Evaluating of desertification in Shazand watershed lands by FAO and UNEP method

Recognition and evaluation of influencing factors on desertification as well as determination of influenced area with this problem is necessary. The method of FAO-UNEP is one of the proper methods to evaluating the desertification which into study the different factors and process. Vegetation distraction, water and wind erosion, decreasing the quality and quantity of water supply, saltification of soil together with animal pressure and human population on the environment were the main factors and processes investigated in this research. A period time of 20 years (1989-2008) choose for assessment of desertification in this study and data were collected with considering the aerial photograph and remote sensing images. For investigation of each processes were evaluated several indices and scoring with field sampling and library studies. Four class of poor, moderate, intense and very intense were determined for discrimination of desertification levels. Each process was investigated from 3 aspects such as existing condition, speed and natural capability of desertification. Desertification maps was constructed in GIS and integrated for final desertification map. Base on the result were classified 116466ha (%20) in low, 273240ha (%48) in intermediate and 179123ha (%32) in severe class of desertification in Shazand watershed. Intense desertification were observed mainly in mountainous and rocky area with slop higher than %40 and poor vegetation. Severe desertification was observed mainly in mountainous ranges with slop higher than 15-30 percent and poor vegetation. Water erosion and vegetation destruction were the main factors of desertification in this watershed and whereas the animal pressure was the main factor of desertification intensity.