Determination of optimum level of land use and biological measures to reduce erosion and sediment (case study: watershed saqqezchi, ardebil province)

Nowadays, Soil erosion is one of the largest problems of the world, particularly in Iran. side effects and dangers of this phenomenon within the watershed field is the main problem that affected the overall ecological balance of the basin. The main objective of this study was to determine the optimal level land use for reducing erosion and enhance stakeholders income at Saghezchi watershed is located in the Ardebil. For this aim, linear programming model for three different options include current situation land uses, standard land use and standard conditions with biological measures land use in accordance with scientific principles and criteria were used. The results showed that the current land use level to reduce erosion and increase the income of residents is not suitable and in optimal conditions must be changed. in optimal conditions the garden lands level from 132.29 hectare to 1902.83 hectare (1438.4 % increased), rangeland level without change, irrigated land surface from 319.94 hectare to 57.6 (81.99% decrease) and rainfed cultivation is also from 1549 hectare to 40.8 hectare (97.36% decrease) was changed. In addition, the results showed that land use optimization in the current situation, The ratio of soil erosion and total profitability, 0.07% decrease and 7.7% increase respectively, at the standard conditions land use 3.72% decrease, 7.7% increase respectively and at the standard conditions with biological measures land use, The ratio of ​​soil erosion and total profitability, 5.48% decrease and 30.65% is increased respectively.