JWSS - Journal of Water and Soil Science

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Soil structure maintenance and stability is an important index indicating sustainable soil management. In this regard, components such as soil moisture and organic matter affect soil compactibility during farm machinery trafficking. Soils in Central Iran are commonly very low in organic matter (OM) and thus susceptible to compaction. This study was conducted to measure the effects of soil moisture content and manure application on soil compactibility. A randomized complete block design with four blocks (replicates) with the treatments nested (split-block) into the blocks was used in the soil (Typic Haplargids), located in Isfahan University of Technology Research Farm (Lavark). One-year aged manure treatments 0, 50, and 100 t ha^-1 were incorporated into soil up to the tillage depth (20 cm) by a heavy disc. After five months (July-November), a two-wheel-drive tractor Universal Model U-650 was passed through the field at soil moisture contents of plastic limit (PL), 80% PL (0.8PL), and 60% PL (0.6L), either once (P1) or twice (P2). Bulk density (BD), cone index (CI), and soil sinkage (S) were measured as indices of soil compactibility and trafficability. Adding manure countered the effects of load and wetness on BD and CI, significantly. There was a significant difference between the effects of 50 and 100 t ha^-1 of manure on BD but not on CI. Manure application reduced soil sinkage at high moisture contents (PL) but increased it at low moisture contents (0.6PL). Adding manure also reduced the BD and CI of subsoil. Repeating the passage of tractor (P2) increased compaction significantly. The significant increase in BD and CI did no occur at 0.6PL. When no manure was applied even at 0.6PL, there were limitations for trafficability, whereas this limit for 50 t ha^-1 treatment was reached at 0.8PL. Results from this study indicate that the manure application at a rate of 50 t ha^-1 reduces soil compactibility and increases soil moisture trafficability range.

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A field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of sewage sludge and of time lapse after sludge application on soil physical properties. Four sewage sludge treatments (0, 25, 50, and 100 ton/ha) in a complete randomized block design with three replications were applied and mixed to a depth of 20 cm. Wheat was planted and soil physical properties were measured 23, 85, 148, and 221 days after sewage sludge application. Sewage sludge application significantly increased MWD, hydraulic conductivity, final infiltration rate, moisture percentage at 1/3 and 15 bars, and plant available soil moisture, while it significantly decreased soil bulk density. In general, the best results obtained with the 100 ton/ha sewage sludge treatment. Time lapse after sewage sludge application caused soil physical properties to approach the values of the control. However, even 221 days after sludge application, the 50 and 100 ton/ha treatments had significantly different values compared with the control treatment. The results in this research show that sewage sludge can help to improve soil physical conditions and this effect persists over long periods. This effect is specially important with plant available soil moisture and infiltration.

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In order to investigate the effects of different nitrogen fertilizer levels and water stress during milky and dough stages on grain yield, yield components and water use efficiency of corn hybrid SC 704 (late maturing, non prolific and dent type), a field study was conducted. The factorial design of the study comprised of a randomized complete block with four replications. Four levels of nitrogen fertilizer (0, 92, 184 and 276 kg/ha nitrogen) along with three levels of irrigation (water stress imposed at milky stage, dough stage and a season-long optimum irrigation) were used as treatments. Results showed that water stress during milky and dough stages significantly decreased grain yield and thousand kernel weight. Also, effect of nitrogen fertilizer on grain yield, kernel number per ear, kernel weight per ear and thousand kernel weight was significant. Maximum grain yield was produced with 276 kg/ha nitrogen, although no significant differences were found among 92, 184 and 276 kg/ha nitrogen levels. Regarding water use efficiency during water stress, maximum efficiency was observed at milky stage but, as water stress declined with optimum irrigation, water use efficiency decreased.

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This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of whey via drinking water on broiler chicken performance. In a completely randomized design, whey at levels of zero, 10, 20, 40, 80, and 100% of drinking water was used for 47 days. 720 day-old broilers (Ross) were divided into 24 groups, 30 chicks per group and each experimental treatment was given to four replicates from 7-54 days of age. The whey was supplied freshly. The chicks had free access to feed and water during the experimental period. All chicks were fed with starter, grower, and finisher diets. Chicks in all pens were weighed and their feed consumption was calculated at 21, 42 and, 54 days of age. At the end of the experiment, two males and two females from each pen were selected, killed and their carcass, abdominal fat, pancreas, liver and ileum were weighed. Ileal contents of each pen were collected and pooled and kept at -20^oC for bacterial count. The litter moisture content of each pen was determined at days 21 and 42. Body weight, daily body weight gain, feed conversion, and litter moisture were significantly (P<0.01) affected by whey levels. These indices decreased as a result of consuming whey by more than 40% feed conversion, however, increased. Percentage of carcass decreased significantly (P<0.01) due to consumption of 80 and 100% whey. Percentages of abdominal fat, liver, and pancrease were not significantly affected by the amount of whey. Percentage of ileum increased and showed significant (P<0.05) difference with control group. The regression equations for body weight and daily body weight gain, feed conversion and litter moisture in all ages, were significant (P<0.05) and polynomial. This indicated that consumption of whey by more than 40% caused reduction in broiler performance. No significant differences were observed in ileal contents of Lactobacillus and Entrobacteria due to different levels of whey, but total bacteria in ileum contents increased significantly (P<0.01) as whey content in drinking water increased.

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To obtain soil-moisture characteristic curve experimentally is time-consuming and usually subject to considerable errors. So, many investigators have tried to predict soil-moisture characteristic curve by different models. One of these models predicts soil moisture characteristic curve based on soil particle size distribution and bulk density. In this model, soil particle size distribution curve is divided into a number of segments, each with a specific particle radius and cumulative particle mass greater than that of the radius. Using these data, soil-moisture characteristic curve was estimated. In this model, a scale factor, α, is used which may be considered as a constant, or obtained by logistic or linear procedures. The average values of α for clay, silty clay, sandy loam, two loam soils, and two silty clay loam soils were 1.159, 1.229, 1.494, 1.391, 1.393, 1.253 and 1.254, respectively. For most conditions, soil particle size distribution curve is not available, but only the percentages of clay, silt, and sand could be obtained using soil textural data, which is not enough to draw a precise soil particle size distribution curve. In this situation, a precise soil particle size distribution curve must be initially developed on the basis of which the soil moisture characteristic curve can be predicted. In this study, using soil textural data of seven different soils, soil moisture characteristic curve of each was estimated. In these estimations, logistic and linear methods were used to obtain the α value. Then, the results were compared with those of measured soil moisture characteristic curve. For estimation of soil particle size distribution curve, two extreme values for soil particle radius, 125 and 999 m, were used. The results indicated that using particle radius of 999 µm is more appropriate. On the other hand, it was found that for clay, silty clay, and sitly clay loam texture, it is more appropriate to employ a linear equation to determine for estimating soil-moisture characteristic curve while the logistic equation can be more appropriately used for loam and sand loam textures.

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The objective of this study was to evaluate effects of cow manure on soil hydraulic properties and bromide leaching in a sandy loam soil (coarse loamy mixed, Typic Torrifluvents). Manure was applied at 0, 30, and 60 tha^-1 at three replications in a completely random design. Three months after manure application potassium bromide (KBr) at rate of 300 Kg ha^-1 Br was uniformly applied on the surface. Soil bulk density, porosity, organic matter, and soil moisture at18 levels of matric potentials were determined. Soil samples to the depth of 105 cm at 15-cm increments were collected after 100, 200 and 400 mm of irrigation. Soil bulk density, porosity, organic matter content, and soil moisture at different levels of matric potential increased significantly with manure application. Manure application also significantly affected the hydraulic parameters. Bromide leaching was significantly lower in plots with manure application and the greatest leaching occurred at the zero manure application treatment. The center of mass evaluation indicated a relatively similar result with measured values.

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Due to the feeding on prickly shrub of Astragalus adscendes by an insect (Cyamophila dicora Loginva), a kind of the manna named Gaz-angubin is produced which it’s harvesting has a long history in Isfahan province. This manna is exclusively produced in Isfahan, Iran. In this research, a map of spatial distribution of this prickly shrub was provided. By random-systematic sample of line transects, biological criteria such as insect density, canopy coverage, branch and the soil moisture were measured. Multiple linear regression and nested design were used to analyses the response and predictor variables. The results indicated that the prickly shrub of Astragalus adscendens occupied the wet parts of mountainous areas of Isfahan and density of insect is highly related to the age, canopy coverage and soil moisture. By increasing the age of prickly shrub, the densities of insect are also increased. Regression analysis showed that the age of plant are more important in two areas of Kloseh and Lashokhm, while in Dareh-sibe area, soil moisture and the moisture of branches are more important. In other words, when the moisture is enough (e.g. Kloseh and Lashokhm areas), the age of plant has the paramount effects on insect density but when the area was suffered from drought, branches and soil moisture are more important.

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To evaluate seed germination and seedling growth of safflower in moisture stress, germination of 15 genotypes at four water potential levels (ψ: 0, -0.4, -0.8 and –1.2 Mpa) was tested by Polyethylene glycol (PEG6000). Maximum germination (Gmax), germination rate index (GRI), time length to reach 50% germination (T₅₀), rootlet length (RL) and shootlet length (SL) were investigated. Effects of water potential levels and genotypes were significant for all the characteristics studied. Minimum water potential for germination was estimated between –1.17 and –1.59 Mpa in Goshkhani and LRV-51-51 genotypes, respectively. Different responses to moisture stress were found for rootlet length. In lower potential levels, seedlings had longer, weaker and thiner rootlets in comparison to the zero water potential (control). An increase in stress to –1.2 Mpa led to a severe reduction in rootlet elongation. All stress levels decreased GRI and SL, while potentials lower than –0.4 Mpa decreased Gmax. With a decrease in water potential from 0 to –0.8 Mpa, the T₅₀�stage was delayed three-fold compared to the control. Exotic genotypes had longer T₅₀ stage than Iranian genotypes. The highest GRI was related to three Iranian genotypes LRV-51-51, Varamin 295, and Isfahan local, and the lowest was related to CW-74 exotic genotype. Some of genotypes were evaluated for seed yield, oil yield and seed oil percentage under rainfed condition in 2004-05. The highest oil yield average belonged to two exotic genotypes PI- 537598 and Lesaf (326.4 and 313.9 Kg/ha, respectively) and the least was related to Zarqhan 279 Iranian genotype (133.2 Kg/ha). Negative and significant correlation was observed between seed oil percentage and GRI in the 0, -0.8 Mpa potential levels. According to the results, the existing genetic variation for germination parameters can be used for genetic improvement of seed early vigor in safflower.

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Rapid drying can increase brittleness of and induce internal cracks in the grain which predispose the product to breakage during subsequent activities. To fully understand the drying process requires an accurate description of the drying mechanism. Kernel equilibruim moisture content (EMC) is a property strongly related to agricultural products drying phenomena. Its accurate prediction can lead to optimisation of drying processes, especially in highly automated computer aided drying systems. In this study, a finite element formulation and solution of a set of coupled conductive heat and diffusive moisture transfer equations, to improve grain drying simulation of axisymmetric bodies are presented. Axisymmetric linear triangular elements with two degrees of freedom per node are used to discretize the rice grain in model for different equilibrium moisture content (from 7.5 to 0.12 d.b.%). For the purpose of this study, one medium grain, ‘Sepidrod CV.’, was used. During the thin layer drying, the drying air temperature of 69 °C and initial moisture content of 17.23 d.b.%, were adopted. A high relation has been observed when the output of model with 11.5 d.b.% EMC was compared to experimental data obtained by others. The least and most root mean square error analysis (RMSE) calculated for models at different EMC with experimental data were 0.0091 and 0.1025. The least and most mean relative deviation modulus were 1.394 and 5.129, respectively. Considering the mean errors of the models in relation to the obtained experimental data, the equilibrium moisture content for 11.5 d.b gave the best result.

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This research was conducted at Research Farm of Isfahan University of Technology to examine the relations among phonologic, morphologic and physiologic traits and their effects on grain yield of 20 oat (Avena sativa L.) genotypes. A randomized complete block design with three replications was used in each irrigation treatment (i.e. irrigation after 70±3, and 130±3 mm evaporation from class A pan). Grain yield had significant and positive correlations with harvest index and relative water content (RWC) in both irrigation treatments and with plant height at maturity in non-stress condition. Also, grain yield had significant and negative correlation with days to heading. Factor analyses resulted in three factors in each condition, which were named yield factor, phenologic factor and sink factor in both conditions. Based on stepwise regression, harvest index was the first character which entered the grain yield model in both conditions. At the next step, RWC and plant height entered the model, with harvest index explaining 66% and 64% of yield variation in stress and non-stress conditions, respectively. The results of path analysis in both conditions showed that harvest index had the highest positive direct effect on grain yield. The highest indirect negative effects through number of grain per panicle were obtained for the harvest index and panicle m-2 in stress and non-stress conditions, respectively.

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  Soil particle size distribution and bulk density are used for estimating soil-moisture characteristic curve. In this model, soil particle size distribution curve is divided into a number of segments, each with a specific particle radius and cumulative percentage of the particles greater than that radius. Using these data, soil-moisture characteristic curve is estimated. In the model a scale factor, a , is used which may be considered as a constant, or obtained by logistic or linear procedures. F or most conditions, soil particle size distribution curve is not available, but only the percentages of clay, silt and sand could be obtained using soil textural data. In this situation, at first a precise soil particle size distribution must be developed, based on which the soil-moisture characteristic curve can be predicted. According to the previous studies, using particle radius of 999 µ m is more appropriate than radius 125 µ m. Also, adjusted coefficients for estimating soil particle size distribution curve for radii 1 to 20  µ m was obtained. In this study, using the soil textural data of 19 different soils from UNSODA database, soil-moisture characteristic curve of each was estimated with logistic and linear methods based on initial and adjusted soil particle size distribution estimation. The estimated values were compared with the measured data. The results indicated that for most soils, using the combination of logistic and adjusted particle size distribution estimation procedures is more appropriate than the previous methods.

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In order to investigate the effects of moisture stress, nitrogen fertilizer, manure and integrated nitrogen and manure fertilizer on yield, yield components and water use efficiency of SC 704 corn (late maturing, non-prolific and dent). In 2005, a field study was conducted in agricultural experiment station of the college of agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University. The type of design was randomized complete block with factorial arrangement and three replications. For the study, four levels of nitrogen fertilizer (0, 92, 184 and 276 kg N ha-1), integrated fertilizer (46 kg N ha-1 + 2/5 ton ha-1 FYM, 92 kg N ha-1 + 5 ton ha-1 FYM and 138 kg N ha-1 +7/5 ton ha-1 FYM ) and organic Farm Yard Manure (5, 10 and 15 ton ha-1 FYM ) along with three levels of irrigation (optimum irrigation (control), water stress 75% optimum irrigation and water stress 50% optimum irrigation) were used as treatments. The results showed maximum seed yield was produced with 92 kg N ha-1 + 5 ton ha-1 FYM and average of seed yield was 7976 kg ha-1. Maximum corn seed yield resulted when optimum irrigation water was applied and average seed yield was 7041 kg ha-1. When water stress was imposed in 50% and 75% of optimum irrigation, seed yield was decreased by 33 and 12%, respectively. The best seed yield was obtained with interaction of 5 ton ha-1 FYM and optimum irrigation. Also, maximum water use efficiency was obtained in using 50% of optimum irrigation. Maximum water use efficiency was obtained with interaction of 92 kg N ha-1 + 5 ton ha-1 FYM and imposition of water stress in 50% optimum irrigation. Results showed that adequate nitrogen fertilizer slightly increased corn seed yield under stress, and integrated (nitrogen and manure) fertilizer increased corn seed yield under stress. But seed yield greatly increased with optimum irrigation. Integrated fertilizer application increased seed yield even with severe moisture stress. Application of integrated chemical fertilizers and manure produced better seed yield and also decreased the amount of chemical fertilizers and improved soil physical and chemical characteristics.

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Date fruit as a high calorie and valuable food source can be one of the main Iranian agricultural commodities for export, if properly processed and packed. The aim of this study was to process Kabkaab date variety from Routab (high moisture dates) to Tamar (known as dates or dry dates) using an industrial cabinet dryer. The Routab samples were dried using hot air at 56, 66, 76, 86 and 96 ˚C and changes in weight, moisture, pH, colour, texture and density of the dried samples were monitored. The results indicated that at 56 and 66 ˚C, drying rate was too low to be economic for an industrial process. At 86 and 96 ˚C the drying rate was high, although quality factors like colour was not acceptable. Therefore 76 ˚C is recommended as the best temperature for drying dates fruit. Moisture range of 24-27% (db) was the critical moisture level where a sharp decrease was observed in drying rate. Textural experiments of dates fruits with a wide range of moisture contents showed that above 30% moisture the hardness does not change with moisture level however, below 30% a small change in moisture can have a considerable impact on texture.

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The microbial and enzyme activity in different points within cheese and quality of final product are determined by local concentrations of salt and moisture in aqueous phase. To predict the evolution of moisture content in different layers of the Iranian white cheese during brining, constant and variable moisture diffusion coefficients were determined using experimental moisture time–dependent concentration-distance profiles. These experimental profiles for Iranian white cheese were obtained in rectangular samples, ensuring semi-infinite unidirectional mass transfer within saturated solution of sodium chloride at different temperatures (6, 14, 19, 24 °C) and brining times (6, 24, 48 h). Results showed that moisture diffusivity increases with increasing temperature and moisture content in cheese aqueous phase. The variation of the moisture effective diffusivity as a function of temperature was represented by the Arrhenius’s relation. Finally, the relation of diffusivity with moisture content and temperature was developed. The predicted diffusivity values using the developed model showed a good agreement with the experimental values by using Boltzman variable method.

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This study was conducted in Research Farm of Isfahan University of Technology to evaluate some of the agronomic and physiological traits and grain yield potentials of ten bread wheat cultivars using a split plot design with three replications. Main and sub plot consisted of optimum and stress moisture treatments (irrigation after 70±3 and 130±3 mm evaporation from class A pan) and wheat cultivars, respectively. The results of analysis of variance revealed significant effect of moisture treatments on all traits except 1000-grain weight, harvest index, specific leaf weight, assimilate redistribution and difference of peduncle weights at heading. Significant differences were found among genotypes in the stress condition except for chlorophyll b and chlorophyll a to b ratio. Significant differences were detected among genotypes in optimum moisture condition for all characters, except for chlorophyll b, chlorophyll a to b ratio, harvest index and assimilate redistribution. Grain yields in two moisture conditions had significant positive phenotypic and genetic correlations with harvest index, number of grain/spike, RWC, chlorophyll a and sum of chlorophylls a and b and had significant negative correlation with RWL. Significant positive correlation was observed between peduncle weight at heading stage and difference of peduncle weights at stages heading and maturity with grain yield and RWC in moisture stress condition. The results of path analysis for phenotypic correlation coefficients between grain yield and their corresponding traits in the regression model showed that in stress condition harvest index had the highest direct and positive effect on grain yield and in non stress condition chlorophyll a had the highest direct and positive effect on grain yield. Results of stepwise regression analysis in non stress condition revealed that chlorophyll a, plant height and harvest index explained more than 90% of grain yield variability. Based on stepwise regression analysis in non stress condition, RWL, harvest index and RWC explained 95% of grain yield variability.

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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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Direct measurement of soil unsaturated hydraulic conductivity (K(h) or K(θ)) is difficult and time-consuming, and often in many applied models, predicting hydraulic conductivity is carried out according to measurements of soil retention curve and saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks). However, using KS as a matching point in many procedures may result in over-estimation of unsaturated hydraulic conductivity in dry regions. Therefore, the unsaturated hydraulic conductivity at inflection point of retention curve (Ki) and Ks was used as a matching point to predict K(h). For measurement of K(h), 30 soil samples were collected based on variety of soil texture (8 texture classes from sandy to clay) and other chemical and physical properties. In addition to Ks, K(θ) values of undisturbed samples were measured using multi-step outflow method at matric suctions of 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.5 0.7, 1 bar and inflection point of retention curve by using hanging water column and pressure plate. Then, the measured K(h), and water diffusivity (D(θ)) values were compared to the predicted values of van Genuchten and Brooks and Corey models (with Mualem and Burdine constraint). The results showed that for 80% of the samples, the van Genuchten–Mualem model with Ki was the best model for predicting K(h) (i.e. using Ki as a matching point in the van Genuchten–Mualem model resulted in best fitting to measured data). Also, in 6.7 % of samples (two sandy clay samples), Brooks and Corey-Mualem model with Ki and in 13.3 % soil samples (2 silty clay and 2 silty clay loam samples), van Genouchten–Mualem model had a best fitting to K(h) measured data. Furthermore, in 20 % samples (4 clay loam, and 2 silt loam textures), the accuracy and efficiency of van Genuchten–Mualem with Ki and van Genuchten–Mualem models in predicting K(h) were almost similar. According to t-Student test, the mean of RMSE and GSDER of van Genuchten–Mualem model with Ki was significantly less than van Genuchten–Mualem model at P < 0.01. In 90 percent of samples, van Genuchten-Mualem and Brooks and Corey-Burdine theory had the best fitting to the measured data of water diffusivity, but in some cases van Genuchten-Burdine model with Ki was the best model for predicting D(θ).

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Hydraulic conductivity is an important parameter in the design of geotechnical structures such as earth dam, floor construction, retaining walls and environmental structures. In unsaturated soils, hydraulic conductivity is a function of moisture content and soil water suction i.e. soil moisture characteristic curve. In this study, the values of unsaturated hydraulic conductivity in two soil types (Ramjerdi and Molasadra core dam series) at 5 different compactions using Gardner method were measured. Then, the unsaturated hydraulic conductivity was estimated by different models using the soil moisture characteristic curve and was compared with measured values. The results showed that Fredlund and Xing models predict the soil moisture characteristic curves more accurately compared with van Genuchten model. For Ramjerdi soil series and up to nearly 0.25 volumetric water content, (VGM) and (FM) models indicated a good estimation for unsaturated soil conductivity. Also, for Molasadra core dam none of the models resulted in acceptable estimations for unsaturated hydraulic conductivity.

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The purpose of this study was to measure daily and seasonal evapotranspiration and daily crop coefficient of two common varieties of sunflower (Sirna and Euroflor) via drip-tape irrigation system. For this purpose, the sunflower water use was determined by daily monitoring of soil moisture at the depths of 10, 20, 30, 40 and 60 cm, and the crop evapotranspiration (ETC) was measured using volume balance method. According to the equation recommended by FAO, the obtained value of KC for Euroflor and Sirna varieties at the initial stage was 0.32. According to volume balance method, the Euroflor KC value for development, middle, and late stages were found to be 0.75, 1.18 and 0.9 and for Sirna were found to be 0.72, 1.15 and 0.84 respectively. Seasonal amount of evapotranspiration for Euroflor and Sirna varieties was equal to 601 and 575 mm, which was 26 and 30 percent less than seasonal ET0 in Isfahan. The average value of during the sunflower growing season was 0.77, which was greater than that offered by Doorenbose and Pruitt (0.55). As the crop coefficients of two varieties were different during the growing season and they were also different from FAO KC, measuring the actual amount of KC as a function of growing degree days can increase the accuracy of the estimated ETc and help develop the crop models in order to improve the irrigation management.

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One of the major problems associated with petroleum-contaminated soils is water repellency, especially in arid regions of the world. Hence, a variety of methods such as clay addition has been proposed to improve the hydrophobicity of soils. This research was conducted to evaluate the influence of zeolite application on water repellency of an oil-contaminated soil from Khuzestan Province under various treatments including initial soil moisture content (0, 10, 20, and 30 weight %), the amount of applied zeolite (2, 4 and 8 weight %), size (25-53 and <2 μm), and exchangeable cation (Sodium and Calcium). The hydrophobicity of soil sample was determined using Water Drop Penetration Time (WDPT) method. The results showed that by increasing the amount of applied mineral WDPT decreased, where the application of 2 percent of zeolite led to the reduction of WDPT by about 27 percent less than the control. The results also indicated that soils treated with sodium-saturated zeolite had less WDPT than the calcium-treated samples, where the average of WDPT in sodium and calcium treatments decreased by 23% and 5% compared with the control, respectively. The initial moisture content of 30 percent showed the best performance with the decreasing WDPT of about 67 percent. Furthermore, the effect of mineral particle sizes showed a meaningless reduction in WDPT.