Analyzing the Effects of Organic Amendments on Soil Erosion Dynamics: A Comprehensive Study on Application Methods and Timing

Various factors, including the type and duration of soil amendment interaction and application method, can influence soil properties and loss. This laboratory study examined the impact of different soil amendments—barberry biochar, vermicompost, poultry manure, and wheat straw residues—applied in two forms (incorporating and surface spreading) at 60-day intervals over 180 days. The investigation focused on soil texture changes, runoff volume, and sediment rate. All treatments, including the control, were replicated four times. Soil texture was assessed before and after applying amendments and rainfall, while runoff and sediment were measured using a standard rainfall simulator. Data analysis involved variance analysis and mean comparison (P < 0.05) through a completely randomized design using JAM13 software. The findings revealed that employing a rainfall simulator enhances the proportion of sand while diminishing the percentages of silt and clay in the soil. This study compares soil amendment methods for their impact on runoff, erosion, and sedimentation. Barberry biochar, especially when applied on the surface, consistently demonstrated superior effectiveness in reducing these issues compared to other methods. Control treatments consistently showed higher values for runoff and sedimentation. The 180-day duration proved most effective in mitigating erosion. Overall, this research emphasizes the efficacy of surface-applied barberry biochar in reducing soil erosion and sedimentation. The results carry practical implications for sustainable soil management, particularly in regions cultivating barberry, and underscore the necessity for ongoing research across diverse geographic and climatic contexts.