An official with Iran’s Natural Resources and Watershed Management Organization said the government has plans underway to develop non-oil mulch in the new Iranian year (started March 21) with the aim of combating land degradation in arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas across the country.

Hamidreza Soleimani, the head of the Innovation and Technology Department of Natural Resources and Watershed Management Organization, said, “We will get help from domestic knowledge-based companies to develop non-oil mulching methods as well as novel software and hardware technologies to fight desertification across the country”.

He added that making use of new methods and technologies can help us proceed ahead with the One Billion Trees Program more effectively and efficiently.

Mulching is a common method of stabilizing soil to prevent dust storms. Empty fields are common sources of dust storms since the soil is exposed to wind. However, shrubs can help guard the soil, while trees act as natural barriers against dust and sand storms.