This paper provides a comprehensive review of mulches used to control wind erosion. The study indicates that crop residues, chemical soil stabilizers, and livestock manure can effectively prevent wind erosion. To be effective, mulches must withstand wind speeds of 38 m/s. Vegetative mulches like wheat straw and prairie hay, when properly anchored to the soil surface, can significantly reduce erosion. Chemical stabilizers such as asphalt and latex emulsions are also effective when applied at sufficient volumes (minimum 3,785 L/ha). Additionally, feedlot manure proves to be a cost-effective mulch for erosion control. However, the high costs of some materials, particularly petroleum-based products, limit their widespread use.

This study evaluated the effects of Iranian petroleum mulches (anionic, cationic, and clay emulsions) and the soil conditioner "Krilium Merloam" on evaporation reduction from calcareous soil under greenhouse conditions. Both surface and incorporation applications significantly decreased water evaporation, with the highest reduction (8.8%) observed at 10,000 L/ha (surface) and 0.25% (incorporation). Petroleum mulches formed a semi-impermeable vapor barrier and enhanced soil aggregation, restricting upward water flow. The findings suggest that Iranian petroleum mulches are effective alternatives for soil moisture conservation in arid regions.

This study compared the effects of three mulches (petroleum, sand, and pine straw) on eucalyptus seedbeds. The petroleum mulch, a water-based petroleum emulsion, outperformed pine straw and native sand in warming the soil and preventing erosion but showed no significant difference in reducing evaporation or nutrient leaching. Applying white sand over the petroleum mulch lowered soil temperatures but proved unstable under rain and irrigation. The findings suggest that petroleum mulch can effectively replace pine straw, while native sand mulch performed poorly.

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.