Document Type : Complete scientific research article
Authors
1
Ph.D. student of Combat to Desertification, Department of Desert Sciences and Engineering, University of Kashan, Iran.
2
Associate Professor, Department of Desert Sciences and Engineering, University of Kashan, Iran.
3
Associate Professor, Department of Rangeland and Watershed Management Sciences and Engineering, University of Kashan, Iran
Abstract
Abstract:
Background and objectives: Desertification is a major concern of this century occurs as a result of climatic and human factors. Many studies have been carried out in order to assess desertification in the world. So far, at global and local scales, various models and methods are provided in order to assess desertification, at the global level such as: LADA, GLASOD, FAO-UNEP, ESAs and at national level: ICD, MICD and IMDPA. In this research, it has been tried to use of ESAs method for mapping desertification sensitivity of Yazd - Ardakan plain as one of the most critical areas prone to erosion in the Iran.
Materials and methods: In this research, after mapping land units, including: Barren lands, Range lands, reclamation lands (Haloxylon afforestation), farmlands and Sandy lands, four criteria of quality such as soil quality, vegetation quality, climate quality and management quality were calculated via scoring sub-criteria in each area. Then, the mapping of areas sensitive to desertification in GIS software was drawn.
Results: The findings of this research show that the largest area in Yazd – Ardakan plain allocated to poor rangelands and bare lands units. This means that, there is the threatening situation and high potential of desertification in this region. Also, the climate quality, vegetation quality and management quality criteria have played the most important role in sensitivity of area to desertification especially in sandy lands and bare lands.
Conclusion: The results have shown that the study area is classified as critical class by ESAs model, so that 75.8% of the study area is located in the severe critical sub-class (C3) and 24% of this area lies in the moderate critical sub-class (C2) that it requires the attention and management of the organizations working on desertification. In addition to the technical methods for the control of this phenomenon, considering the economic and social plans in order to combat to desertification is necessary in this region.
Keywords: Land Degradation, Desertification, ESAs model, Yazd-Ardakan plain
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