Abstract:
The vigorous rise in the rate of population growth in the world, mostly in the developing countries, and the limitations on agricultural lands and products call for man to bring about a quest for new resources by the year 2000 in order to meets the various demands. The Khuzestan province is located in the south of Iran, which has an area of sandy plains exceeding 350,000 ha. This is in fact 3.5% of the entire state and 29.5% of the entire agricultural land of Khuzestan. The sand encroachment by wind over the agricultural lands, roads, pipelines and residential areas is a serious economic problem in this area. Sand dunes extend from the northwest to southeast of Ahwaz in the Khuzestan province, in the form of tapes. These include some sporadic expansions consisting of over 68 varieties. The two important sand dunes are those located in Albajy with an extent of about 9,000 ha; and that in the southwest of the Karkheh river of 115,000 ha. Research proves that afforestation offers a permanent solution for the sand dune area problem. Selection of a suitable plant species for this purpose is crucial for successful afforestation. As a result, four eucalyptus species were selected in further investigations. The samples of soil, climate, and ground water were collected and analyzed for several parameters using standard procedures. In this study, petroleum mulch is used for soil conservation, especially preventing wind erosion and also based on reserves of precipitation for plants species such as the eucalyptus. After more than 6 years of cultivating four eucalyptus species, the investigation conclusively demonstrated the Eucalyptus Camaldulensis 9616 as superior (adaptation and growth) to other species in the sand dunes of the Khuzestan province.
Introduction: Khuzestan province, characterized by its extensive sandy plains, experiences severe economic issues due to wind-driven sand encroachment affecting agricultural lands and communities. The need for sustainable land management solutions has led to the exploration of afforestation as a means to stabilize sand dunes and enhance agricultural productivity. This survey focuses on evaluating the growth and adaptation of four eucalyptus species under conditions of limited water availability, using mulch to conserve soil moisture.
Methods:
- Site Selection: Four locations within the sandy hills of Khuzestan were selected for the afforestation trials.
- Eucalyptus Species: The following species were selected based on prior research: Eucalyptus Camaldulensis, Eucalyptus Globulus, Eucalyptus Citriodora, and Eucalyptus Tereticornis.
- Planting Procedures: Each species was planted systematically on mulch-covered areas to assess their growth performance.
- Data Collection: Over a period of six years, data was collected on growth rates, survival rates, and overall health of the plants.
- Soil and Climate Analysis: Soil samples were analyzed for moisture retention, nutrient content, and pH levels. Climate data, including precipitation patterns, was also collected.
Results:
- Growth Performance: Eucalyptus Camaldulensis demonstrated superior adaptation and growth compared to the other species, showing higher survival rates and increased biomass production.
- Soil Conservation: The use of petroleum mulch effectively reduced wind erosion and retained soil moisture, benefiting the planted eucalyptus species.
- Water Utilization: Despite limited precipitation, Eucalyptus Camaldulensis exhibited efficient water usage, adapting well to the environmental conditions of the sandy hills.
Discussion: The findings suggest that Eucalyptus Camaldulensis is particularly well-suited for afforestation in the sandy ecosystems of Khuzestan province. Its resilience to harsh conditions and ability to thrive with limited water resources underscore its potential role in combating sand encroachment and improving agricultural viability.
Conclusion: This survey highlights the importance of selecting appropriate plant species and utilizing soil conservation techniques, such as mulching, to address environmental challenges in sandy regions. Continued research and implementation of similar afforestation projects could significantly contribute to ecological restoration and agricultural sustainability in Khuzestan and similar regions facing comparable challenges.
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