Effect of rice straw on surface runoff and soil loss in small plots

Soil erosion is one of the most challenging issues in optimal conservation of soil and water resources. Land surface cover affects runoff production and soil loss processes. Nowadays، miscellaneous amendments and conditioners are being applied to conserve water and soil worldwide. However، the role of environmentally friend and available organic amendments have been rarely considered. This study was therefore taken place in order to assess the effect of rice straw (0. 5 kg m-2) on runoff volume and soil loss on a sandy clay loam placed in three small plots (0. 5×0. 5×0. 3m) with 20% slope steepness using rainfall simulator. The study plots were then subjected to 50 and 90 mm h-1 rainfall intensities for 15 minutes after spreading rice straw on the soil surface. The results showed that the rice straw treatment under 50 and 90 mm h-1 rainfall intensities and in comparison with control plot reducing the runoff about 90% and 96%، respectively. In addition، soil loss was completely controlled in treated plots and under both studied rainfall intensities. All differences were found statistically significant at 1% significancy level.