Evaluate the sensitivity of ecoregion to desertification in the Lorestan province in the framework of life cycle assessment

Land degradation and desertification has intensified by the interaction of climatic factors, land use change and human pressure in recent decades. Awareness that desertification is taking place in which ecosystems, the most important step to control and deal with this phenomenon. The aim of this study was to determine sensitivity to desertification Lorestan province ecoregions using life cycle assessment. For this purpose, the study area was classified into six ecoregions in terms of climate and dominant type of vegetation. Then selected indicators of drought, water erosion and excessive extraction of groundwater as the evaluation criteria. Indicators were prepared using geographic information systems. Finally, combined with variable selection and ecoregion map. Calculation of the characterization factors for each of these factors using geographic information systems, and characterization factors were obtained from the sum of the factors, a total characterization factor. Results indicated that there is the greatest sensitivity 5 ecoregion (dry/Astragalus adscendens Boiss) with characterization factors 1.29 and the lowest sensitivity to desertification 1 ecoregion (dry sub humid/Quercus brantii) with characterization factors 0.29. The results showed that aridity with 2.69 value, is the most effective factors to increasing the sensitivity of the area to desertification. Therefore, should pay attention serious to this problem in planning, managing and Combating desertification.