Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Assistant Professor, Department of Rangeland and Watershed Management, Faculty of Water and Soil, University of Zabol, Iran
2 Master Student in Desertification, Department of Rangeland and Watershed Management, Faculty of Water and Soil, University of Zabol, Iran
Abstract
Human interventions on natural trend and overexploitation of natural resources, altogether have interrupted nature reclamation and accelerated its degradation. The present research aims to determine anthropogenic factors on wind erosion intensification in Hamun area, Sistan. The study populations included two groups, first all experts in the natural resources sector in city of Zabol (36 experts) which were surveyed and second group included all households in Hamoon area of Sistan which their number was 4121 households and according to Cochran formula, the sample size was obtained 221 households. The results of the questionnaires responded by experts showed that off-season cultivation of melon Hamoon lake bed, Excavation of water storing pits and manipulation of stabilized Lake bed and overgrazing vegetation in Hamoon bed are found to be the most important factors in exacerbation of wind erosion in this area. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to determine anthropogenic factors affecting the above three factors. Data analysis showed that experience of stakeholders and number of stockholders family members both have positive significant role in increasing our off-season cultivation of melons on the lake bed, Excavation of water storing pits and grazing on lake bed in 99% confidence level. On the other hand those stakeholders owning greater farmlands, high education level and income have fewer tendencies to overexploitation and degrade area.
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