Conservation Agriculture

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study investigates the effects of land management practices and vegetation cover on soil erosion rates in the Mashhad Plain, Northeast Iran. METHODS: By employing the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for spatial analysis, the research reveals significant variability in soil erosion risks based on agricultural practices. FINDINGS: Results indicated that conservation practices notably reduce soil loss rates across various crops. For instance, wheat fields experienced a 41.2% decrease in soil loss from 10.80 to 6.35 tons per hectare per year (t ha-1 yr-1), while sugar beet, potato, maize, and alfalfa saw reductions of 34.9%, 33.4%, 37.3%, and 35.1%, respectively. The study also identified high soil erodibility in 5.37% of the area, with K-factor values ranging from 0.390 to 0.485 t ha-1 MJ-1 mm-1, and noted improved soil stability under alfalfa cultivation due to its perennial nature. Furthermore, the integration of USLE's C and P factors within a GIS framework elucidates the substantial impact of management practices and vegetation changes on soil erosion. These findings emphasize the importance of tailored conservation strategies to mitigate soil erosion, optimize land management, and sustain long-term environmental health. CONCLUSION: The research advocates for a meticulous evaluation of agricultural strategies, aligning them with the unique geographical and vegetative attributes of the area, to enhance soil preservation and productivity. This comprehensive approach contributes to the prioritization of watershed interventions, ultimately fostering sustainable development in rural landscape management.