Document Type : Research Paper

20.1001.1.2008479.1402.54.2.1.3

• soil erosion and conservation

EXTENDED ABSTRACT

Introduction

Soil is the primary source of food production, as about 99% of food is produced by soil. Water erosion is one of the most critical types caused by the mutual response of climate, surface runoff, soil, topography, vegetation, land management, and conservation practices. In recent years, various studies have been conducted using natural and chemical amendments to reduce runoff and soil loss. However, the idea of using special wastes in water and soil conservation has yet to be considered in many cases. The present study aimed to apply three types of refinery sulfur wastes (i.e., clod, dusty, and mixed with soil) as an amendment to evaluate the feasibility of inhibiting soil and water loss on marl soil. In the current research, a comparative study of the impact of runoff components and soil loss in laboratory conditions was considered from the addition of refinery sulfur waste. The present research will provide the necessary platform for determining the proper form and amount of sulfur waste additive consumption in the form of pieces, dust, and with soil in controlling erosion in natural resources ecosystems.

Methods and Materials

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.

Results and Discussion

The results showed that the total runoff volume was significantly (P≤0.04) decreased due to applying all three levels of sulfur waste. 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). Applying different levels of sulfur waste significantly reduced soil loss (P≤0.02). 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 the level and type of sulfur wastes on soil loss reduction was significant (P ≤ 0.01) due to the positive impacts of sulfur on the quality and hydrologic behavior of the soil.

Conclusions

The successful results of the present research confirmed the use of the studied sulfur wastes in reducing runoff and soil loss. Based on this, the consumption of refinery sulfur wastes as a surface additive in the conservation of water and soil resources is suggested due to the extent of marls in the country and its easy use through aerial spraying or other machinery. 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.