Feasibility Study of Zoning Desertification Intensity Using IMDPA Model (Case Study: Shekarouye region, Fars Province)

Over exploitation of natural resources during recent years has led to the intensifying of desertification phenomenon and hence serious determination is required to deal with it. This study aims to identify the adverse factors in desertification intensifications in Shekarouye using IMDPA model in order to undertake preventive and managerial measures.  To this end, four criteria of soil, vegetation, climate and water were selected each having further sub indicators. Weighted average of each criterion’s sub-indicators and the four criteria, respectively led to the composite value of each criteria and total desertification intensity. Total desertification value was classified into four classes of negligible to low, moderate, severe and very severe and the related maps were prepared. Results showed that vegetation criterion with the value of 2.66 (very severe) and water criterion with 1.9 (moderate), respectively were the most effective and negligible criteria in intensifying desertification. Water electric conductivity with 3.11 (severe) and water sodium absorption ratio with 1.1 respectively had the highest and lowest impact on desertification. Total desertification measured 1.6 (moderate). Of the total desertification area 20310.45 ha (56.81%) and 15436.78 (43.18%) respectively fell into the moderate and negligible to low classes.