Comparison of Different Quaternary Formations in Runoff and Sediment Yield in Sarchah Ammary Rangelands of Birjand

Proper management of water and soil resources in a watershed necessitates recognizing the potential of different parts in runoff and sediment production. Towards this attempt, Sarchah Ammary rangeland with an area of 14503 ha was selected to quantify the rate of runoff generation and sediment yield from different quaternary formations. Slope and geology maps were intersected, at first, in order to prepare work units. The experiments runs were then taken place by using rainfall simulator through falling rainfalls with the intensity of 3 mm.min-1 and 14 min duration on three 0.0625 m2 plots with three replicates. The amounts of runoff, sediment and sediment concentration from each treatment were consequently compared using ANOVA. The analysis of results verified the differences among study variables of runoff, sediment and sediment concentration with respective significant level of 0.043, 0.000 and 0.009. The results also approved the maximum potential of unconsolidated alluvial fans and saline flats in runoff generation and sediment concentration, respectively.