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Volume 41, Issue 2 (2026)
GeoRes 2026, 41(2): 69-78 |
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Received: 2026/03/8 | Accepted: 2026/04/19 | Published: 2026/07/19
Received: 2026/03/8 | Accepted: 2026/04/19 | Published: 2026/07/19
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Ahmadi O, Alamdari P, Askari M, Servati M. Comparison of Soil Quality in Agricultural and Horticultural Uses in the Chaharborj Region of West Azerbaijan Province. GeoRes 2026; 41 (2) :69-78
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1- Department of Soil Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran
2- Department of Soil Sciences, Shahid Bakeri High Education Center of Miandoab, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
2- Department of Soil Sciences, Shahid Bakeri High Education Center of Miandoab, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
Abstract (735 Views)
Aims: Today, one of the most effective tools for assessing sustainable soil management is soil quality assessment. Therefore, soil quality assessment and monitoring can provide a relatively comprehensive understanding of the complex environmental conditions of soil. This study aimed to quantitatively evaluate soil quality in the Chaharborj region of West Azerbaijan in two agricultural and horticultural uses.
Methodology: This experimental research was conducted in the Chaharborj region in 2024. Composite sampling was carried out at depths of 0-30 and 30-60 cm at 18 stations, and the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the soil were measured. Using principal component analysis, the minimum data set including electrical conductivity, soil microbial respiration, total nitrogen, bulk density, and absorbable potassium was identified. The soil quality index was calculated using two linear and nonlinear scoring methods.
Findings: Agricultural soils had significantly higher salinity, sodium content, and density than garden soils. On the contrary, biological activity (microbial respiration and microbial biomass carbon) and total nitrogen were significantly higher in garden use. The average soil quality index in garden use was 0.46 for the linear method and 0.58 for the non-linear method, and 0.32 and 0.38 in the agricultural use, respectively, and there was a significant difference in both methods (p<0.001). The nonlinear method had a higher resolution.
Conclusion: Unsustainable management is the primary factor reducing soil quality in agricultural use, and switching to horticultural systems can be an effective means of restoring soil quality.
Methodology: This experimental research was conducted in the Chaharborj region in 2024. Composite sampling was carried out at depths of 0-30 and 30-60 cm at 18 stations, and the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the soil were measured. Using principal component analysis, the minimum data set including electrical conductivity, soil microbial respiration, total nitrogen, bulk density, and absorbable potassium was identified. The soil quality index was calculated using two linear and nonlinear scoring methods.
Findings: Agricultural soils had significantly higher salinity, sodium content, and density than garden soils. On the contrary, biological activity (microbial respiration and microbial biomass carbon) and total nitrogen were significantly higher in garden use. The average soil quality index in garden use was 0.46 for the linear method and 0.58 for the non-linear method, and 0.32 and 0.38 in the agricultural use, respectively, and there was a significant difference in both methods (p<0.001). The nonlinear method had a higher resolution.
Conclusion: Unsustainable management is the primary factor reducing soil quality in agricultural use, and switching to horticultural systems can be an effective means of restoring soil quality.
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