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 study evaluates the effects of using petroleum mulch for sand dune stabilization and the potential soil contamination by Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs). Petroleum mulch, produced from heavy petroleum residues, has been widely used in Iran to combat desertification. Soil samples were collected from various regions in three provinces: Khuzestan, Kerman, and Sistan. The PAHs content in soils beneath the mulch layer and in control (non-mulched) sites was measured. The results indicated that the levels of PAHs, particularly Benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), in soils beneath the mulch layer were below the permissible limits set by national standards. Additionally, the penetration of these compounds into the soil depth was minimal, decreasing to 1/40 of the initial amount after several years. Therefore, petroleum mulch and the contaminated soils are considered safe materials.