The November 1979 issue of National Geographic features Iran’s innovative approach to combating desertification by using oil-based mulch to stabilize migrating sand dunes near Ahvaz. Workers spray petroleum residue from tanks pulled by bulldozers, creating a gray mulch layer that retains moisture and prevents sand movement, enabling vegetation growth.
Implementation process:
1. Land preparation: Furrows are cut before mulching to plant drought-resistant shrubs.
2. Mulching: Oil residues are sprayed over shifting sands to stabilize them.
3. Vegetation growth: Six years later, a petro-forest emerged over 60 square kilometers (23 square miles), mainly consisting of tamarisk trees.
4. Protection: Guards on motorcycles patrol the forest to protect it from goats and sheep.
Environmental and socio-economic benefits:
Reduced sandstorms, which previously buried farmlands and villages.
Protection of infrastructure, such as railways, airports, and public buildings.
Prevention of desert encroachment on mosques and settlements.
Iran’s desert battle history:
Iran’s active sand dunes span approximately 5 million hectares, an area twice the size of Vermont. The country’s fight against desertification dates back over 2,000 years, with qanats (underground aqueducts) used to bring water from distant mountains.
Read the full November 1979 issue of National Geographic Magazine 👉🏻