The Effect of reclamation of salt affected lands to Cropland on soil quality indicators

In this study the effects of land use change from salt affected land to cropland on soil quality indicators were studied in Chahafzal region, Yazd province, central Iran. Composite soil samples from 0-30 and 30-60 cm depths of saline and cultivated land were taken. Soil particle size distribution, calcium carbonate, Available water capacity (AWC), Electrical conductivity (ECe), Soil reaction (pH), Sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) and concentration of soluble ions were determined. Results showed that land use changes from saline to arable lands resulted in a significant reduction of sand, ECe, pH and SAR due to land use changes in region studied. The silt, clay and AWC Increased due to land use changes. The amount of calcium carbonate in both soil depths did not change substantially. Overall, it is concluded that a change in land use from salt affected land to croplands with widespread agricultural practices, specifically intensive tillage activities, may lead to enhanced physical and chemical properties of soil, which could result in increased soil quality.