Iran eyes biobased, “nano-mulch” to prevent dust storms

In Iran, scientists are developing “nano-mulch” made from sugarcane extract that helps combat the region’s devastating dust storms. The product, developed by researchers at the School of Marine Science and Ocean of Khorramshahr, prevents erosion by increasing soil fertility. The dust storms that hit Iran originate in the deserts and dried ponds of Iraq and Saudi Arabia. The phenomenon is expected to get worse due to increasing desertification.