Runoff and sediment variations due to change in some soil properties following forest harvesting (Case study: Kheyrud Forest)

Globally, soil erosion is one of the most important environmental problems which are threats to soil and water resources. Soil properties are the main parameters that affect the runoff and soil erosion processes. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the effects of some soil properties on runoff and sediment yield components in plot scale (2m×1m) with eight replicates in four different treatments (control area, harvested area, without canopy cover and skid trail) in the northern forests of Iran during December 2014 until December 2015. The runoff volume and coefficient and sediment yield were also measured through field data collection and lab analysis by weighting and decantation methods. Some of the soil physical and chemical properties consisted of texture, moister content, organic matter, bulk density, pH, and EC were determined. The results of the study indicate that the effect of vegetation cover changes due to harvesting on runoff volume and sediment yield is significant (P≤0.01). There were positive and significant relationships between clay percent and bulk density and negative and significant relationships between organic matter, sand percent and pH with runoff. Also, there were positive and significant relationships between clay and bulk density negative and significant relationships between organic matters, sand and moister content with sediment yield.