Effects of Ecological Programs and Other Factors on Soil Wind Erosion between 1981–2020

Wind erosion is one of the most widespread and severe natural hazards in arid, semiarid, semihumid regions worldwide. The Three-North region (TNR) (Northeast China, North Northwest China) China includes 90% wind area China. In response to harsh environmental conditions TNR, initiated a series ecological programs, including Afforestation Program Grain for Green. However, little known about effect these programs on erosion. Therefore, within our study, we estimated spatiotemporal variations TNR between 1981–2020 with revised model analyzed its driving mechanism. Then, programs’ effects changes was identified. results showed following. (1) From 1981 2020, clear downward trend 99.02 t km−2 a−1, slope. On average, areas mild, moderate, severe, more very accounted 28.76%, 7.17%, 3.92%, 3.72%, 13.29% total respectively. (2) variation inconsistent different parts TNR. expressed long-term decreasing Northeast Loess Plateau, nonsignificant change Central an increasing (3) were limited reducing at regional scale, contribution approximately 5.93% because relatively small scope implementation. Climate played key role adjusting erosion; speed, temperature, precipitation affected 57.58% Human interference (proportion cropland grassland 1 km ×1 grid) 8.78% Thus, persistent complement reasonable human activities, timely observation method alleviate