Temporal changes of runoff generation and soil loss during the growth season of rainfed chickpea (A case study: in Tikmeh- dash research station, East Azerbaijan)

Proper information concerning the temporal changes of soil loss and runoff generation during growth season is not only valuable in soil conservation programing but could also be used in soil erosion and runoff estimation models. This study was conducted to investigate soil loss and runoff generation trend within in different sowing rates during growth season in erosion plots of Tikmeh- dash research station. The study was performed in a randomized complete block design of with three cultivation densities of 30, 35 and 40 kg per hectare of rain fed chickpea in three replications, and the resultant data were analyzed in a split plot of time design. The plots were plowed on April 6 2013, then, the seeds placed at a depth of approximately 5 cm of soil. During the growing season, the generated runoff and amount of sediments were recorded. Results revealed that soil loss and runoff generation were significantly (P≤0.01) affected by plant density and as well by sampling time. But their interactions did not significantly affect runoff generation. Overall, plant density was more effective in sediment control, as compared with runoff control. A minimum level of runoff and sediment formation occurred at 40 kg/ha treatment within the third sampling time (421.88 l/ha and 2.45 kg/ha respectively) while a maximum degree of runoff and soil loss occurred within first sampling time at 30 g of seed per hectare treatment (1550 l/ha and 31.54 kg/ha, respectively). Results also indicated that total runoff and soil loss in the 30 kg/ha treatment were 1.1 and 1.4 times those in 35 kg/ha treatments and 1.5 and 1.9 times those in 40 kg/ha treatments, respectively. So 40 kg/ha of sowing density (For rainfed pea) is recommended for better soil conservation practices to be observed in similar conditions in conditions this region.