Abstract:

One of the major challenges in Iran’s arid and desert regions is the control of moving sand dunes. The use of petroleum mulch, either alone or in combination with other biological or mechanical methods, can be effective in reducing wind erosion and stabilizing mobile sands. Petroleum mulch refers to by-products of heavy petroleum derivatives that are applied to the soil surface to prevent erosion and fix shifting sands. Although the process of mulching is complex and costly, its results in sand stabilization have been satisfactory. Despite the widespread use of petroleum mulch and its observed impact on vegetation, comprehensive environmental studies on its effects are still lacking. This paper aims to explore not only the application of petroleum mulch in wind erosion control and sand stabilization but also to evaluate its environmental impacts.

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Keywords:

Environmental impacts, shifting sands, petroleum mulch, wind erosion, sand stabilization

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1. Introduction

Wind erosion and the movement of sand dunes are critical environmental issues that not only degrade agricultural lands but also negatively affect air and water quality. Therefore, applying effective methods to manage this phenomenon is essential.

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2. Petroleum Mulch

Petroleum mulch, as a protective material, can form a barrier over the soil surface, preventing degradation and erosion. This paper examines the mechanisms through which petroleum mulch functions to stabilize the soil and reduce wind erosion.

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3. Environmental Impacts

Alongside its practical benefits, the environmental consequences of petroleum mulch must be considered. Potential pollution, effects on local ecosystems, and the impact on groundwater quality are among the concerns reviewed in this paper.

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4. Conclusion

Petroleum mulch proves to be an effective solution for controlling wind erosion and stabilizing sand dunes. However, its environmental aspects must be carefully assessed to prevent potential negative impacts. This paper seeks to offer strategies for optimizing its use in alignment with environmental conservation.

1. Introduction
• Research Necessity:
Given the increasing desertification and persistent droughts, it is crucial to study various methods to enhance plant growth and germination under harsh climatic conditions.
• Petroleum Mulch:
Introduction of petroleum mulch as an effective solution for reducing evaporation, retaining soil moisture, and creating suitable conditions for seed germination.

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2. Materials and Methods
• Study Locations:
• Boeing, Kerman Province: A dry desert region.
• Piyoushak, Hormozgan Province: A similar area with potentially different biodiversity.
• Planted Species:
Introduction of the plant species selected for the study (e.g., native shrubs and desert-adapted vegetation).
• Experimental Methods:
Description of petroleum mulch application methods, including:
• Application technique (thickness, distribution method).
• Timing (before rainfall, after planting).

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3. Results
• Effect on Germination:
• Comparison of plant germination rates in different treatments (with and without mulch).
• Analysis of factors such as soil moisture and temperature in relation to germination.
• Data & Graphs:
Graphical representation of results such as changes in germination percentage and soil moisture over time.

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4. Discussion
• Positive Effects of Petroleum Mulch:
Improved germination, enhanced soil moisture retention, and comparison with previous research findings.
• Limitations & Challenges:
Potential environmental concerns or negative impacts of petroleum mulch on the ecosystem.

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5. Conclusion and Recommendations
• Summary of Results:
Emphasis on the effectiveness of petroleum mulch as a valuable tool for improving germination in desert areas.
• Suggestions for Future Research:
Further exploration of temperature effects, different mulch types, and a variety of plant species.

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Environmental Impacts

Long-term effects of petroleum mulch use on soil and other vegetation must be considered. More case studies are recommended to fully understand potential negative consequences.

This report, part of the 1973 FAO/UNDP Seminar, explores the distribution, properties, and stabilization efforts of sandy soils and sand dunes in Iran. It covers soil classifications, protective measures, and R&D projects such as petroleum mulching, mechanical windbreaks, and plantation of resilient species. Since 1959, Iran has made significant efforts to combat desertification and stabilize moving sand dunes in regions like Ahvaz, Sabzevar, and Qazvin.
Furthermore, in an official FAO report to the Government of Iran in 1971, the use of petroleum mulch was recommended, provided that the mulch layer can retain moisture and remain stable until full seed germination and seedling establishment.

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.

This study investigates the effects of oil mulch on wind erosion control and soil properties in the Abu-Ghoveir area of Dehloran, Ilam. Following mulch application, soil samples were collected monthly over a year from three treatments (mulched, control, and afforestation) at two depths (0–10 cm and 10–50 cm). Soil parameters, including temperature, moisture, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic matter (OM), sodium (Na), and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), were measured. Wind erosion threshold velocity was also determined using a wind tunnel. The findings revealed that oil mulch significantly influenced certain physical and chemical soil properties and effectively increased the threshold wind velocity. The optimal mulch application rate was estimated at 7 tons per hectare. Oil mulch application reduced evaporation, increased surface soil moisture, and provided a suitable substrate for the recovery of native vegetation in arid regions.