Controllability of runoff generation and soil loss due to application of different sulfur wastes on a marl soil

In recent years, various studies have been conducted using natural and chemical amendments to reduce runoff and soil loss. However, in many cases, the idea of using special wastes in water and soil conservation has not been considered yet. In this regard, the present study aimed to apply three types of refinery sulfur wastes (i.e., clod, dusty, and mixed with soil) as an additive to evaluate the feasibility of inhibiting soil and water loss on a marl soil from the Marzanabad-Kandolus Region. The experiments were conducted in the Rainfall and Soil Erosion Simulation Laboratory of Tarbiat Modares University between February and July 2021. The study was conducted at a small plot scale with dimensions of 0.5×0.5×0.3 m in three replications. Three levels of one, two, and four g m-2 of any sulfur waste were applied to plots nested on a slope of 25% and subjected to a design rain with an intensity of 70 mm.h-1 and a duration of 30 min. The results showed that the total volume of runoff was significantly (P≤0.04) decreased due to the application of all three levels of sulfur wastes. The different types of sulfur wastes (i.e., clod, dust, and mixed with soil) also had a significant effect (P≤0.03) on runoff volume. Besides, the interaction between application level and type of sulfur waste was more significant (P≤0.00). The application of different levels of sulfur wastes significantly reduced (P≤0.02) soil loss. At the same time, types of sulfur wastes had a non-significant effect (P ≥ 0.06) on soil loss reduction. However, the interaction effect of level and type of sulfur wastes on soil loss reduction was significant (P ≤ 0.01) due to positive impacts of sulfur on quality and hydrologic behavior of the soil. Finally, it is concluded that the consumption of sulfur waste in each level or type is confirmed, preferentially use of 2 g m-2 of dust sulfur.