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.

This study investigates the long-term effects (5, 20, and 40 years) of petroleum mulching and biological fixation (PM-BF) on the chemical, physical, and mineralogical characteristics of stabilized sand dunes in Khuzestan Province, Iran. The results revealed that PM-BF significantly improved vegetation cover and enhanced soil properties such as organic matter, cation exchange capacity, clay content, and electrical conductivity. However, petroleum mulch introduced heavy metals (Ni, Cd, Pb), which peaked in younger PM-BF regions but gradually decreased over time due to leaching. Dust fallout also contributed to the formation of specific clay minerals such as palygorskite and smectite. Although PM-BF supports ecosystem recovery and reduces dust-related impacts, the potential accumulation of toxic metals raises concerns for agricultural and environmental uses.

The soil seed bank (SSB) is a valuable reservoir of seeds hidden in the soil, playing a crucial role in vegetation establishment under adverse environmental conditions. However, limited knowledge exists regarding the effects of restoration measures on SSB, particularly in arid ecosystems. This study examines the impacts of oil mulching (1 and 3 years after application) and plantations (15-year-old) on the diversity and composition of SSB and aboveground vegetation (AGV) compared to non-restored areas. The results indicate that species richness was low in the studied area (36 species from 16 families), with SSB contributing less than AGV (11 and 34 species, respectively). The highest number of exclusive species was observed in the plantation treatment, while the lowest was recorded in the 1-year mulching treatment. The diversity indices revealed that the highest values occurred in the plantation and 3-year mulching plots. Seed density was significantly greater in the plantation area compared to the other treatments. The analysis of plant composition demonstrated that the plantation treatment was distinct from other treatments, with the 3-year mulching site being the closest to it. These findings suggest a trade-off between the short-term and long-term effects of oil mulching, where initial negative impacts diminish over time, leading to positive ecological outcomes. Ultimately, oil mulching, in combination with afforestation, fosters a favorable microclimate, improving AGV and SSB diversity and composition.

The impact of oil mulch on seed germination and the establishment of seedlings and cuttings has always been a question associated with its use. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of the polymer Poly-Lattice in seed germination and plant establishment and compare it with oil mulch. For this purpose, the study was conducted in two phases: greenhouse and field experiments.

In the greenhouse experiments, the effect of this polymer compared to oil mulch on the germination and establishment of Haloxylon seeds was examined using a completely randomized design with four treatments (oil mulch, Poly-Lattice solution with water, Poly-Lattice mixed with sand, and control) in three replications. Three weeks after planting, the lowest germination rate was observed in the Poly-Lattice-sand mixture treatment (a slurry with a thickness of 2 to 3 mm), while the highest germination rate belonged to the oil mulch treatment.

Meanwhile, in the field experiment, Poly-Lattice did not show a significant difference from oil mulch in the establishment of planted seedlings and cuttings. However, the average measured traits indicate that the percentage of seedling and cutting establishment was significantly higher in the oil mulch treatment compared to other treatments. This can be attributed to the better stabilization of the area by oil mulch.

This article compares the effects of oil mulch, non-oil mulch (such as Chinese mulch made from recycled plastics), and moisture absorbent materials (from Belgium and France) on the germination of four plant species (Calligonum comosum, Cyperus conglomeratus, Smirnovia iranica, Haloxylon aphyllum) and the stabilization of shifting sands in desert areas. The results show that oil mulch has a significant impact on germination at 1% and 5% levels, outperforming other methods due to its resistance to regional winds, which minimizes seed displacement.

The study used a split-plot statistical design, and data were analyzed using SAS software. The findings indicate that oil mulch is the best option for creating a germination-friendly environment under natural conditions (considering rainfall and wind patterns). Additionally, seeds of Haloxylon and Smirnovia showed the highest germination rates.

Recommendations include further investigation into the use of moisture absorbent materials for stabilizing potted seedlings, increasing the concentration of Chinese mulch to enhance its effectiveness, and documenting the impact of oil mulch during the seed establishment phase.