Objective The Mu Us Sandy Land serves as a core region for ecological security barrier construction in northern China. This study examines the spatiotemporal variation characteristics and driving mechanisms of its windbreak and sand fixation function, providing a quantitative basis for evaluating the effectiveness of desertification control projects and offering theoretical support for the formulation of ecological restoration zoning strategies. Methods Based on the revised wind erosion equation (RWEQ), the spatiotemporal variation characteristics of windbreak and sand fixation function in the Mu Us Sandy Land from 2000 to 2023 were analyzed, and the driving mechanisms of 11 factors on windbreak and sand fixation function were quantitatively analyzed using the geographical detector method. Results (1) From 2000 to 2023, the annual average windbreak and sand fixation amount in the Mu Us Sandy Land was 3.32×107 t, and the annual average amount per unit area was about 3.82 t/hm2, with an increasing rate of 0.045 t/(hm2 · a) over the years. (2) Spatially, the function exhibited higher values in the southeast and lower values in the northwest. High-value areas 〔>10 t/(hm2 · a)〕were mainly distributed in Hengshan District, Jingbian County, central Shenmu City, southeastern Yuyang District, eastern Dingbian County, and the central region of Ejin Horo Banner. Low-value areas 〔0~2 t/(hm2 · a)〕 were mainly distributed in northern Uxin Banner and southeastern Otog Banner. (3) From 2000 to 2023, windbreak and sand fixation amount per unit area in forest land, cultivated land, and grassland increased by 138.12%, 98.56%, and 95.40%, respectively. (4) Single-factor analysis results showed that the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), precipitation, and soil type were the most influential factors in explaining changes in windbreak and sand fixation function. Two-factor interaction analysis results showed that the interactions between NDVI and soil type, land use type, wind speed, and elevation had stronger explanatory power. Conclusion The significant improvement of the windbreak and sand fixation function in the Mu Us Sandy Land results from the synergistic effects of ecological engineering and climate change, and their respective influence mechanisms show significant differences. In the future, the ongoing monitoring and optimization of multi-factor interactions are required to further enhance windbreak and sand fixation capacity.
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