University of Tehran PressDesert2008-087530120250601Fuljis: A Discussion11310203910.22059/jdesert.2025.102039ENAndrew S.GoudieSchool of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, OX1 3QY, United KingdomJournal Article20250518In the late nineteenth century Anne and Wilfrid Blunt described horse-shoe shaped hollows they called fuljis in dunes in the Nafud sandsea of Nejd in Arabia. Since then the term has been sparsely used but investigators have tended to associate these features with coalescing barchans. Examination of images from Google Earth, however, have shown that such hollows are associated with quite a large range of other dune types including star dunes, parabolics, network dunes, and mega-barchanoid ridges. The paper concludes with the suggestion that the term is superfluous, and that such rather neglected features, which deserve further investigation, should simply be called ‘interdunal hollows’.https://jdesert.ut.ac.ir/article_102039_9880eaf77204528ac6401147ba3b52ef.pdfUniversity of Tehran PressDesert2008-087530120250601Enzymatic activity of different sequence of biocrusts and loess soils in Incheh Borun region.142910204010.22059/jdesert.2025.102040ENFarhadKhormaliDepartment of Soil Science, Faculty of Water and Soil Engineering, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Golestan, IranBehnazAtashpazDepartment of Soil Science, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Golestan, Iran.SaraMarinariDepartment of Biological Agro-Food and Forestry Systems (DIBAF), University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy.RositaMarabottiniDepartment of Biological Agro-Food and Forestry Systems (DIBAF), University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy.Journal Article20250518Soil enzyme activity is an indicator of microbial community and functions that reflects changes in soil biological properties, soil organic matter dynamic and nutrient cycling. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the enzyme activity in different sequences of biocrusts and loess soils in the semi-arid region of Incheh Borun, Golestan province, Iran. The Incheh Borun region has the highest abundance of biological crusts on loess plateau. Biocrusts were identified based on morphological characteristics. Enzyme activity was measured (cellulase, chitinase, α-glucosidase, β–glucosidase, acid phosphomonoestrase, arylsulfatase, β-xylosidase, butyrate esterase and leucine aminopeptidase) in the presence of cyanobacteria, lichen and moss crusts and their absence (i.e., the physical crust) as affected by three treatments (crust, soil and soil + crust) and three replications at a depth of 0- 2 cm. The results showed that the presence of biocrusts compared to physical crust in the surface parts (0 to 2 cm depth) improved the activity of enzymes in all three treatments. The highest enzyme content was related to the β-glucosidase enzyme in the lichen biocrust, and the lowest content was observed in the β-xylosidase enzyme in the physical crust. The lichen crust (<em>Diploschistes diacapsis (Ach.) Lumbsch</em>) had the greatest enzyme activity compared to other crusts. This species can fix he carbon of atmosphere by photosynthesis and increasing soil stability better than the other biocrusts. The most enzyme activity in the presence of biological crusts indicates a more active biological diversity or microbial population compared to the physical crusts. This can improve soil quality.https://jdesert.ut.ac.ir/article_102040_e6c503a25e62ee2c5ed28e5f61c3b90f.pdfUniversity of Tehran PressDesert2008-087530120250601Production of Liquid Organic Fertilizer from Sewage Sludge with Reduced Heavy Metal Toxicity via Chemical and Organic Treatments.304010204110.22059/jdesert.2025.102041ENBehnazAtashpazDepartment of Soil Science, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Golestan, IranJournal Article20250518The usage of sewage sludge in agriculture has increased the accumulation of some heavy metals (such as cadmium, copper, lead, etc.) in soil and plants, due to the high concentration of these elements. Therefore, this research was conducted to investigate the best method to reduce the toxicity of heavy metals in sewage sludge while causing less environmental pollution. This approach utilized NaOH and HCl, along with humic and fulvic acids, to precipitate heavy metals from sewage sludge complexed with heavy metals in sludge to reduce the concentration of heavy elements and produce liquid organic fertilizer. In this research, the concentration of heavy metals (As, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in the sewage sludge, humic, fulvic, and liquid organic fertilizer were measured. Also, the humic, fulvic, and the produced organic fertilizer were tested on corn plants in terms of two treatments (10%, and 20%) and the heavy metals of those were analyzed. All experiments were conducted in three replications. The results showed the values of heavy metals in the humic, fulvic and liquid organic fertilizer were lower than the acceptable contents of EPA. The content of these elements in corn plants treated with humic, fulvic, and liquid organic fertilizers were lower than the EPA standard. Therefore, this liquid organic fertilizer can be used as two concertation (10% and 20%) for plant nutrition and compared to chemical fertilizers, is not only economically cost-effective, but also does not have the pollution caused by the use of chemical fertilizers.https://jdesert.ut.ac.ir/article_102041_f1e851b9110a56a0d3e2628d9d22d3a9.pdfUniversity of Tehran PressDesert2008-087530120250601Aeolian Geomorphology of Ergs and Dunefields in Iran.416610246110.22059/jdesert.2025.102461ENMehranMaghsoodiPhysical Geography Department, Geography Faculty, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.HamidGanjaeianPhysical Geography Department, Geography Faculty, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.Journal Article20250623Iran's geographical location causes the majority of the country to be semi-arid, arid, or hyper-arid. The existence of ergs and dunefields in the central and eastern parts of Iran has caused residential areas and all kinds of land use to be affected by sand movement and dust risk. Despite this, there is no comprehensive research on ergs and dunefields in Iran. The aim of this study is to identify, classify, and monitor Iran's ergs and sand dunes, as well as their wind characteristics. We used 66 synoptic stations throughout the country, satellite images from the Ergs region (Landsat 8 and Google Earth), geological and topographical maps at scales of 1:100000, 1:250000, and 1:50000, a digital elevation model with 12.5 meter resolution, and data from field work to achieve our objectives. In addition, using different software, classification of sand dunes, wind erosion potential, and descriptive and analytic maps were prepared. According to the findings, the total area of ergs and dunefields in Iran covered approximately 2.9 percent of the country. Sand dunes come in a variety of shapes and sizes, due to climate and geomorphological diversity in different parts of Iran. Also sand dunes in the south-east of Iran have migrated at a rate of more than 18 meters per year over the last 16 years. The results of the correlation between sand dunes movement and wind characteristics show a close direct correlation, so that sand dunes have the most displacement in areas with high wind velocity and Total Drift Potential (DPt), but have low displacement in other areas due to sand dunes stabilization with vegetation and topographic obstacle. https://jdesert.ut.ac.ir/article_102461_548b5e16bc52c5222a9691dcbcec140f.pdfUniversity of Tehran PressDesert2008-087530120250601Impacts of Using Amygdalus Scoparia and Ephedra Procera on Carbon Storage at Dryland Regions.678010347810.22059/jdesert.2025.103478ENZahraKarimpourCollege of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.HosseinSadeghiDepartment of Natural Resources and Environmental Engineering, College of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.SadeghHosseiniCollege of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.Journal Article20250903<em>Amygdalus scoparia</em> and <em>Ephedra procera</em> are two key rangeland species in Iran's southern province of Fars, significant for soil preservation, carbon sequestration, and providing nutrition for domesticated animals. This study aimed to investigate the impact of these shrubs on the carbon and organic matter content in various plant organs (rootstock, stem, and foliage), as well as the physiological and biochemical characteristics of the sub-canopy soil of the two species in two soil depths (0-15 cm and 15-30 cm) in the Dolatabad area of Fars province. Sampling of plant organs was conducted by isolating leaves, stems, and roots. In a plot of 30 base aerial parts, leaves, stems, and roots with saws and collected for weighing in plastic bags and sent to the lab. The results showed that the highest concentrations of nitrogen and chloride were observed at a depth of 0-15 cm. Soil type and depth significantly affected nitrogen and chloride content (P ≤0.05), but no significant impact was found on bulk density, moisture content, sodium, or potassium content. The effects of plant species on carbon and organic matter were significant (P ≤0.01). In general, the highest amounts of carbon and organic matter were found in the shoots (17.15 and 3.86 t/ha respectively) and roots (16.16 and 2.86 t/ha) of Amygdalus. Therefore, it can be concluded that <em>Amygdalus scoparia</em> have a greater ability to store carbon in their organs.https://jdesert.ut.ac.ir/article_103478_48f93ee77feef55b4f962d1220613936.pdfUniversity of Tehran PressDesert2008-087530120250601Effect of CaCl2 and MgCl2 Solution Mulching on Sand Harvesting in Wind Erosion819110373010.22059/jdesert.2025.103730ENHamidrezaNaseriDepartment of Forestry and Forest Economics, Natural Resources Faculty, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran.Seyyed AliMousaviDepartment of Drylands Management, Faculty of Natural Resources and Earth Sciences, University of Kashan, Isfahan, Iran.Journal Article20250920Wind erosion is a significant issue that causes severe damage to natural areas in arid and desert regions. Natural and biological mulches play a crucial role in stabilizing dunes and lands affected by wind erosion. One such option is a natural mulch derived from a solution extracted from the Khour Playa containing CaCl₂ and MgCl₂. In this study, trays filled with sand samples from Mesr village were used to assess the potential for sand harvest and transport by wind flow in a tunnel. Mulching was applied using solutions at concentrations of 5%, 10%, 20%, 40%, 80%, and 100%. Sand harvesting was measured at various wind speeds (0-25 m/s) over different time intervals. The results of the analysis of variance, based on a completely randomized design (CRD), and mean comparisons indicated that this solution effectively prevents sand movement. Therefore, this mulch is highly suitable due to its minimal negative effects and lower cost compared to alternative oil mulches. Applying a rate of 2.5 liters per square meter of the stabilizing CaCl₂ and MgCl₂ solution in a natural environment on active sand fields can help stabilize the sands, create a suitable protective layer thickness, and withstand erosion from particle impact for at least one year.https://jdesert.ut.ac.ir/article_103730_efc7d7bff85aaa4e6ae0df117d13473a.pdfUniversity of Tehran PressDesert2008-087530120250601Modeling the Impact of Climate Change on the Spatial Distribution of the Endangered Medicinal Plant Ferula assa-foetida L. in Kerman Province.9210910422810.22059/jdesert.2025.104228ENAmirrezaAmrollahi JalalabadiDepartment of Rangeland Management, Faculty of Natural Resources, Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, Sari, Mazandaran, Iran.0000-0001-7974-240XShafaghRastgarDepartment of Rangeland Management, Faculty of Rangeland and Watershed Management, Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, Sari, Mazandaran, Iran.AzamRezaeiDepartment of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Agricultural Management, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Golestan, Iran.Ali AsgharNaghipourDepartment of Nature engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources and Earth Sciences, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran.Journal Article20251015Climate change significantly affects the habitats of species by altering plant distributions and their interactions with environmental factors. This study aimed to model the spatial distribution of the endangered medicinal plant <em>Ferula assa-foetida</em> L. under current and future climate scenarios in Kerman Province. Species occurrence locations were recorded using Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking. Habitat suitability modeling was conducted for two time periods: the present and the future (2050). Environmental variables incorporated into the models included climatic, physiographic, and land use factors relevant to the study area. To predict future distribution patterns based on climatic variables, two climate models HadGEM3-GC31-LL and MRI-ESM2.0 were employed under two Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSP) scenarios: SSP245 and SSP585. The Maxent model was used for species distribution modeling, achieving excellent predictive performance with an Area Under the Curve (AUC) value of 0.966. Among the environmental variables, BIO9 (Mean Temperature of Driest Quarter), BIO19 (Precipitation of Coldest Quarter), and BIO11 (Mean Temperature of Coldest Quarter) contributed most significantly to habitat suitability. Projections for 2050 indicate a drastic reduction in suitable habitats for <em>F. assa-foetida</em>. Specifically, under the HadGEM3-GC31-LL, suitable habitats are expected to decrease by 97.49% and 99.91% under SSP245 and SSP585 scenarios, respectively. Similarly, the MRI-ESM2.0 model predicts reductions of 97.51% and 98.26% under the same scenarios. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted management strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change and prevent the potential local extinction of this species. Furthermore, understanding the plant’s adaptive mechanisms may provide insights into its resilience and inform conservation efforts.https://jdesert.ut.ac.ir/article_104228_76384610111abb4755a5beaa6e45e83a.pdfUniversity of Tehran PressDesert2008-087530120250601The Mehriz Sand Ramps: A Late Quaternary Palaeoenvironmental Archive of Extreme Aridity and Glacial Legacy in Central Iran.11013910460010.22059/jdesert.2025.104600ENMohamadSharifi PaichoonDepartment of Geography, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran.Department of geography, Yazd University, Yazd, IranJournal Article20251111This study examines the influence of late Quaternary climate changes, local topographical features, and wind dynamics on the formation, development, and activity of sand ramps situated south of Yazd, Central Iran. Research methods included extensive fieldwork, geomorphological and geological mapping, thin-section analysis, XRD studies, and evaluation of regional wind and precipitation data. The ramps formed under rapidly changing arid conditions during the late Quaternary, as indicated by the poorly weathered and unconsolidated aeolian sands and the absence of alluvial or colluvial layers within the deposits. Their formation and evolution were strongly controlled by topography, lithology, wind patterns, and episodes of extreme cold and aridity. Mineralogical analyses show dominant quartz, feldspar, mica, and biotite in the lower sand sheet layers, pointing to a source from mafic rocks outcropped in glacial cirques and valleys above 2,200 m a.s.l. These rocks weathered during glacial periods, and the resulting sediments were transported downslope by ice tongues and runoff. During subsequent arid periods, winds redistributed the finer sediments over short distances, depositing some as sand sheets at the base of slopes, while others were carried up mountain slopes or across ridges to accumulate on the leeward sides. A shift from mafic minerals in the lower layers to calcite-rich surface layers reflects a change in environmental conditions over time. The current limited activity of the ramps suggests they are relict features, formed during past periods of intense drought, when extreme aridity provided the necessary conditions for their accumulation.https://jdesert.ut.ac.ir/article_104600_879945aee51cc8e72a6836ad314efcca.pdfUniversity of Tehran PressDesert2008-087530120250601A Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Approach to Sand Dunes Stabilization Using Vinasse and Indigenous Bacteria in MICP Technology.14017110460110.22059/jdesert.2025.104601ENNeginPirhadiDepartment of Soil Sciences, Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources university of Khuzestan, Ahvaz, IranBijanKhalilimoghadamDepartment of Soil Science, Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources university of Khuzestan, Iran.HabibNadianDepartment of Soil Sciences, Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, university of Khuzestan, Ahvaz, Iran.HosseinMotamediBiotechnology and Biological Science Research Center, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran.Journal Article20251111Among emerging solutions to wind-erosion–driven sand dunes, stabilizing sand grains through an environmentally friendly MICP process offers a distinct, bio-based mechanism for enhancing sand stability relative to conventional methods. This study aimed to identify indigenous ureolytic bacteria suitable for Microbial Induced Calcium Precipitation (MICP) and to evaluate vinasse as a substrate to support MICP in arid-sand dune environments of southwestern Iran. Sand dunes were sampled; Bacteria were isolated and screened for urease activity and identified by 16S rRNA sequencing. The effects of various parameters on bacterial growth, urease activity, and carbonic anhydrase production were assessed. Isolates’ growth in vinasse was tested, and CaCO<sub>3</sub> precipitation was confirmed by XRD and FESEM. Seven <em>Bacillus</em> isolates were selected based on urease activity. Strain 1S5 showed the highest specific urease activity in response to Ni<sup>2+</sup> and remained active across high urea concentrations across all incubation periods. Early CaCO<sub>3</sub> precipitation was observed for strains 5D1, 1D2, 1D1, and 8S1, indicating carbonic anhydrase activity. All isolates grew in varying vinasse concentrations, and CaCO<sub>3</sub> precipitation was observed in all strains, with the highest yields for indigenous <em>Bacillus licheniformis</em> strains 1S5, 1D1 and 1D2. The indigenous <em>Bacillus </em>strains, particularly strain 1S5, exhibit robust urease activity and CaCO<sub>3</sub> precipitation under vinasse-containing conditions, supporting vinasse as a feasible substrate for MICP applications. Further optimization and field-relevant testing are warranted.https://jdesert.ut.ac.ir/article_104601_7fee4f72d7f35d550d699441b6f71422.pdfUniversity of Tehran PressDesert2008-087530120250601Using the Sewage Sludge, Bentonite and Lime to Reduce the Erosion of Loess Soils and Protect the Gas Pipelines in Golestan Province.17218210460410.22059/jdesert.2025.104604ENBehnazAtashpazDepartment of Soil Science, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, IranFarshadKianiDepartment of Soil Science, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran.FarhadKhormaliDepartment of Soil Science, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran.MehranSalimiDepartment of Soil Science, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran.MohammadTamjidi FarahbakhshNational Gas Company of Golestan Province, Gorgan, Iran.Journal Article20251112Loess soils are very sensitive to water and wind erosion due to their fine particles (silt size), which requires the use of modifiers to increase their stability. This research was conducted with the aim of using effective solutions to increase the stability of loess soils. According to studies, using soil mixed with sewage sludge, bentonite, and lime (8%) is very effective in increasing the adhesion of soil particles and reducing its erosion. For this purpose, sewage sludge was purchased from the Gorgan waste water treatment plant, bentonite and lime were purchased, loess sample was taken from the Saadabad region and all samples were transferred to the laboratory. In the laboratory, the contents of heavy metals, organic matter, bulk density, shear strength, percentage of stable aggregates, pH, and EC were measured in the treatments of sewage sludge, bentonite, and lime mixed with loess (8%), and control soil. In addition, in every study treatment that combined with loess soil and control soil, the amount of sediment output from them was measured by the flume of simulated rain. The results showed that the use of sewage sludge, with a lower amount of sediment produced (92.15gr) and the higher content of organic carbon (1.59%), shear strength (1.36 N.cm<sup>-2</sup>), percentage of stable aggregates (1.21%), and heavy metals with in permissible range of EPA (2003) is the most appropriate treatment of this study to increase the stability of loess aggregates. Therefore, sewage sludge can be used to increase the stability of loess soil around gas pipes.https://jdesert.ut.ac.ir/article_104604_8d53141ae87d4a30d81205fb66df47e8.pdfUniversity of Tehran PressDesert2008-087530120250601Predicting Dust Sources Susceptibility Using Machine Learning Techniques in the Future (Case Study: South Khorasan, Iran).18320110476210.22059/jdesert.2025.104762ENAmirEbrahimiDepartment of Environment, Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment, University of Birjand, Birjand, IranSaeedrezaAhmadizadehDepartment of Environment, Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment, University of Birjand, Birjand, IranJournal Article20251123Mineral dust significantly affects air quality, visibility, and Earth's radiation balance. Dust storms frequently occur in arid, semi-arid lands, flat regions with erodible soils, where drought and land-use changes have increased their occurrence, harming agriculture and communities. Central Eurasia, particularly the Middle East, is a major dust source region. This study employed machine learning to evaluate dust emission susceptibility in South Khorasan, Iran, by analyzing environmental factors and enhancing existing dust prediction models. Researchers used land use/land cover (2004 and 2019) maps, lithology, elevation, and climate variables from ACCESS-CM2 and CANESM5 models under IPCC6's SSP5-8.5 scenario to predict dust source susceptibility. Among SVM, CART, and Linear Regression algorithms, Random Forest performed best for LULC classification and wind speed prediction. The study combined CA-Markov for LULC prediction with Maximum Entropy modeling to calculate the Dust Source Susceptibility Index (DSSI). Results showed CANESM5 projected higher dust susceptibility than ACCESS-CM2, with over 10,340 km² falling into the highest-risk DSSI category. Wind plays a determining role in starting dust storms. The research demonstrates that integrating multiple modeling approaches and validation metrics (Kappa, AUC, R²) provides an effective framework for investigating dust source susceptibility, offering improved predictive capability for dust storm management and mitigation strategies.https://jdesert.ut.ac.ir/article_104762_3f6541ccc51c232e50d098149ab0fa30.pdfUniversity of Tehran PressDesert2008-087530120250601Land sensitivity to degradation and the restoration priorities in the Central Zagros, Iran.20222710509410.22059/jdesert.2025.105094ENZeinabBanitorfyAgricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University of Khuzestan, Ahvaz, Iran.BijanKhalilimoghadamDepartment of Soil Science, Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources university of Khuzestan, Iran.ZeinabHazbaviDepartment of Range and Watershed Management, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Water Management Research Center, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, IranMohsenBagheri BodaghabadiSoil and Water Research Institute (SWRI), Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, IranJournal Article20251220Today, land degradation (LD) has become a socio-economic problem in various regions of the world. However, locally effective and up-to-date assessments that account for the LD spatial variability and operational prioritization of areas for restoration at the high-risk protected regions are scant. Given the high risk of LD and low productivity of the Zagros region of Iran, we used the Sheida Protected Region (SPR) as a test case for exploring the potential LD and identifying the restoration priorities to maximize conservation value and finding continued funding to improve the ecosystem resilience. Under the umbrella of the Modified Mediterranean Desertification and Land Use (MMEDALUS) approach, the land sensitivity to degradation was assessed based on five quality indices (soil, climate, physiography, vegetation cover, and land management) in four groups: low (100-120), moderate (121-135), severe (136-153), and very severe (more than 153) in the 16 land components. The Quantitative results showed that mean soil, climate, physiographic, vegetation, and land management quality indices are 140±5, 150±1, 134±4,135±18, and 135±13, respectively. About 43.81% of the SPR falls into the severe condition and other parts of it were categorized in the moderate class. FRAGSTATS software application showed that among the 70 available landscape metrics at the landscape level (Land-unit), 16 landscape metrics had a significant correlation (r>0.46; sig. <0.07) with LDI, emphasizing the high threat of LD in the region. Based on MMEDALUS results and various field visits of the area, appropriate and cost-effective solutions in terms of mechanical, biological, and management operations were proposed.https://jdesert.ut.ac.ir/article_105094_ca8fc1d5178cfb2c3a9d8af50a11887e.pdf