Application of Steel Slag for Stabilizing Erodible Soils (Case study: Harand Area)

Wind erosion and sedimentation include detachment, transportation and deposition of soil particles by wind. To increase stability of soil surface and for soil conservation against wind erosion, artificial covers can be used, along with vegetation cover. Among artificial covers, one can use industrial residuals. Steel slag is a by-product of iron and steel industries which is produced in massive amount in Isfahan and contains valuable combinations and material. The study area is Harand plain in east of Isfahan which is one of the most critical erosion sites in Isfahan province. The experiment treatments included thicknesses at 2 levels (1 & 2 layers), cover percentage at 4 levels (25, 50, 75 and 100 percent), graining at 3 diameter levels (15-30, 30-45& 45-60 mm), wind velocity at 7 levels and their reciprocal effects. Test took place with 4 factorial replications and by completely random design, and then data got analyzed with Duncan & ANOVA tests in SPSS 15 and Excel. The results showed that steel slag increased the surface coarseness and therefore can control the erosion. Increasing area cover, size and graining of mulch, decline the soil loss. However there was no significant difference between the numbers of applied layers. It is citable that simultaneous increase in area percentage, size and diameter of slag decline the soil loss as well. According to the results, slag mulch can be used for erodible sediments control with 50% density, 30-45 mm graining and in one layer.