Journal of Innovations in Pharmaceuticals and Biological Sciences JIPBS www.jipbs.com

ISSN: 2349-2759 Review article Biological method in stabilization of using the ornamental plants and woody trees: Review article

Metwally S.A.*1, Abouziena H.F.2, Bedour M.H. Abou- Leila3, M.M. Farahat1, E. El. Habba1

1 Department of Ornamental Plants and Woody Trees, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt, 12622. 2Department of Botany, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt, 12622. 3 Department of Water Relation and Field irrigation, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt, 12622.

Abstract Sand dunes are considered one of the most obstacles that face the horizontal or vertical expansion of agriculture in the . Sand dunes are a collection of a loose grouping of sand on the land surface in the form of a pile with top. In the recent years, increasing attention has been taken to cultivate the timber trees and ornamental plants in a narrow range to combat the , sand encroachment and sand dunes. The climate factors are characterized by high temperature, strong winds laden with sand and sandy dunes, lead to soil erosion and remove the fertility soil in the surface layer, and destroying cultivated lands. Therefore, it's important to planting windbreaks and stabilization sand dunes to reduce the damage and loss of all areas of development aspects. The methods used for combating the sand dunes can be classified into two types; biological methods or plant measure and the second are the mechanical methods or engineering measure. We will focus in this article on the biological methods where the trees, and grasses are planted. The desert plants should have some criteria. Some successful biological measures were used for combating desertification in different land, such as agricultural areas, highways, railways, roads, cities, industrial factories and areas. There are environmental and economic importance of the cultivation of the dunes such as installations and afforestation of sand dunes to maintain the ecological balance and the stability of life, providing employment opportunities and timber production for fuel, or for animals feed.

Key words: Desert plants, Desertification, Afforestation, Petroleum chemicals, Combat.

*Corresponding Author: Metwally S.A., Department of Ornamental Plants and Woody Trees, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt, 12622. 1. Introduction

Sand dunes constitute a constraint in collection of sand, which is a loose urban development and agricultural grouping of sand on the surface of the expansion. Sand dunes are defined as a earth in the form of a pile with top. Sand

©JIPBS, All rights reserved Metwally S.A. et al., JIPBS, Vol 3 (1), 36-53, 2016 dunes formed by erosion, a desert rock Sand dunes and other aeolian forms cover interaction with extreme temperatures about 17% of the whole Egypt country, and wind blowing continued, leading to while cover approximately 6% of the the dismantling of the rocks and global land surface area [6]. fragmentation to a different size and Morphologically these are shape sand granules.. subdivided into sand seas (ergs), isolated Since pharaonic times mobile sand has dunes, fields, sandy plains and been stabilized through plantations, while sheets. At several locations, sand conversely fields and woodland have been encroachment causes hazards to devastated by wind-driven erosion and farmlands, highways, population centers coverage of sand. This ancient fight and other infrastructures. Remote sensing between growth and Aeolian techniques could be use effectively to surface mobility has evidently enormous monitor sand dune movements through impact on the economy of semi-arid comparing the multi-temporal satellite regions, on and on images according to [7]. global [1]. Sand encroachment in Egypt can be Trees, shrubs and ornamental plants are classified into two categories: represented permanently important 1. Severe dune migration (> 15 m year– group in windbreaks and play an 1). It occurs in South Al-Bardaweil important role in combat sand dunes. In (North Sinai). It prevails in Central recent years, increasing attention to the Sinai, east of the Suez Canal, Siwa, cultivation of timber trees in a narrow Abu Mongar, Farafra, Bahariya and El space for combating the desertification, Rayan. sand encroachment, sand dunes and 2. Slight dune migration (< 5 m year–1). overcome the harmful of climatic changes It occurs on both sides of the Nile and protect the environment from Delta, northern of the Nile Delta pollution, as well as its have a role in and along [8]. addressing the big problems that result In Egypt, the main constraints for from the movement of sand dunes and its sustainable agricultural in Sinai is, threat to the installations of industrial and essentially, the migration of sand dunes population, roads and farms, etc. that occupy about 5000 Km2 of the coastal High temperature, strong winds caused zone This adversely affects on the the sandy dunes, which lead to soil cultivated lands and the newly reclaimed erosion and remove the surface layer rich; areas. It is subject to sand dune lead to cover the land and destroying a encroachment. The movement of sand cultivated area, soil becoming poor in dunes causes severe damage to the organic matter and nutrients. This buildings, roads, irrigation and drainage prompted many interesting countries to canals. Migration of aeolian results planting windbreaks and stabilization the in the migration of longitudinal dunes at a sand dunes to reduce the desertification, rate of 2.25 m/y for that south of Bir El land degradation, particularly in arid and Abd and 13 m/y at Wadi El Gady [8]. semiarid regions [2,3]. Sand dunes Sand dunes are known to be (1) free of without vegetation can be moved by wind vegetation and active, (2) partly vegetated and this process can cause major damage and active and (3) fully vegetated and to the landscape [4,5]. fixed. It is customary to conclude that the

37 Metwally S.A. et al., JIPBS, Vol 3 (1), 36-53, 2016 stabilized sand dunes of the world stress conditions under sand dunes in indicate mobility in the past, probably Egypt are: Acasia saligna, Prosopis pallid under more xeric climate regimes [10]. and Atriplex nummularia [17,20]. Many geologists and geomorphologists The sand dune fixation has been carried relate the mobility of sand dunes during out in the Sahel [21,22] in many areas in the Upper Quaternary to an increase in the world. In all cases, the use of plastic aridity while stability by vegetation occurs sheets, plant residues, bitumen, and during wet phases [11,12]. It is obvious elemental sulphur, lead to improved that all fixed dunes were active in the past chemical properties of dune sand. This and became stabilized when their climate was reflected in significant increases in changed. Most scientists refer to climate plant height, number of branches, crown change as a change in rainfall and cover and crown volume. As a result, the temperature, which are the two important shifting sands were sharply decreased by climate elements that affect vegetation 47.2 to 96.7% in the stabilized areas. growth [13]. Planting of natural wind breaks/shelter For this reason, it`s expected that sand belts, stabilization of sand dunes, dunes in hot would be devoid of minimum tillage, and conservation of vegetation and active, while the dunes rainwater are some of the measures found along the of humid areas would be effective in checking wind erosion. Reduce vegetated and stabilized. However, there to advanced erosion and planned are many examples of active sand dunes in performing wind breaking the prevailing humid areas and stabilized dunes in arid winds in the direction perpendicular to areas [14]. wind prevent devastating effects (wood Sand dune fixation is designed to prevent and bamboo curtains (reed), shrubs, the movement of sand long enough to fences, rocks, etc.).These measures are enable either natural or planted extremely effective against wind erosion vegetation to become established. In the and to stop sand dune in order the move arid and semi arid regions, various species and keep in the place [23]. of trees, shrubs and grasses can be used It can be classify the methods used to for dune fixation [15]. Atriplex spp. and control sandy desert into two types: One Acacia spp. are among the effective plant is to the extant vegetation on the sand species used for the control of shifting dunes or, where such vegetation has sand dunes [16]. deteriorated, to plant trees, shrubs and In El-Shaikh Zuweid (Egypt), [17] used grasses. The materials used in this type of biological fixation of coastal sand dunes method are living. This type is known a (Moghat, Liquorice, Sisal and Opuntia). biological methods or plant measure for Ndiaya et al. [18] cultivated Casuarina desert control. The second is to set up eqisetifolia for the control of the coastal barriers used in this type are non-living, sand dunes of Senegal. Moreover, the such as wheat straw, branches of trees, monitoring of four plant species grown for bamboo, reeds, sorghum stalks, clay, sand drift control in India showed that, cobblestone, petroleum chemicals and so the growth and the survival of such plants on. This type, called a mechanical methods were best on the dune crest and leeward or engineering measure for desert control. slopes [19]. Furthermore, the most In this article we will focused only on the popular cultivated plants tolerated the biological methods, particularly role of

38 Metwally S.A. et al., JIPBS, Vol 3 (1), 36-53, 2016 ornamental plants and woody trees in the 2. Strongly favor sunlight: Atraphaxis stabilization of sand dunes. bracteata, Calligonum caput-medusa trees grow very well under sand Biological methods for combating the dune desert condition. sand dues 3. Sand bury-resistance and wind Some successful biological measures were erosion-resistance: Twigs of many suggested for combating desertification in desert plants are buried by moving different land uses such, as agricultural sand, if the twigs meet water, they areas, highways, railways, roads, cities, can grow adventitious roots, and can industrial factories and mining areas. grow new plants on the twigs rapidly, Suitable plant species were chosen on the such as Nitraria sp. Some roots are basis of their capabilities in these kinds of exposed because of strong wind harsh environments. Plantation erosion, and they still grow techniques and the treatments like tenaciously, such as Haloxylon and sowing, seedling and air seeding were Calligonum. successfully used for protecting the 4. Root developed strongly: Main root properties of people that are living in the usually can reach underground water desert areas of China. Shelterbelt systems layer, the longest roots are over ten and practical models for the hilly and flat meters. Haloxylon plants, main root desert areas are applied [24]. can reach as 13 meters, Alhagi sparifolia, its main root can reach 5 Criteria of desert plants meters deep, such as Calligonum Desert plants usually call on the plants, mongolicum; its lateral root can reach which grow in a sandy dune with loose 25 meters. texture or sandy beaches; they include 5. Drought and barren resistance: When grasses, shrubs and trees. These plants the water content rate no more than must be able to tolerate rapid sand 2 % in the sand dune, the nutrition of accumulation, flooding, salt spray, the soil is a worse desert plant can sandblast, wind and water erosion, wide still grow well, such as Limonium temperature fluctuations, drought, and aureum can still grow and blossom low nutrient levels. In spite of the severe strongly in 1.68% water content. The limits these requirements place on the endemic plants have mechanisms to plant species, plants capable of stabilizing adapt the drought conditions [27]. coastal dunes can be established in most 6. Sprout early, the growth period is coastal regions with enough rainfall to long: Desert plants usually sprout in support plant growth [25,26]. early April and blossom in May to The six primary criteria of desert plants July. Desert plants grow more include: vigorously, after September their 1. Cold resistance and heat resistance: growths go down gradually. Most desert plants such as It is not suitable to raise seedlings with Ammopiptanthus mongolicus could for desert plant in clay; the most resist severe cold of 25oC and can suitable place is in the sand-loam. tolerate over 60oC land temperature and 70oC surface temperature.

39 Metwally S.A. et al., JIPBS, Vol 3 (1), 36-53, 2016

Introduction of species in the sand sand covering. However, it is regions important to consider that planted There are four main factors affecting the positions of introducing on the sand introduction of desert plants: dunes. 1. Zonal, for example, when Salix goredjeveii when grow in the steppe Environmental factors affecting the area was introduced into the steppe, growth of sand dune desert plants desert regions, the species can The success of the fixation is still survive and grow because of its roots. dependent on several other factors, even On the contrary, the two species with a sufficient supply of planting stock Aryemisia halodendron and A. for stabilization sand dunes. Wandanesis cannot grow and survive The important affective factors on the in the dry season and dry year distribution of vegetation and growth are because of their sallow roots. When [28]: the desert plants were introduced 1. Sufficient soil moisture: is an into steppe or steppe, desert region, essential component for the some could grow and other could not establishment of dune grasses, and grow well because of more rainfall the low water holding capacity of than that of the desert region. sand can cause failure of plantings 2. Temperature especially if we [29]. However, compensating factors introduced the plants from abroad in the dune system such as high the temperature should be water tables often make it possible to considered as a major factor. work around this problem. Also, 3. Ecological series: There are four dune plants have various specialized ecological series that are the adaptations for surviving long xeromorphy, hydrophyte, halophyte periods of low moisture. For these and psammophyte in the sand reasons, irrigation of restored sites is regions. Elaeagnus angustifola and not generally worthwhile [25]. Populus euphatic usually grow in the 2. Salinity concentrations: Salinity is a regions where the ground water potential inhibitor to dune plants available. While we introduce the growth through factors combination species into the sand region where no of nutritional, toxic and osmotic ground water is supplied, the species nature [30]. won't grow good Hedysarum Fortunately, the likelihood of salt scaparium and Caragana korshinskii damage to dune plants is greatly are the xeromorphy plants, if we diminished by the rapid leaching of introduce these plants into regions salts from the dune sands. These where the ground water level is high, sands have almost no retentive the roots of these plants will be rotted capacity for salt and only a small species. amount of rainfall is needed to 4. Sand dune sector: The sand covering remove salt from the plant zone. Also, can accelerate the growing of all dune plants are tolerant of pasmmophyte. However, some plants moderate salt concentrations and can resist available sand covering most seeds can withstand salinities and other have some resist strong

40 Metwally S.A. et al., JIPBS, Vol 3 (1), 36-53, 2016

as high as full strength sea water changes and adequate spatial [31]. replication in future works to Physical and chemical characteristics anticipate the impact of global of soil such, humidity, salinity and change on dune acidity were the effective factors on functioning [35]. the homogeny, which control Experiences have shown that, the the pattern of plant community’s selection of plant species and distribution [32]. adequate maintenance such as 3. Available nutrients: can also irrigation or fertilization are the key influence the success of the dune factors of successful transplant grass establishment. Dune sands vegetation [36]. undergo extensive leaching during 4. Spacing: Soil moisture, salinity, and accumulation, transport, and fertilization will affect the success of of sand grains, leaving dune grass establishment once the them very low in most nutrients grass has been planted, but there are essential to growth of plants [29]. also certain standards that need to be Dunes are equally suitable for followed when planting the growing trees, shrubs and crops, but vegetation. For most species of dune their fertility and high permeability grasses and plants, planting is appears to be a limiting factor. Under typically done by hand on small areas sand dune stabilization process and on rough or steep slopes, and by conditions, nitrogen was the most machine on larger, flatter sites [37]. important plant nutrient required for The depth and date of planting vary establishment and rapid early growth between geographic regions and of horsetail she-oak seedlings [33]. among species of dune grasses. In Increased spinifex growth was general, the depth is typically 20 to obtained by increasing the rate of 30 centimeters, and date of planting application of nitrogenous Fertilizer is dependent upon favorable soil up to 934 kg N ha-1 in 5 equal split moisture conditions [38]. The applications over 15 months [34]. spacing and pattern of planting is Under global change scenarios, also important to consider. Spacing increased nutrient input could that is too close is more costly and alleviate nutrient stress in S. wasteful, and spacing that is too wide virginicus, enhancing clonal will usually result in total failure [25]. expansion and productivity, but this The spacing and pattern should be benefit could be offset by increased determined by the conditions of the sand accretion levels equal or site and the objectives of the exceeding 100% of plant height. planting. In general, plants should be Depletion of stored reserves for spaced about 18 inches apart, and in emerging from the sand could a strip pattern with 36 inches increase plant vulnerability to other between rows [39]. stresses in the long-term. The results Vegetation was destroyed due to different emphasize the need to incorporate factors in arid and semi-arid areas of sand statistical designs for detecting non- dune formation and going harmful independent effects of multiple movement (such as Karapınar-Konya sand

41 Metwally S.A. et al., JIPBS, Vol 3 (1), 36-53, 2016 dunes). A different plant occurs rarely the plants existence in an area, and constantly changing on the dunes as other effective factors on plant distribution. than or tree. Because, plants cannot be developed at the surface of the dry Species selection dunes in the dry season [40]. Wind curtain Natural conditions in various desert areas statement was used to protect to are quite different and they are a key to buildings, gardens, fields and other select suitable species based on local facilities from wind damage for the conditions. Plants should be preferred purpose of the mechanical and plants suitable for dry and wind-resistant deep- were used all kinds of obstacles. The rooted fast-growing, branching from the young vegetation disappeared without bottom of a certain size and long-lasting forming vegetation without creating any ones which wood pitch for the blocking effect of wind moving through establishment of the selected trees and the sand dunes planted. Therefore, shrubs of the region's climate and soil vegetation grown the direction characteristics [48]. When selecting perpendicular to the wind one side by suitable species, the following items cutting the material to keep the speed, on should be taken into consideration: the other hand prevents further removal 1) Selecting the species which grow well of material [41]. from nearby area; 2) Selecting local Plant growth and development are control species; 3) Selecting the species with high by internal regulators, which are modified economic values; 4) Selecting the species according to environmental conditions that are strong in sand fixing; and 5) In [42]. The most ecologically important other places, vegetation was removed environmental factors affecting rangeland from dunes as a result of over-grazing and plants growth and distribution are cutting. In these cases, the reverse of the topography (slope, aspect, and elevation) stabilization process took place, in which and soil properties [43]. Thus, according sand-shifting increased. There are to the role of plant on the equilibrium of researchers who understand this ecosystem and human interest, the destruction process as part of the relation between vegetation and desertification process [49,50]. environmental factors for stability and This process too causes changes in the sustainability is vital, showed that the natural landscape and affected in species vegetation distribution and establishment selection. So, we have been selecting the of plant communities depended on the soil species that have rapid growth for over and climate variable [44, 45], the altitude, grazing and cutting. slope, soil texture and depth [46]. In various places in the world, great The relationship between environmental efforts have been made to stabilize coastal factors and distribution of plant studies dunes and sand dune of desert in indicated that slope, altitude, texture, particular and fore dunes in general. In depth of soil and nitrogen had a high effect most cases exotic species were used, such on the distribution of species [47]. As as the Australian acacia (Acacia saligna regards the plants, existence in different and A. cyclop), various species of tamarisk, region is due to environmental factors and pine, and perennial grasses, such as some of these factors had higher effect on maritime grass (Ammophilla arenaria) [36]. These plants are rapid growers, have

42 Metwally S.A. et al., JIPBS, Vol 3 (1), 36-53, 2016 low demands on their , and are western stretches of Siwa (Egypt) Oasis able to cope with high-speed wind [55] and had been introduced to Siwa regimes and seawater spray close to the Oasis to fix the sand dunes during the coast, as well as the harsh conditions Alexander the Great Period [56]. typical of sand. Over time, some of these plants have expanded and covered broad Famous plants which used in the areas, thereby, stabilizing the sand and stabilization of sand dunes are modifying the landscape in both Deciduous (Table 1) geomorphic and biological sense. In many 1. Trees (Taxodium distichum, Quercus cases this has caused nature conservation alba and Quercus robur). problems [51,52]. 2. Evergreen trees (Pinus mugo, Recently, tree and shrub plantings have Juniperus chinensis and Juniperus been applied to control shifting sand horizontalis). [53,54]. For example: Populus euphratica, 3. Shrubs (Caragana arborescens, C. Populus alba, Callegonum spp, Tamaix spp fruticosa, Hydrangea spp., Rhus Artemisia arenaria, Zygophllum glabra, Rhus typhina and Rhus xanthoxylum, Atraphaxis bracteates ect. aromatica). These species, selected from practical 4. Herbs (Helianthus sp, Methiola experience through many years have incana, Vinca rosa and Limonium relatively, strong adaptive faculty and latitolium). have been utilized in desert areas. The 5. Others Species plants (Tamarix Populus euphratica tree grows on the sand aphylla, Prosopis juliflora, Acacia dunes that surround certain wells at the saligna and Atriplex nummularia).

Table 1: Suitable plant species for different desert types desert [24]. Location Suitable Species Desert Populus euphratica, Populus alba var. pyramidalis, Populus gansuensis, Reaumuria soongorica, Elaeagnus angustifolia, Caragana korshinskii, Hedysarum scoparium, Haloxylon ammondendron, Calligonum sp, Tamarix spp. Artemisia arenaria, Zygophyllum xanthoxylum and Atraphaxis bracteata.

Sand dunes Haloxylon ammodendron Bge., Tamarix ramosissima Ledeb., Hedysarum scoparium Fisch.et Mey., Caragana korshinskii Kom, Calligonum arborescens Litv., C. caput medusa Schrenk and C. mongolicum Turcz. Arid area Haloxylon ammodendron, Hedysarum scoparium Caragana korshinskii. Semi arid Salix matsudana, Populus canadensis, P. simonii, P. nigra var. italica, P. alba area var. pyramidalis and P. nigra var. thevestina.

Environmental and economic available cropland per capita and importance of dunes cultivation rangeland per sheep unit has decreased Rapid population growth is an important by a factor of three. A series of unwise driving force to increase the pressure on activities, such as overgrazing, over the the land resource, because a larger expansion of cropland, abuse of water population must induce more activities for resource, removal of shrubs and trees for needs of life [57]. In the last 50 years, the fuel wood gathering, etc., has caused wide population in this zone has doubled. The spreading of desertification. Urbanization,

43 Metwally S.A. et al., JIPBS, Vol 3 (1), 36-53, 2016 traffic infrastructure construction, mine C. Contribute to raisimg the rates of exploitation, as well as recreation, have productivity in agricultural areas that also disturbed the land and the vegetation. are protected from the wind and sand. Installations and afforestation of sand D. Limit the degradation of areas of new dunes of the most important factors that production from the impact of the maintain the ecological balance and the movement of sand creeping and must stability of life in these areas, and focus on the need to build a contribute to providing employment sustainable policy in the afforestation opportunities for citizens as a factor of the of sand dunes and species selection limiting factors of desertification, and multipurpose. In this, regards [58] contribute to providing employment reported that trees and forests had a opportunities for the citizens living in role in increasing food security and these areas and timber production for reducing poverty is gaining fuel, some industries and securities which recognition. A large proportion of the can be used as feed for animals such as dry land inhabitants depend on forests leaves Acacia sjanovila and other leads to for subsistence or income. They use economic growth and social development trees, in natural forests or on the farm, in these areas generally. to generate food or cash. In the absence of trees, the harsh Environmental benefits environmental factors of wind and The environmental benefits of using the water runoff become strong forces biological methods for combating the sand eroding the soil. Hence, land dunes is the stability of the soil surface degradation, productivity decline, per which becomes suitable for the cultivation capita grain production decline and and growth of trees which leads to the the increase in poverty level as well as development of environmental and an increasing number of people living improve soil properties, according to the in extreme poverty are becoming accumulation of leaves and twigs of frequent. deciduous trees, plants and organic Elsiddig et al. [59, 60] reviewed the materials, which in turn activate objects literature on shelterbelt influences, design microbiological existing soil Cabactrella and related it to conditions in Sudan. They rizbayoum. have emphasized the benefits in terms of amelioration of the environment, savings The economic benefits of irrigation water and enhanced crop The installation process and repel wind production that would result from the does not stop for the importance of the more widespread local use of shelterbelts. installation process on the preventive side Strong opinions, which are not always only, but goes beyond that to include what well founded, are frequently expressed can be supplied from production directly concerning a number of drawbacks and indirectly in terms of attributable to shelterbelts. A. Providing grazing areas or supplemental feed sources. The potential benefits of shelterbelts B. Wood production (fuel industries) of Irrigated forest plantations in the form of economic value. shelterbelts or woodlots under Gezira conditions are competitive with

44 Metwally S.A. et al., JIPBS, Vol 3 (1), 36-53, 2016 agricultural crops and are important in that the time taken in planting is reduced meeting essential needs and national to a minimum and the seedlings take root objectives [61]. The non-wood values in well, thus reducing the planting costs per the form of reducing rural depopulation, hectare. In the case of insufficient rainfall, creation of the jobs, amenity, supplementary water must give to each environmental and crop protection, saving seedling in order to make up for the depth of irrigation water and increasing of of residual moisture. The positioning of agricultural yields are appreciable. They species on the ground is a very important have not been included in the financial factor for successful planting. analysis. Efforts should be made to include these non-wood benefits in future Plantation Phase: Based on previous assessments of profitability, as they will experience of local sand dune definitely boost them greatly [62,63,64]. stabilization, the planting strategy of the scheme depended on the following Biological Dune Fixation Operations factors: The first step in stabilizing dunes is A. Irrigation of trees and shrubs by fresh, temporary stabilization by any material brackish and/or salinity water. The that stops surface sand movement. The water is pumped from a main drain second step is biological stabilization, close to the plantation site; which consists of establishing a B. Reduction of the rates of drifting sand permanent vegetative cover [65]. That is through biological dune fixation. no easy task because of the character of Among the ten plant species, Tamarix the soils and because the winds tend to aphylla, Prosopis juliflora, Acacia uproot young plants or bury them with saligna and Atriplex nummularia show drifting sand. Temporary stabilization of high rates of growth and significant the soils is necessary in order to protect survival rates [8]. young plants until they become Sand dunes formed through fencing are sufficiently large to maintain themselves unstable and can become deteriorated against the drifting sand. rapidly. The most common practice is to Over the years, a variety of measures have stabilize them by vegetation [68]. been used effectively to build up, and to However, the dunes close to the coastline stabilize dunes, or to prevent the erosion are in a very harsh environment for the of dunes and beaches. Devices that have plants. Limited amounts of fresh water, been effectively implemented to trap the constant salt spray, sand blasting or burial aeolian sand are fences, nylon nets, and caused by the wind, and additional rugged materials [66, 67]. disturbance due to human activities, all Once the dunes have been stabilized, they these can be hostile to the vegetation. In can then be fixed definitively by installing this way, not only can the dunes be perennial grassy and woody vegetation stabilized by vegetation, they can also be (figure 1). For each planting season, attractive habitats for some shore- planting and restocking start as soon as dwelling animals [69]. the first rains fall. The ideal is to plant as soon as the new and residual soil moisture Purposes and practical applications of meet, which takes place a few days after a the process of stabilization of sand good rain. A well-moistened soil means dunes

45 Metwally S.A. et al., JIPBS, Vol 3 (1), 36-53, 2016

Establishing shelterbelts as a part of fringes of deserts close to the farmland, dune fixation Shelterbelts for farmland are also included in the same category Definition each shelterbelt for farmland is called a An artificial forest comprising of belts to protective Frostbelt, or a forest belt. The protect farmland is called shelterbelt for forest belts, which crisscross each other, farmland. In addition, all shelterbelts, are called networks of shelterbelts for which are planted along the roads in farmland or network of forests. The farmland, banks, ditches and the purpose of the shelterbelts for farmland:-

Figure 1. Deactivation of migrating dunes under the influence of vegetation. On top, a dune field in White Sand, New Mexico that shows barchanoid ridges on the left, where vegetation is absent, developing towards a mixture of active and inactive parabolic dunes on the right (wind blows from left to right). Dark green regions indicate abundance of vegetation. This suggests a transition between both types of dunes when the vegetation cover increases. This transition is illustrated with various dune types found in the White Sand dune field (pictures in the middle), reinforcing the idea of their common evolution from a crescent dune. Satellite images taken from Google Earth. Below, same transition obtained by the numerical solution of a model that accounts for the coupling between sand transport and vegetation, with fixation index _ = 0.22. The vegetation cover is represented in green (grey) [1].

The main purpose of the shelterbelts for Desert control and afforestation farmland is to protect farming crops from Desert control and afforestation are the natural disasters, particularly from the two elements of interaction. Before meteorological disasters, and to improve planting trees on sand dunes, the mobile the farming eco-environmental sand dune must be fixed. At present there conditions. are many measures for desert control and The establishments of shelterbelts for the main ones are clay barrier, wheat- farmland not only declines blown sand straw barrier, barriers made with gravel encroachment, such as sand beating, and oil felt rug, mechanical and chemical cutting and piling in the farmland, but also measures, such as petroleum emulsion, to improve the quality of the whole etc. The details will not be discussed in environment and to increase the this article. productivity in the oases and farmland.

46 Metwally S.A. et al., JIPBS, Vol 3 (1), 36-53, 2016

Research on the characteristics and planted to further improve the windbreak sheltering effectiveness of shelterbelts and sand dune fixation qualities. After and forests is quite limited. Recent review establishment, the straw gradual laid rots papers on shelterbelt modeling [70] and to become soil organic matter. Scientists worldwide applications of shelterbelts devised this technique in 1957 [74]. It is [71] make no mention of coastal widely used for dune fixation in arid and applications. semi-arid regions of China [75]. It is used Zhu et al. [72] provide a model for winds to prevent the burial of the railway and within a coastal forest canopy, highway by sand. windbreaks consisting of shelterbelts (one or two rows of trees) and forest belts Afforestation on sand dunes (multiple rows) are commonly used At present, the annual species such as (figure 2) at inland locations as natural Halaxylon ammodendron calliganum spp, barriers to reduce wind speed, modify the Atraphaxis bracteata, Nitraria microclimates of small regions and tangutorum, Artemisia arenaria etc. are suppress the movement of snow, pollen, used for sand dune afforestation. Before dust, sand and odors. They are most afforestation, sand barriers need to be set widely used in agriculture in regions of up to stabilize the shifting sand. high wind speed such as Australia, New In order to make the afforestation play its Zealand, the Russian Federation, China role of sand stabilization as soon as and the Great Plains of the United States. possible, trees can be planted with a Therefore, the methods used and results density of 2m x 2m (spaces between derived from studies of agricultural plants and rows). shelterbelts can be applied to coastal The planting site should be about 50-60 shelterbelts and forests as well. In this cm for away from the lee side of barriers section, we discuss the knowledge base on and no tree is allowed to be planted in the shelterbelt design and application as it has centre of the barriers. been established through research on Generally, dig holes to plant trees. When agricultural shelterbelts. digging holes, move the dry sand on the surface firstly, then dig the hole, putting the wet sand from the hole beside it for later use. The trees should be planted as deep as that 5 cm of root system has been covered and with the root system unfolding. The wet sand (no dry sand is allowed to be filled in the hole) to fill the hole needs to be pressed tightly. If the seedlings are too big, some branches can be cut to reduce moisture loss from seedlings. No irrigation is needed in those Figure 2. Wind-breaking trees bands and areas where the rainfall is plentiful or stripped cultivation method applied way in the agriculture land [73]. where the moisture in the sand is sufficient. But, for those areas where the In regions where the annual precipitation moisture is insufficient, about 5-10 kg of is over 200 mm, bushes and herbs can be water is needed for every hole. After

47 Metwally S.A. et al., JIPBS, Vol 3 (1), 36-53, 2016 infiltration, cover the surface with a layer Transplanted seedlings, direct sowing, of dry sand to prevent the moisture from use of cutting, and air seeding techniques evaporation. In those areas where the were used for greening areas degraded by layer of dry sand is too thick and the wind and water erosion. Different models moisture in the sand is insufficient, it's not have been applied for protecting suitable to plant trees. agricultural areas, cities, highways, railways and roads, industrial or mining Afforestation in the depressions among and reservoir properties. As soon as the sand dunes dune is stabilized and moving sand is The depressions among sand dunes are suppressed, seedlings of woody the relatively smooth places. In the areas perennials such as shrubs and trees may where the water for irrigation is available be introduced. Establishing the shelterbelt and the soil is clay, arbour can be planted on dunes or protective dykes serves with a density of 3 x 3m for timber multiple purposes [76]. production. There are some successful models which In the areas where there's no available have been employed are shelter forest water for irrigation, it's suitable to plant system in oases, shelter system for sand some drought resistance arbour trees, fixation in agricultural areas, such as Caragana korshinski, Hedysarum transportation, industrial or mining and scaparium, Tamarix spp. And Nitriria reservoir properties [24]. Also [77] tanutorum ect. The density is 2m x 2m, 2m revealed that, there are generally three x 3m or 3m x 3m after planting, water the major types of severely decertified land. trees (8-10 kg of water in every hole). Each different type has its own cause of desertification and characteristic Some successful models which have fragilities, and needs a specific model for been employed are shelter forest transformation. In the regions where sand system (Model Biosphere): dunes are densely distributed, The land uses that are suffering most from desertification reversion is very difficult desertification are agricultural areas, to achieve. Through several years of highways, railways, roads, cities, experiments and demonstration services industrial places and mining areas. The an eco-model named ‘small biosphere’ important plant species used for was developed, which can promote the combating desertification and moving of above-mentioned theoretic approach to sand dunes are Hedysarum laeve, H. be realized (figure 3). scoparium, Amorpha fruticosa, Lespedeza The small biosphere model consists of bicolor, Caragara microphylla, C. three small circular zones. The ‘core zone’ korshinskii, Artemisia halodendron, A. is arranged in the center part, occupying sphaerocephala, Astragalus adsurgens, about 1 to 4 ha of wetland, equipped with Ulmus pumila, Hippophae rhamnoides, one or two wells and pumps for irrigation Haloxylon ammodendron, Calligonum in drought season and cultivated with mongolicum [24]. Elaeagnus sp., Fraxinus productive crops such as wheat, maize, sp. Robinia pseudeaccucia, etc.), which dry rice and fodder crops. It is used for food and hot-resistant plants were selected and fodder production. The out-fringe of plantations [48]. the core zone is a ‘protective zone’, covering about 10 to 20 ha of sandy land

48 Metwally S.A. et al., JIPBS, Vol 3 (1), 36-53, 2016 or sand dunes, where shelterbelts and With the increase in crop and fodder windbreaks are planted, and some production in the core zone the stocking psammophytic shrubs planted for fuel rate on the surrounding sandy rangeland materials as well as for sand control. The can be decreased gradually. This model houses and the animal yard are also can both reduce poverty and protect arranged in the protective zone [57]. vegetation. Each small biosphere is Outside of it is a circular shaped ‘buffer managed by one family, which consists of zone’, occupying about 100 to 200 ha of 4 to 6 people. This way the income of the sandy land or dunes. As a transitional belt family has increased from less than 5,000 between the protected zone and the bare RMB yuan to more than 40,000 yuan in 5 drifting dunes, this buffer zone is used for years; the rangeland resource has been light grazing, allowing 0.2 to 0.3 sheep restored and the environment improved units in one ha, or even forbidding grazing [78]. in the beginning of the small biosphere construction for vegetation establishment and to reduce the movement of sand.

Figure 3. Blocking Shifting Sang Dunes at Front and Dragging at back in Wushenqi [24].

References 4. Wang HJ. West Development and 1. Mahsud, MA J, Khan A, Hussain J. Ecological Construction. Beijing. China Hematological changes in tobacco using Publishing Houses, 2001, 17-26. type 2 diabetic patients. Gomal. J Med Sci. 5. Pakparvar M. Desert research and control 2010; 8:8-11. desertification in Iran. In: Proceedings of 2. Duran O, Herrmann HJ. Vegetation against the International Symposium, New dune mobility. Phys. Rev; Let., 2006, 97, Technologies to Combat Desertification. 188001. Tehran, Iran, 1998, 1:25–34 3. Wang T, Wu W. Combating desertification 6. Xia XC, Fan SY. Research progress of in China. In: Proceedings of the desert science in China. Chinese Sci. Bull., International Symposium, New 2000, 45(24): 2209–2213. Technologies to Combat Desertification. Tehran, Iran., 1998, 1:49–64.

49 Metwally S.A. et al., JIPBS, Vol 3 (1), 36-53, 2016

7. Pye K, Tsoar H. Aeolian Sands and Sand Studies and Research, Ain-Shams Univ. Dunes. Springer-Verlag, Berlin- Heidel Egypt, 1999. burg, 2009. 19. Ndiaya P, Mailly D, Pineau M, Hank AM. 8. Islam AEM, Osman H, Sayed A. Growth and yield of Casuarina equistifolia Quantification of Sand Dune Movements in plantations on the coastal sand dunes of the South Western Part of Egypt, Using Senegal as a function of microtopography. Remotely Sensed Data and GIS. J. Forest Ecol. and Manage., 1993, 56:13- 28. Geographic Inf. Syst.2013, 5: 498-508 20. Kumar S, Shankaranarayan KA. Aerial 9. Misak RF, Draz MY. Sand drift control of seeding on sand dunes:seedling survival selected coastal and desert dunes in and growth. J. Tropical Forestry, 1988, 4 Egypt: case studies. J. Arid Environ., 1997, (2): 124- 134. 35:17–28. 21. Draz MY, El-Maghraby SE. Impact of 10. Philip G, Attia OEA, Draz MY, El Banna MS. different plant species on the properties of Dynamics of sand dunes movement and dune sand soil in Siwa Oasis (Western their environmental impacts on the Desert, Egypt). Egypt. J. Appl. Sci., 1997, reclamation area in NW Sinai, Egypt, Proc. 12 (3) 308-317. of the 7th Conf. Geology of Sinai for 22. El Maghraby SE, Draz M, Wassifi MM. Development Ismailian, 2004, 169-180. Chemical, mechanical and Biological 11. Tsoar H. Sand dunes mobility and stability stabilization of Siwa Dune and Its relation in relation to climate. Physica A: Statistical to soil conditioners. University of Mechanics and its Applications, 2005, Hohenheim; Centre for Agriculture in the 357(1): 50-56 Tropics and Subtropics in Wind erosion in 12. Magaritz MY. Enzel, Clim. Change, West Africa, 1986, 181-190. 1990,16:307. 23. Gupta JP, Rama P. Wind erosion and it 13. Arbogast AF, Packman SC. Middle- control in hot arid areas of Rajasthan, Holocene mobilization of aeolion sand in India In Buerkert, B. Allison, BE, MV western upper Michigan and the potential Oppen (Ed). Proceedings of International relationship with climate and fire. symposium. "Wind erosion" in West Holocene, 2004, 14:464-471. Africa.The problem and its control. 14. Houghton JT (Eds.). Climate Change. The University of Hohenheim, 5-7th December Scientific Basis, Cambridge University 1994. Margraf Verlag, Weikersheim, Press, Cambridge, 2001. Germany, 1996. 15. Tsoar H, Moller JT. In: W.G. Nickling (Ed.), 24. Anonymous. Çölleşme ile Mücadelede Aeolian Geomorphology, Allen and Unwin, Türkiye Ulusal Eylem Programı. T.C. Çevre Boston, 75, 1986. ve Orman Bakanlığı. Ankara, 2005. 16. Kaul RN. A forestation of dune area. In: 25. Heshmati AGA. Biological Models for Sand dune stabilization, shelterbelts and Protecting Different Land Use in Arid afforestation in the dry zones. FAO Areas China. J. Rangeland Sci., 2011, (1): 2. Conservation Gudie, 1985, 10:75- 85. 26. Woodhouse WW Jr (1978). Dune Building 17. Draz MY, Ahmed AM, Afify MY. Studies on and Stabilization with Vegetation. U.S. sand encroachment in Siwa Oasis, Army Corp of Engineers, 3: 9-104. , Egypt. II- Feasibility of 27. Olafson A. Stabilization of coastal dunes sand dune fixation measures. J. Eng. and with vegetation. Restoration and Appl. Sci., 1992, 39 (4):723 – 725. Reclamation Rev., 1997, 2 (5) 1-7. 18. Gad MRM. Environmental conditions 28. Gad MRM, El-Hadidy MEA, El-Nabarawy affecting the growth of plants used for the AAA (2012). Comparative study on the stabilization of sand dunes (Siwa Oasis, adaptation of some natural plants grown Case Study). M.Sc. Thesis in under macronutrients limitation at North Environmental Science. Environmental

50 Metwally S.A. et al., JIPBS, Vol 3 (1), 36-53, 2016

Sinai sand dunes (Egypt). Ann. Agric. Sci. Coast. J. Soil and Water Conservation, 57:81-90. 1967, 22(4):143-146. 29. Seyedeh ME, Gholamali H, Reza T. Effect of 40. Zak JM. Sand dune erosion control at some environmental factors on plant Provincetown, Massachusetts. J. Soil and distribution using LFA method (Case Water Conservation, 1965, 4:188-189. study: Valuyeh summer rangeland of 41. Çetik R. Vejetasyon Bilimi, Ülkemiz Mazandaran province). J. Bio. and Env. Sci., Matbaası. Ankara, 1973, No. 103. 2015, 6 (1): 62-68. 42. Akalan I. Toprak ve Su Muhafazası. Ankara 30. Chapman VJ. Coastal Vegetation. 2nd Ed. Üniv. Ziraat Fak. Yayın. Ankara, No: 532, Pergamon Press. Oxford, England,1976, 1974. 150-217. 43. Manske L. Effects from environmental 31. Cordazzo CV. Effects of salinity on seed factors of light, temperature, and germination, seedling growth and survival precipitation on range plants in the of Spanina ciliata Brong.). Acta boI. Bras., Dickinson, North Dakota, Region. NDSU 1999, 13(3): 317-322. Dickinson Research Extension Centre. 32. Seneca ED. Germination Response to Range Research Report DREC Dickinson, Temperature and Salinity of Four Dune 1997, 11-14. Grasses From the Outer Banks of North 44. Jafari Z, Chahouki M, Tavili A, Azarnivand Carolina. Ecology,1968, 50 (1): 45-53. H, Zahedi AG. Effective environmental 33. Yibing Q. Impact of habitat heterogeneity factors in the distribution of vegetation on plant community pattern in types in Poshtkouh rangelands of Yazd Gurbantunggut Desert. Geographical Sci., province (Iran). J. Arid Environ., 2004, 56: 2008, 14:447-455. 627-641. 34. Rouhipour H. Investigation of crop 45. Eldridge D J, Tozer ME. Environmental production in stabilized sand dune using factors relating to the distribution of amb layer associate with drip irrigation Terricolou sbryophytes and lichens in System. Sociedade & Natureza, semi-arid eastern Australia. The Uberlândia, Special Issue, 2005, 615-627. Bryologist, 1997,100: 28-39. 35. McKenzie JB, Barr DA. Research in 46. Jin-Tun Z. A study on relation of southern Queensland into management of vegetation, climate and soil in shanxi coastal sand dunes. 17th Intern. Coastal province. J. Plant Ecol.,2002, 162: 23-31. Eng Conf. Sydney. 1980, https://icce-ojs- 47. Moradi H, Asri Y, Kashipazba M. A survey tamu.tdl.org/icce/index.php/icce/article/ of some ecological factors of plant viewFile/3517/3198 association in Baghshad region. J. 36. Frosini S, Lardicci C, Balestri E. Global Rangeland, 2008, 2:225-236. change and response of Coastal Dune 48. Armaki M. A., A. Jahani, H. Goshtasb. plants to the combined effects of increased Investigation of environmental effective sand accretion (Burial) and nutrient factors to distribution of Salvia officinalis availability. PLoS One, 2012, 7(10). (Case study: Ghohroud watershed in 37. Nordstrom KF. Beach and Dune Kashan, Iran). J. Bio. & Env. Sci., 2015, 7 restoration. Cambridge University Press, (1): 113-119, 2015. New York, 2008, 200pp, 49. Acar R, Dursun S. Vegetative methods to 38. Wilcock F. The formation and erosion of prevent wind erosion in Central Anatolia sand dunes. In: Young R (ed) Planning for region. Int. J. Sustainable Water & Environ. the use of Irish sand dune systems. Syst., 2010, 1: 25-28. Conference Proceedings, An Faras 50. Kumar M, Bhandary MM. Impact of human Forbatha, Wexford, 1977, P.145 activities on the pattern and process of 39. Hawk VB, Curtis SW. Sand Dune sand dune vegetation in the Rajasthan Stabilization Along the North Atlantic

51 Metwally S.A. et al., JIPBS, Vol 3 (1), 36-53, 2016

desert. Desertification Bull., 1993, 22:45– 61. Elshiekh, HKO. Shelterbelt effects on soil 54. temperature and moisture in the River 51. Barth HJ. Desertification in the eastern Nile State – Sudan. MSc Thesis, province of Saudi Arabia. Arid Environ., Desertification and Desert Cultivation 1999, 43: 399–410. Studies Institute, University of Khartoum, 52. Witkowski ETF. Growth and competition 2010, 14-16. between seedlings of Protea repens (L.) L. 62. Ali GE. Economic of irrigated plantations and the alien invasive, Acacia saligna in Gezira province, Sudan FNC and FAO, (Labill.) Wendle. in relation to nutrient Fuelwood Development for Energy in availability. Function. Ecol., 1991, 5:101- Sudan, 1986, 265. 110. 63. Bayoumi A. Renewable natural resources 53. Barrere P. Dynamics and management of management and desertification in Sudan. the coastal dunes of the Landes. Gascony, Sudan J. Desertification, 1985, (2): 1- 4. France. In: Carter, RWG, Curtis, TGF, 64. Bayoumi AM, El Houri AE, Badi KH, Abd Skeffington MJS (Eds.), Coastal Dunes. Elmagid TD. A century of Sudanese Balkema, Rotterdam, Brookfield, 1992, Forestry. A book prepared by FNC and 25–33 Arab Organization for Agric. Development, 54. Zhao HL, Zhao XY, Zhang TH, Wu W. 2001,(In Arabic). Desertification Processes and its 65. Gafaar A. Forest plantations and woodlots Restoration Mechanisms in the Horqin in Sudan. African Forum for Forestry, Sand Land. China Press, Beijing (In 2011, P.16. Chinese), 2004, 202-205. 66. Troeh FR, Hobbs JA, Donahue RL. Soil and 55. Zhao HL, Zhou RL, Su YZ, Zhang H, Zhao water conservation for productivity and LY, Drake S. Shrub facilitation of desert environmental protection. 3rd ed. Prentice land restoration in the Horqin Sand Land Hall: NJ, USA, 199; 115–125. of Inner Mongolia. Ecol. Eng., 2007, 3:1–8. 67. Neves LD, Gomes FV, Lopes MDL. Coastal 56. Abd Elghani MM, Fawzy AM. Plant erosion control using sand-filled diversity around springs and wells in five geotextile containers: a case study from oases of the Western Desert, Egypt. Int. J. the NW coast of Portugal. Coastal Eng., Agri. & Biol., 1996, 8 (2) 249–255. 2004, 1(4): 3852–3864. 57. Zahran MA. On the ecology of Siwa Oasis, 68. Hotta S, Harika S. State-of-the-art in Japan Egypt. Egypt. J. Bot., 1972, 15: 223–42 on controlling wind-blown sand on beaches. 58. Liu X, Zhao XY. Transformation of Proc. 32nd Conf. on , decertified land in the Grazing-farming Shanghai, China, 2010, pp. 1-13. interlaced belt of Northern China. Institute 69. Khalil SM. The Use of Sand Fences in of Desert Research, Chinese Academy of Barrier Island Restoration: Experience on Sciences, Lanzhou. RALA Report No. 200, the Louisiana Coast. ERDC TN-SWWRP- 2000. 08-4. U.S. Army Engineer Research and 59. Talaat DA, Diab IE. Environment and Development Center, Vicksburg, MS., 2008 Desert Research Institute, National Center 70. Wei PH, John ZY. Sand dune restoration for Research Shelterbelts for Dry Land experiments at Bei-Men Coast, Taiwan. Development of Sudan. J. Forest Prod. and Ecol. Eng., 2014, 73:409–420 Industries, 2014, 3(3):118-123. 71. Wang HJ, Takl ES, Shen J. Shelterbelts and 60. Elsiddig EA, Abdel Magid TD, Mohamed AG. windbreaks: mathematical modeling and Forest Plantations/Woodlots in the Eastern computer simulation of turbulent flows. and North-Eastern African countries of Ann. Rev. Fluid., 2001, 33:549-586. Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, 72. Brandle JR, Hodges l, Wight B. Windbreak Ethiopia and Sudan. Sudan Report. African practices. In: H.E. Garrett, WJ Reitveld & Forum for Forestry, 2011. RF Fisher, eds. North American

52 Metwally S.A. et al., JIPBS, Vol 3 (1), 36-53, 2016

agroforestry: an integrated science and 77. Yizhaq H, Ashkenazy Y, Tsoar H. Sand practice. Madison, WI, American Society of dune dynamics and climate change: A Agronomy, Inc. 402, 2000. modeling approach. A modeling approach. 73. Zhu JJ, Gonda Y, Matsuzaki T, Yamamoto J. Geophys. Res., 2009, 114, F01023, M. Modeling relative wind speed by doi:10.1029/2008JF001138. optical stratification porosity within the 78. Liu X. Anti-desertification strategy and canopy of a coastal protective forest at ecological model of water saving different stem densities. Silva Fennica, plantation of rice on the sandy land in the 2003, 37:189–204. interlacing agro-pastoral region. J. Desert 74. Anonymous, Yeşeren Çöl Karap ınar. Res., 1995,15:1–6. Köyhizmetleri Genel Müd.Yayın 79. Xinmin L, Xyue-yong Z. Transformation of No:7.Ankara. In: Acar and Dursun [48]. desertified land in the Grazing-farming 75. Liu Y. Establishment and effect of a interlaced belt of Northern China. Ala protective system along the Bautou– Report No. 200, 2002. Lanzhou railway in the Shapotou sandy http://www.smhric.org/SMW_content12. area. J. Desert Res., 1987, 7 (4): 1-11. htm. 76. Maki T. Pictures of Food, Environmental, and Agricultural Issues in China. Tsukuba Press, Tsukuba, Japan, 174, 1999.

53