Assessing intensity, risk of desertification and management program (Case study area: Segazi plain of Isfahan)

Desertification has turned into a serious hazard especially for developing countries such as Iran. Experimental models are the most suitable methods for assessment of the desertification intensity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the desertification hazard and risk of the management programs in the desert plains of Segzi in Isfahan province of Iran. According to the MEDALUS model, the results showed that the risk of desertification falls into three classes: very low (5.6 %), severe (21.13 %), and very severe (73.27)% . Climatic criteria (score 193), wind erosion (score 176), and management and policy (score 172) have the greatest impact on desertification severity in the region, respectively. The desertification risk of the region was also evaluated with regard to the desertification hazard map, the environmental elements at risk as well as their sensitivity .The risk assessment results were calculated and classified into five categories : very low, low, medium, high and very high, wherein high and very high classes cover 40% of the area. The highest class denotes to a very low desertification risk with 39% of the area. Based on the obtained results, ground specifications and opinions of experts, an appropriate management plan was proposed. Under critical condition and based on high risk values, plans and control measures such as proper management, the use of new irrigation methods, the use of salinity resistant crops and windbreaks , and also in some areas, preserving the status quo can be applied to prevent the risk of desertification .