Assessment of theoretical salt leaching models (Case Study: LabarLands -Saveh Plain)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering, Collage of Abouraihan, University of Tehran, Pakdasht, Tehran, Iran

2 Postgraduate student, Department of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering, Collage of Abouraihan, University of Tehran, Pakdasht, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Soil salinization is a process in which the accumulation of soluble salts in soil profile can affect soil physical and chemical properties, such as osmotic pressure, permeability and hydraulic conductivity. These, in turn, can seriously impair or completely stop the growth of plants. In this study, four theoretical models for predicting soil leaching contains including Series of Reservoirs  Model (SRM), Theoretical Plate–Thickness Model (TPTM), Convection – Dispersion Model(CDM) and Numerical Model (NM) were studied in order to select and introduce the best model for predicting ultimate soil salinization. The results of these models were compared with real data obtained from field experiments. To do this, 15 basin plots (each has one square meter) were firstly built. Then, five leaching depths of 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 cm were applied to basins in three rows. Results revealed that the investigated models showed different performance for the different depths of leaching. Overall, Series of Reservoirs Model (SRM) was able to estimate the ultimate salinity more accurately.

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