Document Type : Research
Authors
1
M.Sc. student of Combating Desertification, Department of Range and Watershed Management, Faculty of Agriculture, Ilam University, Iran
2
Department of Range and Watershed Management, Faculty of Agriculture, Ilam University, Iran
3
Associate Professor, Department of Forest Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Ilam University, Iran
4
Ph.D. of Watershed Management, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Iran
10.22092/wmrj.2024.364885.1575
Abstract
Introduction and Objective
Soil is one of the most important components of the earth and has a number of functions and ecosystem services that are essential for sustainable life on the planet. Soil loss due to erosion occurs almost all over the world and reduces the productivity of natural ecosystems such as forests, pastures, and agricultural lands. The present study investigated the role of rainfall duration on runoff and soil nutrients under different plant species in Chogha Sabz Park, Ilam Province.
Materials and Methods
In this study the amount of runoff was determined in afforested stands (Cupressus sempervirens), natural Quercus brantii Lindl. forest, and control treatment based on the representative stand principle in burned and unburned conditions. The rainfall simulator was installed in a 2 m2 plot during 15 and 30 min of rainfall with a constant intensity of 80 mm/h. This study investigated the effect of species type on the amount of runoff, sediment, and nutrients. The basic characteristics, including soil texture, litter depth, and pH, were also measured and the results were analyzed using one-way variance test and average comparison.
Results and Discussion
By examining the runoff of the fire treatment plots and comparing the types of prescribed fire areas at different time intervals, it was found that the fire caused an increase in the amount of runoff at different time periods. Therefore, during the 30-min period in the control treatment with about 17 liters, this increase was significant compared to the two treatments of Cupressus sempervirens and Quercus brantii Lindl. In addition, the highest amount of total sediment in the 30-min period was 108.15 g for the control treatment and the lowest amount was 52.64 g for the coniferous species of Cupressus sempervirens. In the unburned condition, according to the location of the area and the role of various factors on the amount of runoff and sediment, it was found that the maximum amount of runoff in the unburned area was in the period of 30 and 15 mins, corresponding to the control treatment about 17 and 5 liters, respectively. The relationship between runoff and sediment output from erosive plots showed similar trends, and sediment also increased with increase of runoff.
Conclusion and Suggestions
According to the results, any change in natural areas, such as fire, can increase the runoff and cause the soil nutrient loss. According to the results, it is suggested to consider some other factors such as soil additives for evaluation of their effect on soil comparison and desired factors.
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