Reduction in soil loss caused by a freeze-thaw cycle through inoculation of endemic soil microorganisms

Abstract

Abstract The freeze-thaw phenomenon is one of the factors, which has an important role in increasing the qualitative and quantitative loss of soil. However, the dynamics and mechanism of freeze-thaw processes remain unknown. Therefore, adoption of appropriate conservation measures in the highland and mountains region and reduction of the effects of a freeze-thaw cycle on soil loss through application of environmentally friendly and feasible techniques of application of soil microenterprises is critical. Bacteria and cyanobacteria play an important role in the ecosystem function by improving soil physical and chemical properties. Nonetheless, the effectiveness of such microorganism on controlling soil loss has not been studied yet. The present study was accordingly designed to inhibit soil loss through inoculation of soil microorganisms including bacteria and cyanobacteria at 0.25\xa0m2-plots under the freeze-thaw process and simulation of rainfall of 70 mmh−1 nested at the slope of 20%. To this end, the most suitable bacteria and cyanobacteria effective in soil and water conservation and available in the soil organism s micro-bank were selected, purified, and propagated as a biological method to alleviate freeze-thaw cycle effects. The experimental treatments were prepared in the form of bacterial additions, cyanobacterial additions, and control at the plot scales. After 60\xa0days under freeze-thaw cycles, the results of statistical analyses confirmed significant inhibition (P