Comparison of Spatial Variations of Soil Erosion at Gonbad Representative and Treated Watersheds in Hamadan Province

Studying temporal and spatial variations of soil erosion and the effective factors is very important for providing appropriate solutions to properly plan the utilization of watershed resources. However, few studies have attempted to examine temporal and spatial variations of soil erosion. In this study, the temporal variability of spatial participation of soil erosion has therefore been investigated in the Gonbad representative and treated watersheds in Hamedan Province with an area of 300 ha. For this purpose, the work units were designated through overlaying land cover type, soil texture, and slope maps. The soil erosion was then measured in each work unit using rainfall simulator with intensity of 50 mmh-1 during 30 minute in two main rainy months of November and October 2014. Then, three points with relatively similar characteristics and representing each work unit were determined in the specific outlines of the equilateral triangle. The soil erosion was consequently measured with five minutes interval after the beginning and ending of rainfall simulation. The results of analysis of variance verified a significant difference (P<0.01) among different work units in soil erosion in both representative and control watersheds verifying spatial variation of different parts of the watersheds in soil erosion and consequent sediment yield. While, no significant difference was found using t-test between soil erosion during November and October 2014.