Checkerboard Barriers Attenuate Soil Particle Loss and Promote Nutrient Contents of Soil

Abstract

In the arid and semi-arid regions of the world, checkerboard barriers play a vital role in ecological restoration. However, the improvement of soil quality in the later stages of lattice barrier-laying is an issue that is not yet known. This study selected dunes lined with Salix psammophila (SL) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) checkerboard barriers in the desert zone of an arid zone, and no-barrier dunes were used as the control area. We assessed the soil properties of different dunes’ windward slopes using a combination of particle size characteristics and soil nutrients and using soil nutrients to build a soil quality index (SQI). The laying of checkerboard barriers has a positive effect on the accumulation of fine soil particles and the improvement of soil quality. It ultimately leads to an increase in fractal dimension in the 0–2 cm and 2–4 cm soil layers. SQI and soil nutrients show consistent trends. The SQI of the different dune types follows the order: SL (0.22) > HDPE (0.14) > CK (0.12). We also found an interaction between soil nutrients and particle characteristics through statistical analysis. With a comprehensive assessment of checkerboard barriers installed on dunes, SL can provide better soil restoration benefits.