
Oil-based Mulching in Iran (National Geographic, November 1979)
The November 1979 issue of National Geographic examines Iran’s innovative approach to combating desertification, using petroleum mulch to stabilize migrating sand dunes near Ahvaz. In this process, workers use tankers pulled by bulldozers to evenly spray residual oil over the sand surface. This creates a gray, adhesive layer that retains moisture, prevents sand movement, and supports the establishment and growth of vegetation. As part of broader desert control and land protection programs, this technique demonstrates the use of petroleum resources for environmental restoration, blending engineering ingenuity with ecological needs in arid regions.