Evaluation of the Parsian Mulch and Polyacrylamide Impact on the Runoff Generation and Sediment Yield of Sandy Loam Soils with Gypsum Base

The estimation of the amount of water flow through intact soils, sedimentary deposits or compacted soils is one of the most important issues in field operations. Because, the consolidation and dissolution of substances in soil, infiltration rate and surface runoff vary through the time. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes of runoff and sediment production in gypsiferous soils using rainfall simulator in the Arayez plain, Khuzestan province. The treatments consisted of natural soil (Control), polyacrylamide at two levels 3 and 6 grams per square meter (P3 and P6, respectively) and Parsian mulch (Pc) that were conducted in sandy loam soil with three replications. The rainfall intensities were set up with 32 and 50 mm per hour in slopes 7.5 and 12.5 percent. For statistical comparisons, split split plot design was used. Results highlighted that sediment produced only in control treatment. The investigation of runoff changes in different treatments indicated that the use of mulch P3, P6 and Pc, in most cases, increased runoff volume compared to control treatment. Statistical comparison of the total amount of runoff indicated that control, mulch P3, P6 and Pc treatments had significant differences with each other. Moreover, results revealed that amount of sediment in Control, P3, P6 and Pc treatments had a significant differences and P3, P6 and Pc treatments had not produced any sediment and belonged to one group.