Work

Where the Wind Wins: How Wind‐Eroded Patches Expand in Semi‐Arid Sandlands

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study explores how wind-eroded desertified patches (WEDPs), formed by intensified land use in semi-arid sandlands, hinder vegetation recovery.Within these patches, severe soil temperatures and rapid desiccation, low fertility, and unstable surfaces prevent seedling establishment, even when substantial soil seed banks are present.As patch size increases, these harsh conditions become more severe, further reducing the potential for vegetation recovery.Because of the positive feedback on patch size and environmental degradation with retrogressive succession, it is important for land management to include human assistance enabling future vegetation regeneration in WEDPs.

Source: Bulletin of the Ecological Society of America

DOI: 10.1002/bes2.70024

Authors: Shudong Zhang, Xuehua Ye, Guofang Liu, Zhenying Huang, J. Hans C. Cornelissen

Language: English

Topic: Aeolian processes and effects

Subfield: Earth-Surface Processes

Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Life on land

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid:

Funders: National Natural Science Foundation of China, National Key Research and Development Program of China