Dust and sand dune storms, as a threatening phenomenon to Iran’s and west Asia environment, have caused interruption of social and economic activities and outbreak of respiratory diseases. According to the studies done, the most important effects of these storms are climate change, elimination of plant-coverings and demolition of appropriate soil conservation and management. Use of biopolymer mulches with suitable humidity absorbing properties has been recognized as a new technology with good potentials for solving this problem. During the last five years, scientists at biotechnology dept. of IROST have carried out extensive research to acquire the technology knowhow for production of such biopolymer mulches for using in sand dune fixation and controlling dust origins. Field experiment in pilot scale was done with using new methods of integrated management such as biopolymer-based mulches, suitable plant covering and optimizing irrigation management in Uremia region and rail road area of Tal Hamid Tabas. The other achievements are optimizing techniques of land mulching and aerial spraying and also establishment and commissioning of referenced laboratory for enhancement and control of quality of mulches.
Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology (IROST)
