Soil and Water Conservation for Desertification Control in Iran - Combating Desertification in Asia, Africa and the Middle East - page 370

Table 18.1 (continued)

Relative cost
effectiveness No. Technique/methods Sites where applicable Limitations/benefits Overall rating

14 Building farmland by leveling sand

dune with water

Sand dune Must have water Cheap 5 Effectiveness

Less Labor demanding Easy to maintenance 4 Durability

Good results 4 Maintenance

15 Building water conservation project,

reclaiming barren land, and
improving soil to form new oases

Intermountain basins
surrounded by
snow-capped peaks

Must have water Relatively expensive 4 Effectiveness

Labor demanding Low labor cost

because of low
opportunity cost
of rural labor

4 Durability

Long life 3 Maintenance

High social value as it provides
cash to local people

Chemical methods

16 Covering sand dune with pitch or

making sand barren with asphalt
felt

Sand dune Must have chemical materials Expensive 4 Effectiveness

Labor demanding Easy to maintenance 4 Durability

Changing soil surface 4 Maintenance

Long life

17 Using some chemical materials (such

as plastic film, dry water or soil
moisture protector) to protect or
supply water for afforestation

Arid areas Must have chemical materials Expensive 4 Effectiveness

Labor demanding 1 Durability

short life 2 Maintenance

Good results