The effect of humidification and water spreading on the return of native species in the dust center of Khuzestan province (Mansoureh and Sharifieh wetlands)

Mansoureh (14,000 hectares), Sharifieh (2,000 hectares), and Ghaizanieh wetlands are located in the Kopal River basin as seasonal wetlands that are usually drained in the winter due to flooding. During a field visit to these areas in 2015 and 2016, they were scorched and turned into dust centers. After the construction of the Nasr canal, a suitable opportunity for water to reach Mansoureh will be provided. Water spreading was done in the wetland on 11 occasions and periodically afterwards. At the same time, from 2016 to 2021, as part of a research project, the succession process and changes in the vegetation cover of Sharifieh and Mansoureh were monitored. It was found that after dewatering and suitable seasonal rains, the gradual increase in water spread, and the ponding of the wetland, various perennial rhizomes and dry wetland species appeared. So it can be concluded that these areas still have a good seed bank. If their water rights are secured, natural vegetation can be restored. Therefore, with some attention and management, one of the foci of the dust source can be controlled without planting saplings, which is customary.