Effects of Land Use Change on some Soil Physical Parameters in a Part of Central Ramshir County in Khouzestan, Iran

Today all researchers agree on this topic that the change in land use is one of the major factors of risks and disasters such as floods, soil erosion and sediment yield, and changes in soil properties and water status. To evaluate the effect of land use change on the foregoing, it is necessary to study the occurred changes. Given the importance of the issue, the land use change and the effect of these changes on some soil physical parameters was studied in a part of central Ramshir County in Khuzestan Province in a 500 acres area. Land use change from pasture to irrigated agriculture increased porosity as 3.62% and decreased specific gravity as 3.85%. Clay particles increased as 23.14% and silt and sand particles decreased as 5.98% and 38.21%, respectively. This study showed that dealing with environmental components should be consistent with their long-term work potential meaning that the use of these resources should be compatible with all natural phenomena and their survival laws. Not paying attention to such laws will gradually decrease soil quality and this important bed of the environment will be faced with a serious crisis. In addition, land use change may reduce soil quality and increase its degradation which will be followed by adverse effects in long-term.