https://www.wmji.ir/ Extension and Development of Watershed Management en daily 1 Mon, 22 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0330 Mon, 22 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0330 https://www.wmji.ir/article_733194.html Identifying and mapping areas with a high potential for sediment transfer is one of the key challenges in sustainable watershed management, particularly in mountainous and semi-arid regions. In this study, the Sediment Connectivity Index was employed as a quantitative, spatial, and efficient tool to analyze sediment transfer dynamics in the Manjanigh watershed, Khuzestan Province, Iran. Using digital elevation model data and Sentinel-2 satellite imagery, the vegetation cover index was derived, and subsequently, the upstream and downstream components of the SCI were calculated within the Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud-computing environment. Spatial distribution maps of SCI were then produced. The results indicated that areas with steep slopes and sparse vegetation cover (characterized by high vegetation index values) exhibited the highest SCI values, underscoring the controlling influence of these factors. Moreover, a strong positive correlation (r = 0.84) was found between SCI values and field-measured sediment yield data, confirming the high accuracy of the index in representing the actual potential for sediment transfer. The findings of this study not only enable precise and targeted identification of critical erosion and sediment-prone areas but also demonstrate the utility of SCI as a scientific tool for optimizing the spatial planning of watershed management interventions and enhancing participatory natural resource management in similar regions. Implementing this approach can significantly contribute to the development of effective regional programs aimed at reducing soil erosion, controlling sediment, and improving water quality. https://www.wmji.ir/article_733195.html Biological reclamation is considered one of the effective approaches in improving the chemical quality of soil, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. This study was conducted in 1403 with the aim of investigating the effect of biological reclamation operations on the concentration of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in the artificial afforestation soil of the Tal Siah area located in Jiroft County, Kerman Province. Soil sampling was carried out from the reclaimed and control areas at two depths and the data were analyzed using the ANOVA statistical test. The results showed that the phosphorus concentration in the reclaimed area at a depth of 0-15 cm was 8.3645 mg/kg and at a depth of 15-30 cm was 8.3434 mg/kg, while these values in the control area were 3.9080 and 2.46 mg/kg, respectively. The amount of nitrogen in the reclaimed area was estimated to be 0.0218 and 0.0148 percent for the two depths, respectively, while it decreased to 0.0055 and 0.0037 percent in the control area. Potassium at a depth of 0-15 cm in the reclaimed area was 3.0526 mg and 3.9826 mg in the control, while at a depth of 15-30 cm, its amount was recorded as 2.9653 mg in the reclaimed area and 4.0173 mg in the control. These findings indicate a positive effect of biological reclamation operations on soil phosphorus and nitrogen, although its effect on potassium was dependent on depth and location. https://www.wmji.ir/article_733196.html Water crises in Iran’s watersheds have intensified in recent decades، particularly in the peri urban areas surrounding Tehran، due to multiple pressures on limited water resources. The Mamloo watershed، as one of the main sources of Tehran’s drinking water supply and a focal area for agricultural، industrial، and residential activities، represents a critical example of this complex situation. The aim of this study is to identify the consequences of stakeholder multiplicity in shaping and deepening the Mamloo watershed crisis. The research adopts a qualitative approach based on thematic analysis and document analysis، conducted through the review of reports، documents، and related data, using MAXQDA software. The findings indicate that a centralized and hierarchical management structure، coupled with the absence of effective coordination mechanisms among governmental، non-governmental، and local community stakeholders، has weakened institutional capacity، intensified conflicts، and reduced the effectiveness of policies. This managerial crisis has led to inefficiencies in watershed governance and aggravated challenges in water resource exploitation. From an economic perspective، the inequitable allocation of water resources and the prioritization of urban drinking water have reduced agricultural productivity، increased unemployment، and threatened food security within the watershed. Environmental consequences include unsustainable extraction of surface and groundwater resources، increased pollution from urban and industrial wastewater، and inappropriate land-use changes، which have resulted in land subsidence، biodiversity loss، and heightened ecosystem vulnerability. Furthermore، social conflicts arising from poor coordination and lack of stakeholder participation have triggered farmer dissatisfaction and rural out-migration. Accordingly، the establishment of integrated watershed management based on institutional transparency، effective participation of local stakeholders، revised water allocation، and multi-level (national، regional، local) coordinated policymaking is deemed essential for achieving sustainable development and enhancing the resilience of the Mamloo watershed. Such an approach can mitigate exploitation conflicts while strengthening the ecological، economic، and social resilience of the region. https://www.wmji.ir/article_733197.html The present study aimed to demonstrate the capability of photogrammetric and intelligent methods in measuring the amount of soil loss due to gully erosion in the loess layers of the Atrak River's banks. Advanced gully erosion, in the form of claws and vertical-horizontal tunnels, has progressed to the extent that the lands around the Atrak River are degraded, and parts of the waterways are connected to the downstream section of the river through tunnels with a slope of up to 5%. Photogrammetry is a reliable data generation method that includes creating a benchmark network, georeferencing, determining the flight row and height, flying, recording images, aligning them, creating point clouds, referencing with ground control points, producing elevation models, and orthophotos were used in this study. The data processing steps for calculating volumes were carried out using Civil3D software through the project line and balancing module for the complete construction of the cut/fill. The digital elevation model and orthophotography of the area were produced with a spatial resolution of 6 centimeters. Orthophotos have also enabled the identification of the distribution and number of erosional tunnels. The volumes of gully erosion located in the five immediate watersheds overlooking the Atrak River have been determined using the mentioned method. The total soil loss due to gully and tunnel erosion on the banks of the Atrak River has been calculated as 1,627,649.56 m2. The output of using the recommended method involves programming for gully erosion control and guiding the responsible organizations' budget consumption. https://www.wmji.ir/article_733198.html The main objective of this study is to monitor and evaluate the trends of climatic parameters—including maximum, minimum, and mean temperature; maximum, minimum, and mean relative humidity; precipitation; and evaporation—on an annual scale over a 30-year period (1992–2022) in Quchan County. To achieve this objective, the Mann–Kendall trend test, Sen’s slope estimator, and Spearman’s rank correlation test were employed. In addition, the future impacts of climate change on these parameters were assessed using the SDSM 6.1 model and RCP scenarios based on the Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) of the IPCC, across three 25-year time periods. The trend analysis results indicated that the Mann–Kendall and Spearman methods produced consistent outcomes. The Mann–Kendall test revealed that maximum temperature showed a non-significant increasing trend (Z = 0.952) with a positive Sen’s slope. In contrast, minimum temperature (Z = –2.58, p = 0.01) and mean temperature (Z = –2.77, p = 0.006) exhibited significant decreasing trends. Mean relative humidity demonstrated a significant upward trend (Z = 2.85, p = 0.004), whereas evaporation (Z = 1.135, p = 0.256) and 24-hour precipitation (Z = 0.69, p = 0.486) showed no statistically significant trends. The findings of this research can be utilized to support effective planning for sustainable natural resource management and to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change in the study area. https://www.wmji.ir/article_733199.html Land subsidence is one of the most significant geomorphological hazards in watershed areas and is directly associated with the unsustainable exploitation of groundwater resources. This phenomenon, resulting from the reduction of aquifer volume and the compaction of sedimentary layers, leads to deformation and disturbance of the basin’s natural functioning, causing consequences such as surface lowering, damage to agricultural and civil infrastructure, decreased soil permeability, increased surface runoff, and intensified flood risk. Therefore, monitoring the rate of land subsidence and analyzing its influencing factors are essential for effective hazard control and management. This study investigates land subsidence in Mazandaran Province, with a particular focus on the Baranjestanak watershed, during the period 2014–2021, using the radar interferometry (InSAR) technique. The Sentinel‑1 satellite data were processed within two distinct time intervals using the SNAP software, and interferograms were generated to measure surface deformation. In addition to radar data, geological maps, topography, land‑use layers, spring location data, and field observations were utilized to interpret and explain the causes of land subsidence. The results revealed a maximum subsidence rate of approximately 10 mm per year, exhibiting an east–west and north–south directional pattern. The highest deformation intensity occurred in the central, western, and southern sectors of the area. The presence of the Shamshak Formation and coal‑bearing strata in the southern part of the watershed was identified as one of the key factors contributing to the accelerated subsidence rate. Moreover, the spatial correlation between the subsidence maps and land‑use data revealed that the highest rates of ground subsidence occurred within agricultural areas, primarily due to excessive groundwater extraction following the rapid expansion of farmlands and paddy fields. Management strategies, including the regulation of groundwater withdrawal, modification of cropping patterns, and the adoption of advanced irrigation technologies, are recognized as the most effective approaches for mitigating this phenomenon within the studied region.                    https://www.wmji.ir/article_733200.html  Given population growth and limited food resources, achieving an optimal cropping pattern has become inevitable. In this regard, cropping pattern optimization is one of the most effective strategies for improving agricultural productivity. This study aims to identify and rank different cropping pattern alternatives in the Bilavar Plain, Kermanshah Province, by considering technical–agronomic, economic, social, and environmental dimensions using multi‑criteria decision‑making methods—Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Analytic Network Process (ANP). In the first step, multiple criteria, sub‑criteria, and potential options—including the existing cropping pattern, Economic Pattern (1), Economic Pattern (2), Low‑Water‑Use Pattern (1), and Low‑Water‑Use Pattern (2)—were determined. Subsequently, the criteria and sub‑criteria were weighted, and the alternatives were prioritized using the Super Decisions software based on AHP and ANP methodologies. Results indicated that under the AHP method, Economic Pattern (2), Low‑Water‑Use Pattern (1), and the existing pattern ranked first, second, and third with final weights of 0.29, 0.21, and 0.16, respectively. Under ANP, Economic Pattern (2) achieved the highest priority (0.35), followed by Economic Pattern (1) (0.25) and the existing pattern (0.15). These differences highlight the importance of considering interdependencies among criteria and sub‑criteria as well as the complexity of decision‑making in agricultural analyses. The findings demonstrate that the integration of AHP and ANP provides a powerful tool to combine technical and economic complexities in agricultural water resource management. It is recommended that policymakers employ these models in designing supportive policies—particularly regarding input subsidies and guaranteed purchase of water‑efficient crops—to ensure the sustainability of agricultural production in the Bilavar Plain.