Assessment of Soil Redistribution Following Land Rehabilitation with an Apple Orchard in Hilly Regions of Central Iran

Abstract

This study was executed to explore soil redistribution and soil quality changes induced by land degradation and then rehabilitation by orchard plantation in different slope positions in a semi-arid region in central Iran. A total of 72 surface soil samples (0–30 cm) were collected from three land uses (natural rangelands, dryland farming, and apple orchards) in four slope positions (shoulder, backslope, footslope, and toeslope). The soil physicochemical properties and magnetic parameters were measured, and soil redistribution was determined in the selected soil samples using the 137Cs technique. The results showed that rangeland degradation and, subsequently, rainfed cultivation, led to a significant decline in the soil quality indicators, such as soil organic matter (SOM), total nitrogen (TN), available potassium (Kava), and available phosphorous (Pava), thus incurring further soil loss, as determined by the 137Cs technique. Conversely, the conversion and rehabilitation of drylands to apple orchards cultivated on the contour terraces improved soil quality significantly and decreased soil loss (p < 0.05) and soil quality grade (p < 0.01). Additionally, the findings indicated that slope positions relative to land use change had a reasonable impact on the variability of soil properties and soil loss and deposition. The results of 137Cs analysis showed that the drylands had the highest soil loss (185.3 t ha−1 yr−1) and maximum sedimentation (182. 5 t ha−1 yr−1) in the shoulder and footslope positions, respectively. The random forest model applied between 137Cs inventory and soil properties indicated that calcium carbonate equivalent (CCE), TN, Pava, Kava, and bulk density (ρb) could explain 75% of the total variability in 137Cs inventory with high R2 (0.94) and low RMSE (111.29). Magnetic measurements have shown great potential as a cost-effective and fast method for assessing soil redistribution in hilly regions, as confirmed by the findings of the 137Cs analysis, which agreed well with the magnetic susceptibility at low frequency (χlf). Overall, the results confirmed that restoring abandoned dryland by orchard cultivation may improve soil quality and diminish soil loss in the semi-arid region of Iran. However, further research is required to assess other aspects of the ecosystem affected by this restoration.

Economic Analysis of Forest Management for Timber Production and Agricultural Production in Hillside Watershed Areas of Madagascar: A Case Study of the Itasy Region

“…In addition, our findings show that perennial agricultural crops such as oranges and mangoes generate the highest average gross margin (AGM) and are financially attractive options for local farmers. Although managing these fruit tree species may not be as effective in preventing soil erosion and controlling sedimentation as managing forests (Troeh et al, 1999;Liu et al, 2023), several studies have demonstrated that orchard management can reduce soil erosion by increasing the litter layer and improving soil conditions (Montanaro et al, 2017;Ayoubi et al, 2022). Ayoubi et al (2022) indicated that the improvement of soil conditions varies across spatial locations, such as footslope and toeslope, suggesting that growing fruit trees could provide a balanced approach between financial needs and soil erosion control, depending on the slope location.…”

“…However, studies on the effects of orchard management on soil quality are limited (Ayoubi et al, 2022). Future research in this region should further investigate the effects of fruit orchards on soil quality, soil erosion, and sedimentation.…”

Bioindication of Environmental Conditions Using Solar Park Vegetation

“…Vegetation in the landscape fulfills a number of ecosystem functions, such as reducing soil erosion, improving soil health, phytomedical functions, food sources for animals, and aesthetic and cultural functions [71][72][73][74]. Higher species diversity of vegetation is a prerequisite for the successful fulfillment of these functions [75,76].…”

Magnetic Susceptibility Profile, Fe Content and pH Analysis of Apple Orchard Soil and the Relation to Fruit Diameter

“…The properties of soil as the conventional growing media become a significant part of being analyzed since it is related to the nutritional supply for the plants. Studies on soil properties have been widely conducted on various types of planting land (Ayoubi et al, 2022;Lambert et al, 2008;Butnor et al, 2003;Kai & Kubo, 2020). For example, the study on clay mineral and its correlation with potassium formation in the land planted with paddy and other than paddy (Raheb & Heidari, 2011).…”