Investigating the Impact of Soil Properties and Gravel Cover on Wind Erosion Intensity in Eastern Isfahan

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the impact of the physicochemical properties of soil and surface gravel cover on wind erosion intensity across different geomorphological units in eastern Isfahan. A total of 27 soil samples were collected from nine different geomorphological units. The physical properties (soil texture, gravel percentage, bulk density, saturation moisture) and chemical characteristics (EC, pH, calcium, magnesium, potassium, calcium carbonate) of the samples were determined. Wind erosion simulation experiments were conducted using a wind tunnel device at three levels of gravel cover (control, 15%, and 30%) and at three wind speed levels (threshold, twice the threshold, and four times the threshold). Data were analyzed using three-way ANOVA and multivariate regression. The results showed that increasing gravel cover percentage significantly reduced wind erosion intensity across all geomorphological units. Higher wind erosion was observed in soils with high clay content and salinity. Multivariate regression analysis indicated that calcium, magnesium, and calcium carbonate had the most significant positive impact on increasing soil resistance to erosion. Additionally, increasing wind speed exponentially raised soil loss, especially in sensitive landforms such as playas and mining areas. The combination of favorable physicochemical properties and surface gravel cover can significantly reduce wind erosion intensity. The findings highlight the necessity of conservation planning based on regional soil characteristics and wind speed for effective desert land management.                                                                                  

Keywords: Wind erosion, gravel cover, soil properties, wind tunnel, geomorphology of eastern Isfahan