Blogs

This study examined the influence of petroleum mulch on the performance of several herbicides in weed control. Results indicated that petroleum mulch can alter soil surface conditions—such as temperature and moisture—affecting herbicide efficiency. In some cases, mulch increased herbicide persistence and effectiveness, while in others it reduced impact due to changes in penetration and distribution. The research highlights the importance of aligning mulch type and herbicide selection with proper timing and application methods.

This Utah State University research (1968) investigated the effects of petroleum mulch on tomato seed germination and yield. Results showed that oil mulch improved soil moisture retention, reduced evaporation, and enhanced soil temperature, which accelerated germination rates. Final yield (both fruit number and weight) was higher in mulch-treated plots compared to controls. The study emphasized the importance of proper mulch layer thickness and application management to maximize benefits and avoid potential seed damage.

This research in California investigated the effects of petroleum mulch on row crops such as corn, beans, and cotton. The results indicated that petroleum mulch reduced soil moisture evaporation, improved soil surface temperature conditions, and accelerated germination. In some cases, crop yields increased due to improved growth conditions and reduced water stress. However, the effectiveness depended on environmental factors such as soil type, temperature, and rainfall. The study also highlighted the importance of assessing environmental impacts and optimizing application rates.

Wind erosion is one of the desertification results and is among the natural processes that mostly occur under dry conditions and high wind velocity. Using oil-mulches is one of the common methods to stabilize sand dunes. The current study aimed to investigate the short-term effects of oil-mulch on vegetation attributes (i.e., cover and diversity) and rangeland condition score (RCS) using integrated ecological and remote sensing-based approaches in arid regions of Southwestern Iran. A vegetation survey was carried out in 2019 in the oil-mulched and control area, and a remotely sensed vegetation index (MSAVI) was calculated for 2017 and 2019. The results indicate that one year after treatment, compared to the control area, vegetation cover (30 ± 17.11 vs. 17 ± 5.44 %) and litter (4.6 ± 2.18 vs. 0.94 ± 1.55 %) increased significantly in the oil-mulched area, while bare soil (65.20 ± 17.34 vs. 82.31 ± 5.84 %) decreased. Further, diversity indices (Species evenness, Shannon, and Simpson indices) declined by applying oil-mulch (88%, 63%, and 71%, respectively). The rangeland condition score was significantly higher in the oil-mulched area than in the control area (22 ± 1.86 vs. 12 ± 0.88; P < 0.001). Comparing MSAVI between 2017 and 2019 showed that vegetation cover increased 44.8%. Based on the results, it can be suggested that planting native palatable species in an oil-mulched area with the exclusion of livestock grazing is likely to increase the benefits of oil-mulch treatment and will lead to better rangeland condition score.

This study reports on a field project conducted in Baiji, Iraq, where petroleum residues were used to stabilize shifting sand dunes. Various concentrations of oil residues were sprayed on dunes, and their stabilizing effectiveness was monitored over time. The results revealed that petroleum residues offer a cost-effective alternative to conventional mulches, demonstrating strong performance in reducing sand mobility. The research highlights the importance of proper application techniques and optimal concentration levels to maximize effectiveness. The study underlines the industrial and environmental potential of utilizing petroleum residues in desert management projects.

This study investigates the use of modified bentonite impregnated with petroleum as an eco-friendly mulch to stabilize wind-erodible sands. The modified clay demonstrated the ability to adsorb petroleum up to five times its own weight and resisted wind erosion at speeds up to 16.7 m/s without soil loss. In contrast, untreated sands began eroding at 10.3 m/s. Additionally, the mulch significantly reduced the leaching of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) into drainage water. The findings suggest that petroleum-impregnated modified bentonite mulch offers a sustainable and efficient method for controlling wind erosion in arid regions.

This study focuses on sand dune stabilization projects in the Baiji District of Iraq, aiming to reduce the mobility of shifting sands and mitigate wind erosion. Petroleum-based mulches were applied to create a surface crust that effectively immobilized sand movement. The findings confirmed the effectiveness of petroleum mulch in protecting infrastructure and farmland from encroaching dunes. The paper also discusses environmental concerns, mulch durability, and the potential for integrating vegetation in stabilization efforts.

This 2009 study by Harper and Ferguson, published by Cambridge University Press, evaluates the impact of petroleum mulch and sowing time on the establishment and yield of oilseed sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). Results showed that petroleum mulch enhanced seedling establishment, conserved soil moisture, improved plant resilience under stress, and reduced weed competition. Additionally, optimal sowing times significantly influenced plant growth and yield. The combined use of petroleum mulch and appropriate sowing time led to notable yield improvements, offering a sustainable strategy for sunflower oil production.

This three-year study conducted in Mississippi evaluated the effects of petroleum mulch on soil temperature, seedling emergence, weed control, and cotton yield. The findings revealed that petroleum mulch increased soil temperature in the germination zone, reduced soil crusting after rainfall, improved plant stands, and significantly boosted cotton yield—especially when applied in 6-inch wide bands. Combining the mulch with preemergence herbicides like trifluralin further enhanced weed control. However, the practical challenges of cost, handling, and application at scale remain important considerations.