A Study of the Possibility of Using Geomorphology in Soil studies in Natural Resources

In Iran, different methods are used for soil studies most of which are suggested by agricultural soil
scientists, and therefore are not fully suitable for natural resources studies. One method that is
currently and already used in natural resources projects is geomorphology. For an evaluation of this
method, Hassanjoon sub-catchment of Taleghan drainage basing, located in 50' 37' to 50' 50' longitude
and 36' 7' to 36' 20' latitude, and with high geological variation was selected. The maps of
geolomorphological units were initially prepared through photology and field checks using Geographic
information System, scaling 1:20000. Then were made 60 profiles from which soil samples were
taken. Samples were analyzed physically as well as chemically for a determination of pH, EC, %OM,
%CaC03, %silt, %sand, and %clay. Analysis of paired T-test showed that geomorphology unit is
homogeneous. Since in geomorphological units all pedogeny factors are considered, hence this leads to
more profiles dug, and causes much more costs. But, since more costs bring more precision in soil
studies, which is very important in watershed and range management decision makings, so it seems
that digging more profiles is Feasible as well as acceptable. Soil is an important factor in range and
watershed management projects . Success or failure in these projects is directly or indirectly affected by results obtained from soil studies . Sometimes, it is possible to mix different geomorphologic units,
which can help to decrease the number of profiles needed