably due to lack of accurate weather data (hourly data), so SEBAL is recommended in similar conditions. Generally, the results showed that SEBAL had higher accuracy in comparison to HS and lysimeters data than METRIC, so SEBAL is recommended in similar conditions.
 
 
 

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The aim of this work was to study distribution of some heavy metals in different soil particle-size fractions and to assess their spatial distribution. The study was carried out in Kafe Moor (Kerman, Iran) where the Gol-Gohar Iron Mine is located. One hundred twenty composite soil samples were randomly collected and transferred to the laboratory in bags. After air-drying, the samples were fractionated into six classes including 2- 0.5, 0.5-0.25, 0.25-0.125, 0.125- 0.075, 0.075-0.05 and <0.05 mm. Elemental concentrations (Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Pb and Ni) were determined using acid digestion method (HNO₃, 4.0 N) and an atomic absorption spectrophotometer in each class. Ordinary Kriging technique was used for predicting spatial distribution of heavy metals. The results showed that content of metals in soil increased with decreasing particle size. The results also showed that the concentration of Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Pb and Ni in <0.05 mm size fraction were 2.13, 1.70, 4.79,2.43, 1.42, and 3.47 times higher than in 2-0.05 mm size fraction, respectively. In addition, mapping the concentrations of heavy metals with kiriging showed that metals pollution decreased with increasing distance from mines area.
 

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