Investigation of the effect of nucleos polymer mulch (M19) on controlling wind erosion in the Segzi plain in east Isfahan

Research has been done on different materials to control and reduce wind erosion. Among them, we can mention the performance of agar gum biopolymer in reducing dust production at different concentrations of 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5%. Its results showed that the addition of biopolymer improves the water-holding capacity, increases the surface and compressive strength of the soil, and decreases dust production. In another study, agar gum biopolymer significantly improved soil mechanical properties. This study investigates the effect of polymer nuclei (M19) on controlling sand dunes. This research investigates the effect of nucleos (M19) mulch on reducing wind erosion and controlling sand dunes and dust.

This research was carried out in Segazi Plain, a study and implementation priority due to its proximity to urban areas, military facilities, transportation, as well as industries and workshops located there, from the aspect of preventing wind erosion and desertification. After choosing the field, two plots of 500 square meters with the same conditions (an active hill with an area around it with natural and hand-planted vegetation) were selected. To determine the effect of soil cover, the area of each plot was determined by wooden stakes. In addition, the surrounding sand dunes were staked to measure their displacement. A pump sprayer mulched the measuring plot with nucleos (M19) mulch. Following the soil moisture changes, information including seedling survival and growth rate, soil cover's ability to control sand dune displacement, and compressive stress was examined during different months. Finally, the effectiveness of soil cover was compared with the control treatment using the T-test.

 The results of examining the changes in humidity and the effect of soil cover on it showed that the highest humidity in the area was after rain. No clear difference was observed between the drying process of the control plot and the mulched plot. It was also found that this mulch positively affects seedling growth rates. During the research period, the control sand dunes moved about 0.75 to 2.5 meters depending on the season and wind direction. In contrast, the mulched sand dunes remained stable. On the other hand, with time, the mulched field's surface became flaky, and signs of wear and tear were observed.

The first point about using this polymer as a soil cover is its two phases during transportation and storage until mulching. In such a way, the two layers can be clearly distinguished. As a result, mixing is necessary for the uniformity of the polymer during the preparation of the final emulsion. This can be considered as one of the negative characteristics of the used polymer. This mulch positively affected soil moisture changes and increased soil moisture retention. On the other hand, the comparison of the growth of the seedlings in the mulched field and control also shows its effect on the growth of the seedlings. This soil cover's only positive and critical feature is its high flexibility after mulching in such a way that it is possible to drive on it with caution. Finally, after a year, cracks were first detected in the research field. Gradually, the number and depth of cracks increased, which caused the mulched field surface to become flaky. Following this complication, instability and signs of wear and tear were observed in the mulched area. However, no movement or change in location was observed in the mulched hill. It should be noted that with time, more destruction occurs on the surface of the mulched area. Following more flaking, the mulched surface may be destroyed, and hill erosion may begin. Considering these cases, mulching in this and similar areas is not recommended.