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Assessing the impact of a new method of rainwater use on vegetation restoration, land reclamation, and dust control
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Frood Sharifi    , Sahel Haghighi * , Hadi Kargar , Rahim Kazemi , Hamid Davoodi , Mansour Chatrnor , Zieaodin Shoaei |
| Research Expert, Soil Conservation and Watershed Management Research Institute, Iran, Email: Sahel.haghighi66@gmail.com |
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Abstract: (3 Views) |
In this study, using modern technologies and a model for soil rehabilitation, a comprehensive solution is proposed for the restoration of alluvial desert lands in an area near Hendijan (one of the hot spots in Khuzestan province). In the year 2001, three provinces faced the issue of fine dust; after five years, the problem doubled, and after ten years, it expanded to 14 provinces. Although large dust storms do not occur frequently, when they do happen along their path, they can be either amplified or weakened, resulting in prolonged and more widespread regional damage. Therefore, implementing local source control measures can lead to regional dust control and reduce the intensity, concentration, and persistence of widespread dust storms. The study adopts a multi-dimensional approach that includes: using seasonal precipitation and flash floods for soil rehabilitation, aquifer recharging and soil leaching, employing bioengineering measures and planting drought-resistant vegetation, reducing salinity and evaporation, as well as preserving soil moisture. Implementing this model on 1,000 ha of alluvial lands has led to land restoration and effective, long-term control of dust storms with accompanying social benefits. Important outcomes of the project include: eliminating the need to transfer hundreds of billions of cubic meters from conventional water resources at high costs, Preventing the salinization and alkalization of lands, eliminating the use of oil-based mulches (which are not only expensive but also environmentally harmful), achieving a fully integrated rehabilitation of the lands as a more sustainable option (in contrast to point-wise planting of 200 low-yield trees per ha, which incurs several times higher costs and comes with maintenance and environmental challenges). This innovative model can serve as an efficient framework for the rehabilitation of other areas affected by soil erosion and dust storms. It plays an important role in sustainable land development and the improvement of environmental conditions, as well as in the production of forage, food, and industrial products with higher advantages, lower costs, and greater sustainability. |
Article number: 7 |
| Keywords: Soil, Soil Rehabilitation, Storm, Watershed |
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Full-Text [PDF 5706 kb]
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
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