The relationship between geological formation and landform with soil formation, Case study of southern part of Orumieh Plain

The aim of this study was to study the effect of landform and geological formations on some physico-chemical properties of soils in order to better identify the soil in order to optimize land management and promote the sustainable agriculture of the southern part of Orumieh Plain with an area of 35000 (ha) in West Azarbaijan province, Iran. In this research, satellite images, aerial photographs, topographic and geology maps were used to identify and distinguish different forms of land. Separation of soil series were carried out based on geomorphologic and geophysical methods. 40 soil profiles were drilled and described in standard dimensions. Five soil profiles were sampled every genetic horizon and transferred to the laboratory. The moisture and temprature regime of the soils were determined as Xeric and Mesic. Soils of the studied area were classified as  Inceptisols and grate subgroups of Fluventic. The most dominant formations in the Barandoz and Ghasemlou river catchment were limestone, and lime is one of the determinant factors in the formation of rocks at different soils in the study area. On the other hand, physiography and topography have also played a significant role, so that the upper terraces have more developed soils and some sloping regions had young and less evolved soils. With decreasing height and proximity to Lake Urmia, the effect of groundwater level and its salinity on the profiles is evident. In the meantime, the margin of the rivers due to the sediments of the present age have young and uncoated soils.