Evaluation of Changes in Native Vegetation Cover of Dust Sources in the Southwest of Iran under Different Irrigation Systems and Rainfall Patterns in Seedling Cultivation Areas

Monitoring vegetation changes in the dust center of Southwest Iran

“…Rainfall and water storage exploitation and cultivation of suitable plant species are regularly prescribed for rangeland improvement in arid areas (Zare et al, 2020;Dinarvand et al, 2021). An area equivalent to 26,000 hectares of the dust center of southwestern Iran, located in Khuzestan province, was stabilized between 2015 to 2021 in the form of a biological stabilization and water distribution program (Dinarvand et al 2022). For biological stabilization, Prosopis juli ora shrubs were used and irrigation was done with tankers or furrows at intervals.…”

“…Of course, it should be noted that the region has a good seed bank (Dinarvand and Jamzad, 2016). The method of planting seedlings, the depth and volume of the holes created for planting seedlings, timely watering, and the presence or absence of furrow all effect on the richness and percentage of vegetation (Dinarvand et al, 2022). In Shari ieh and Shoaimit Mandil region, due to the proximity to the water supply channel and a water storage pit, irrigation was carried out by gravity, and also the proximity to the Mansoureh lagoon and the water distribution site had a positive effect on the return of native species such as Salsola jordanicola, Aeloropus lagopoides and Bienertia cycloptera in the region (Fig.…”

“…Semi-circular bunds in the Gorik rangeland of Zahedan City caused a positive in uence on yield, canopy cover, plant composition, and soil moisture (Delkhosh and Bagheri, 2012). In a study of three dust centers in the southeast of Ahvaz (Khuzestan province), results showed that various irrigation methods along with rainfall improved vegetation cover (frequency), the number of species, and species diversity from 2018 to 2020 (Dinarvand et al, 2022). Planting in degraded habitats acts as succession catalyst and causes the growth and establishment of native species through the formation of a microclimate (Van der Maarel, 2005).…”

“…The presence of an aerial cover along with the root system, rhizomes, and stolon physically prevents wind and water erosion (Gyssels et al, 2005). The native plants of such areas are valuable species due to their ability to adapt to harsh environmental conditions, and therefore their identi cation is of great importance (Dinarvand et al, 2022). In order to monitor vegetation changes, the use of satellite data in a large area has advantages compared to studies based on traditional methods (Pei et al, 2018).…”

“…As one of the basic concepts in natural resources management, diversity is essential to the health and production of ecosystems (Mesdaghi, 2005). While assessing the current state of vegetation, it is possible to provide appropriate management recommendations for the conservation and improvement of natural habitats by continuously measuring vegetation cover during different periods Dinarvand et al, 2022). Plants directly in uence soil hydrology by creating a natural barrier, increasing in ltration, and improving evapotranspiration (Capilleri et al, 2016).…”