Blogs

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.

This study investigates the impact of petroleum mulch combined with preemergence herbicides (diuron, prometryne, CIPC, and DCPA) on weed control, soil moisture, temperature, and cotton yield. Results showed that petroleum mulch, especially when used with herbicides, significantly reduced weed growth, preserved soil moisture, regulated soil temperature, and improved cotton yield. The findings recommend integrated use of petroleum mulch and herbicides as an effective strategy for optimizing cotton production under challenging climatic conditions.

The effects of ‘Colas’ bitumen emulsion on soil temperature, soil moisture and the stability of soil structure were determined in temperate and tropical conditions.
At a depth of 5 cm, soil temperature increments of from 2°c in England to 8°c in Trinidad were recorded when the soil was mulched with bitumen. Temperatures under bitumen were shown to be higher than those under mulches of black polyethylene, sand or pine needles, and in unmulched soil. It was also shown that growing crops exerted an increasing shading effect which limited the period of effectiveness of a mulch. When the mulch is applied in bands, these should be at least 15 cm wide for maximum temperature increments to occur.
Soil moisture studies were conducted both in the field and under laboratory/glasshouse conditions. It was found that only comparatively thick mulches on smooth soil surfaces, caused any appreciable reduction in water losses through evaporation.
It was found that the crumb structures of soils treated with very thin bitumen mulches (∼150μ thick) were able to withstand considerably more weathering by rainfall or irrigation than unmulched soil before breakdown of the soil surface structure occurred.

This study examines the effects of various Iranian petroleum-based mulches on soil surface evaporation. The findings reveal that these mulches significantly reduce water loss through evaporation, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. By forming a protective layer over the soil, petroleum mulches help retain moisture and enhance soil resilience under harsh climate conditions. The effectiveness of the mulch depends on factors such as mulch type, application thickness, and soil characteristics.