Using bio-mulch for dust stabilization (case study: Semnan province, Iran)

The use of bio-mulches to stabilize dust has gained worldwide attention during the last five decades. We report herein on a study of the application of 20 new types of bio-mulches as stabilizing agents. To understand the effect of new bio-mulches on dust stabilization, several tests have been applied for strength, structural stability and wind erosion. Fourier Transforms Infrared and Scanning Electron Microscopy have been applied on untreated and treated soil samples. Bio-mulch modified mechanisms have been analysed. Wind erosion and aggregate stability test results clearly indicate that certain biomulch specimens were useful in controlling dust in relatively arid and semiarid areas. The Scanning Electron Microscopy images show that when bio-mulches were applied to sandy soil, some voids in the soil were filled, while other parts stayed on the surface of soil aggregates. The molecular structure of polyelectrolyte groups reacted chemically with positive ions of the clay grain and created physicochemical bonds between molecules and soil aggregates with ionic, hydrogen or Vander Waals bonds. Untreated samples had no bonds between molecules and soil aggregate, and the strength and erosion resistance were weak.