Evaluation of soil quality and land suitability in different management systems

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of management systems on soil quality in rangeland and agricultural lands (smallholder, total owner, and Binaloud Company) in Neyshabur plain, northeastern Iran. Twenty-one soil profiles were described and sampled. The weighted and additive soil quality indices (SQI) of surface soil and soil profile (0–100 cm) were calculated. The minimum data set (MDS) was determined using principal component analysis (PCA) and expert opinion (EO) methods. The land index (LI) for alfalfa was calculated using the FAO method. In all management systems, the EO-weighted SQI was the highest for surface soil and soil profile. The relationship between the EO-weighted SQI and alfalfa yield was the strongest in the total owner and Binaloud Company. The LI showed a better relationship with the alfalfa yield than the SQI. The SQI of soil profile provides more comprehensive information regarding the different soil management systems. The LI, which considers crop requirements, could be useful in comparing the soil quality for a specific plant. The lower soil quality in smallholder system is an early warning sign of soil degradation in the area. Furthermore, the SQI has sufficient capability to reveal the effects of the land exploitation systems on soil quality.