Investigation and Preparation of Desertification Map Based on Iranian Model of Desertification Potential (IMDPA) with an emphasis on two criteria of soil and vegetation (Case study: Faryab-Kerman Province)

According to the concept of desertification, which is land degradation in dry areas, the semi-arid, and dry sub-humid due to many factors such as climate change and human activities, this phenomenon has long been known as a serious problem in terms of economic, social, and environmental in many countries. The purpose of this study was to study the desertification of Faryab city in southern Kerman province using Iranian IMDPA method.

The aim of this study was assessed desertification potential of Faryab region in the arid region of south of Kerman province by using the Iranian model of desertification potential assessment (IMDPA) on soil and vegetation cover indicators.Each criterion was assessed based on the selected indices which result in qualitative mapping of each criterion cased on geometric average of the indices. Thematic databases, with a scale of 1:50000 were integrated and elaborated in Arc GIS 9.3. By laminate of thematic databases layers and using this formula DM=(VQI×SQI)1/2 to Calculate the geometric mean Criteria. Then Desertification intensity map was obtained with analysis IMDPA Model.

Results indicated that 14.53% of study area classified as low class, 33.69% is classified as moderate class and 51.78% of area classified as a severe class of desertification. Analysis of desertification criteria in Faryab region showed that among study criteria, regeneration of vegetation of vegetation cover is a major problem with a geometric average of 3.82.

According to the results of this research, which indicates the importance of vegetation in desertification, it is suggested that a deeper investigation of the appropriate methods of remediation and improvement of the rangelands of the region be undertaken by the Natural Resources Department. In the case of lack of attention from the authorities, about 50% of other (medium and low desertification classes) will be subject to severe destruction, which will lead to damage to other elements of the ecosystem, including wildlife, and so on.