Identification and Analysis of Wind Erosion and Dust Emission Hotspots in Bushehr Province, Iran

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 1. Forests and Rangelands Research Department, Bushehr Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Bushehr, Iran.

2 Soil and water Research Department, Bushehr Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Bushehr, Iran

3 Animal Science Research Department, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Karaj, Iran

4 3. Research institute of Forests and Rangelands, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Karaj

5 5. Animal Science Research Department, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Karaj, Iran

Abstract

Wind erosion is one of the most critical environmental and agricultural factors, increasing risks to soil productivity and food security, with significant consequences for ecosystems and human well-being. Considering that Bushehr Province is located in arid and semi-arid regions and frequently experiences dust storms, this study aimed to evaluate soil susceptibility to wind erosion, measure the wind erosion threshold velocity, and examine its relationship with soil properties in the province. Soil samples were collected from 22 stations across seven counties in Bushehr Province to determine observational threshold velocity (m/s), calculated threshold velocity (m/s), and total wind erosion (kg/m²/min) at three wind velocity classes of 15, 20, and 25 m/s. The results indicated that the lowest observational and calculated threshold velocities, 5 and 6 m/s respectively, were recorded in Pahlevankeshi village and rangelands in the Gorgor hotspot of Tangestan County. The highest velocities, 15 and 19.4 m/s, were observed in abandoned lands along Kabgan Road, shrimp farming sites, and rangelands in the counties of Genaveh, Deylam, Dayyer, and Bushehr. Furthermore, the highest wind erosion, 47.7 and 34.4 kg/m²/min, occurred in areas with the lowest threshold velocity (6 m/s), such as managed rangelands, while the lowest wind erosion, 0.36 and 1 kg/m²/min, was recorded in areas with the highest observational and calculated threshold velocities (15 and 19.4 m/s), including shrimp farms and abandoned rangelands. These findings demonstrate that these regions are active dust hotspots in southern Iran and require serious local and regional management strategies.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Background and Aim

Wind erosion is one of the most critical environmental and agricultural factors that significantly reduces soil productivity and poses a threat to food security, with substantial consequences for ecosystems and human well-being. This study aimed to assess the susceptibility of soils to wind erosion, measure threshold wind velocity, and examine its relationship with soil properties in Bushehr Province, south Iran. Specifically, the research focused on determining the threshold wind erosion velocity in potential dust source areas, evaluating wind erosion amounts at different wind speeds (15, 20, and 25 km/h), and analyzing the key physical and chemical soil factors influencing wind erosion intensity across seven counties of the province. The findings are expected to support improved land management and effective control strategies against wind erosion in the region.

Methodology

In this study, undisturbed soil samples (approximately 25 kg) were collected from wind erosion-prone areas to measure observational and calculated threshold wind velocity (m/s) as well as wind-eroded sediment flux (kg/m²/min). Additionally, 22 composite soil samples were taken from a depth of 0–30 cm across seven arid counties of Bushehr for physical and chemical analyses. After recording field characteristics, samples were transferred to the Soil Science Laboratory at the Agricultural Research Center of Bushehr.

Findings

The lowest threshold wind velocities (5 and 6 m/s) were observed in Pahlevan-Keshi village and rangeland areas of Tangestan County, while the highest values (15 and 19.4 m/s) were recorded in abandoned lands near Kabgan Road and shrimp farming sites in Genaveh and Bushehr counties. Maximum wind erosion rates (47.7 and 31.4 kg/m²/min) occurred in areas with low threshold velocities (6 m/s), whereas minimum erosion rates (0.36 to 1 kg/m²/min) were found in areas with higher resistance to wind erosion (15 m/s). The findings demonstrated that wind erosion susceptibility is strongly influenced by soil texture (sand, silt, and clay content), surface structure, and chemical properties, particularly calcium carbonate equivalent (CCE) and electrical conductivity (EC). Higher sand and CCE contents in light-textured soils increased erosion rates, while greater clay, silt, and salinity levels, along with stabilizing cations (e.g., Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺), enhanced inter-particle cohesion and improved resistance to wind. The effectiveness of surface gravel and sand cover varied depending on their density, size, and spatial distribution. Overall, wind erosion in the region is a result of the complex interaction of physical, chemical, and climatic factors and requires localized, multi-factorial management strategies.

Conclusion

Wind erosion in the study area is significantly affected by soil texture—especially sand, clay, and silt content—as well as chemical and climatic conditions. Sandy soils with low moisture and poor vegetation cover were most vulnerable, while heavier-textured soils showed greater resistance. Chemical characteristics such as CCE and EC demonstrated texture-dependent effects on soil structure stability. Effective erosion control demands site-specific, multi-variable management strategies, including vegetation restoration and soil structure improvement, particularly in critical hotspots such as the southwestern rangelands of Bushehr. These areas are recognized as active dust storm sources in southern Iran and require urgent regional and local planning efforts.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization: GH.R and H.A.; Methodology: GH.R and H.A.; Software: S.D and R.A.; Validation: A.K and S.D.; Formal analysis: A.K and GH.R; Investigation: GH.R, R.A and S.D.; Resources: R.A and A.K.; Data curation: R.A and S.D.; Writing—original draft: S.D.; Writing—review & editing: GH.R, R.A, A.K, S.D, and Z.R.; Visualization: H.A, R.A, and A.K.; Supervision: GH.R and S.D.; Project administration: GH.R. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Data Availability Statement

The data supporting the findings of this study are available from the authors upon reasonable request.

Acknowledgements

This research is part of the project “Monitoring of Factors Influencing Dust and Sand Sources in Bushehr Province”, conducted in collaboration with the Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands and the Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization of Bushehr Province. The authors sincerely appreciate the valuable guidance and support of the managers and experts of these centers, which greatly contributed to improving the quality of this research.

Ethical Considerations

This study, as part of the above-mentioned project, was conducted in collaboration with the Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands and the Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization of Bushehr Province. The authors confirm that the research fully adhered to ethical principles, and no data fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, or misconduct occurred.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest

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Iranian Journal of Soil and Water Research
Volume 56, Issue 9
December 2025
Pages 2483-2502

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