Seyed Jafar Seyed Akhlaghi; Azadeh Gohardoost
Volume 30, Issue 2 , September 2023, , Pages 230-246
Abstract
Background and objectivesDesertification is a multidimensional process initiated by the interlinking of environmental and human constructs. It is expanded by combining and synergizing natural conditions, climate change, and human pressure factors. This study aimed to combine economic, social, and managerial ...
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Background and objectivesDesertification is a multidimensional process initiated by the interlinking of environmental and human constructs. It is expanded by combining and synergizing natural conditions, climate change, and human pressure factors. This study aimed to combine economic, social, and managerial factors affecting desertification in the Niatac dust corridor in Sistan and using the application framework of multi-criteria decision-making models, the most important indicators of desertification Human-making is prioritized and introduced in the study area to be used in management and control of desertification and dust phenomenon in the region. MethodologyThis research is survey research. At first, based on the sources and conventional models of desertification assessment, 20 appropriate indicators were selected in the form of 5 criteria using a combination of different models such as IMDPA, MICD, and MEDALUS, along with the opinions of experts and experts familiar with the region, as well as the research executive team. Data and values related to the indicators were collected through various information sources, including reports from the Statistical Center of Iran, the Ministry of Energy, the Agricultural Jihad Organization, and the General Directorate of Natural Resources of the province, as well as structured interviews in the region, and then the factors and indicators under study were ranked using TOPSIS multi-criteria decision-making method, and finally, a zoning map of the study area was prepared by each of the anthropogenic factors. And it was presented. ResultsAccording to the results, policy and rules (32.5%), economics (25.1%), water, and agriculture (20.6%) had the greatest impact on desertification. The ranking of indicators showed that the Hamoon wetland rights index and Niatak River with a coefficient of 0.69, the institutional and organizational coordination index with a coefficient of 0.6743, the rural development index with a coefficient of 0.6743, the efficiency index of conservation and recovery of desert areas with a coefficient of 0.5596, poverty index and household income with a coefficient of 0.5988, grazing pressure index in rangelands with a coefficient of 0.4821 and agricultural land release index with a coefficient of 0.5596 had the greatest impact on The land was destroyed and deserted. ConclusionThe results obtained in this study indicate the importance of anthropogenic factors in the desertification of Sistan. By relying on the results of this study that 62% of the land in the Niatak wind erosion corridor is subject to severe desertification, a long-term action plan implementing suitable measures for rehabilitating desert lands of the region by the custodians should be prepared. On the other hand, TOPSIS, used in this study to determine desertification intensity, is a relatively accurate method when using the appropriate indices. It also has simplicity, flexibility, and low cost. This method can help managers and planners of the desert area identify priorities affecting desertification. It can also provide appropriate programs for managing and restoring desert areas.
Mohsen Farahi; Morteza Mofidi Chalan; Firoozeh Moghimi Nejad; Rasoul Khatibi; Esfandiar Jahantab
Volume 21, Issue 2 , August 2014, , Pages 307-316
Abstract
In order to management of rangeland ecosystems, understanding its components and the effect of their interactions on each other including soil and vegetation is essential. For this purpose, present study was conducted to investigate the effects of Haloxylon spp and Tamarix spp species on soil properties ...
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In order to management of rangeland ecosystems, understanding its components and the effect of their interactions on each other including soil and vegetation is essential. For this purpose, present study was conducted to investigate the effects of Haloxylon spp and Tamarix spp species on soil properties in Niatak region of Sistan. After identifying the cultivation sites of these species, soil sampling was conducted for each species in representative areas at the end of the growing season based on randomized systematic method. Soil sampling was carried out at beginning and the end of each transects from 0-10 and 10-20 cm soil depths. Soil sampling was also conducted in the control site and then soil properties including pH, EC,N, P, OM, HCO3, Na, Mgand K were measured. All data were analyzed by independent t-test. Results showed that soil properties significantly decreased at both depths excluding acidity. Other soil properties under Haloxylon spp and Tamarix spp species significantly increased compared to control sites. Potassium content at both depths under Haloxylon spp significantly decreased compared to control site. According to the obtained results, a significant increase in soil fertility indices was recorded for Haloxylon spp plantation, while soil destructive properties increased significantly in Tamarix spp plantation. Therefore, although soil properties were improved by the cultivation of bothstudied species, Haloxylon spp is recommended for this region considering more positive effects of this species on soil properties as well as some negative effects of Tamarix spp.