Pollution as a Major Cause of Desertification Phenomenon in Iraq

摘要

This investigation has been conducted to find new criteria suitable to use in Iraq for placing land in one of the desertification classes. The common criteria: vegetation cover or overgrazing of range land, lack of erosion control on dry farmed land and improper management on irrigated land are used for placing world land in one of the desertification classes or stages (slight, moderate, severe and very severe). In Iraqi condition, pollution has been added beside the above criteria: vegetation cover or overgrazing of range, lack of erosion control on dry farmed land and improper management on irrigated land. Also, a new class of desertification (Exceptionally or catastrophic desertification class) has been added. These classes describe the land with a considerable amount of war residues, mines, Synthetic chemical pesticides, toxic elements and or radioactive contamination.