Studying the Effect of Petroleum Mulch on the Vegetation and Soil Attributes of Sandy Deserts (Samad Abad of Sarakhs)

Spraying petroleum mulch has been one of the common measures of mobile sand stabilization endeavors over the last three decades. However, the consequences of mulch on the endemic vegetation species, vegetation recovery and soil attributes improvements have not been fully understood. This study seeks examining the effects of petroleum mulch on the sandy deserts of Sarakhs located in Khorasan Razavi province. The sampling was arranged as the randomized-systematically by dividing the area of operation into control and treatment plots and the sampling was performed in the key areas of each plot. Nine transects of 50 meters were placed and vegetation cover, density of two dominant species (viz. Astragalus squarosus & Convolvolus hamadae) as well as the total vegetation cover was recorded. Moreover, 220 plants were selected and examined for their dry and green matter. Four soil profiles in each plot were sampled at the depths of 0-20 and 20-80 cm and the samples were further analyzed for their organic matter content. Data analysis was performed using the independent t-test which showed no difference between the treatment and control plots for their total vegetation and species cover. Even though the density of As sq. was lower in the treatment plot of all plants especially As sq, were in good condition and enjoying considerable volumes. While the situation for plants in the control plot were harsh where most plants were drying. The current status in the treatment plot has resulted in a significant rise in the level of organic matter at the depth of 20-80 cm in the mulched areas.