Journal of Rangeland

Flood spreading has been identified as an effective method to improve soil fertility, recharging groundwater, restoring vegetation condition and combating desertification. Identifying the rate of changes under this treatment has great value for restoration programs. The purpose of this study was to study the effects of flood irrigation on the soil properties in Band-E-Alikhan area in Varamin. The study area is located in south part of Varamin, north of Masileh Plain and Salt Lake coast in Qom. Mixed soil samples were collected from the first, middle and the last plots established along the five transects with 50 meters length in both treated and control sites. Soil samples were also collected and compared from under canopy and bare soils in flood spreading area. Results of T test showed that the average percentage of organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and saturated water content and silt were increased and electrical conductivity, soil bulk density and clay content were decreased in flood spreading area compared to control site. Results also indicated that electrical conductivity, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, saturated water content, sand and clay content were increased and silt percentage was decreased under plant canopy compared to the bare soil areas. Therefore, it can be stated that establishing flood spreading system in the region has gradually increased the soil fertility.