Assessment and mapping of land degradation in Abuzaydabad, Iran using an IMDPA model with emphasis on land criteria.

Land degradation, or desertification, is specific to arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid regions. The rate of this phenomenon is high in developing countries such as Iran. This research investigated desertification and mapping of desertification in Abuzaydabad, near Kashan, Iran, with an emphasis on land criteria using an IMDPA model. Different studies have assessed land degradation or desertification and resulted in the production of different regional models. The application of such models to another region requires reinvestigation of the criteria and adjustments for local conditions. The present study used the newest and best model for assessment. Three key regional criteria were defined for desertification: geology-geomorphology, soil, and wind erosion. A working unit map was made using a geomorphologic method and land use in each working unit was determined. Thematic databases were integrated and enhanced using GIS and its spatial modeling function. Using the developed land degradation or desertification mapping, it was found that of the total study area (16161 ha), medium desertification was found in 4792 ha and high desertification was found in 11369 ha.