Human Influence on Desertification of Northeast Khorasan Province, Iran

Abstract

Map of desertification process in the northern Khorasan region was compiled
adopting methodology of FAO-UNEP and criteria devised by the Desert Institute
of Turkmenistan for arid, and semi-arid regions. Based on Landsat-TM data, a
desertification map of the region in 1972 was prepared and compared with human-induced
desertification map compiled for northern Khorasan in 1999. -SoiL geologicaL
topographic, climatic, agricultural, and sociological information were incorporated
in compiling these maps. Data collected show that about 87% of the northern
Khorasan region is affected by desertification, of which 55% is severely and very
severely desertified. Around 6% of the area is not affected by desertification and
8% is a natural desert. The degradation of vegetation cover caused by human activities
is the most extensive form of desertification, followed by water erosion, secondary
salinization, and wind erosion. These cover 47%, 34%, 6%, and <1% of the area,
respectively. Reversal of desertification in the early stages is essential in part of
north-east Khorasan province before the region becomes severely desertified.