H. Torabi-Golsefidi

hossien_t@yahoo.com

Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Soil Science,  Shahed University, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the effect of special puddling on the morphological, micro-morphological and the redox properties in upland soils of Iranian arid region at

Isfahan

Province in the 2001-2003. Special puddling was carried out by tractor traffic action in submergence paddy fields with an compact layer at the depth's of 25-40 cm. Results of soil analysis showed that Eh value was negatively related (r= 0.89) to heavy soil texture and high organic carbon and declined to +250mV after 48 hours submergence. Reduction of Eh values in the low organic carbon and light texture soils were occurring at 72 and 120 hours submergence respectively. Results showed the α,ά-dipyridyl test was positive in heavy and light texture soils after 48 and 96 hours submergence respectively. There was a compact layer in the lower part of puddle by measuring the cone index and bulk density. Micro-morphological study showed that plowing at the puddle layer was disturbed the soil structure. Repeated plowing and rice cultivation in experimental region were changed some physical, morphological and micro-morphological characteristics of soils. Therefore, a new classification in sub-order of Aquid or aquic at great group levels of arid soils will offer.

Keywords:

Pudlling, Paddy Fields, Soil Characteristics, Arid Region,

Isfahan,

Iran.