Spatial–Temporal Evolution of Land Desertification Sensitivity in Mu Us Desert Ecological Function Reserve

Land desertification management in the Mu Us Desert has received widespread attention. Assessing land desertification sensitivity is crucial for desertification monitoring and management. This study constructed a comprehensive evaluation index system using four factors: dryness index, the number of windy and sandy days in the winter and spring, soil texture, and vegetation cover. Land sand sensitivity was divided into five grades, and multi-source data from the Ecological Functional Reserve of the Mu Us Desert from 2002 to 2022 were used to study spatial distribution and dynamic changes. The results show the following: (1) the overall land desertification sensitivity in the Mu Us Desert Ecological Functional Reserve decreased from 2002 to 2022, with the proportion of highly sensitive land decreasing from 92.39% to 82.75%, and the proportion of medium-, medium–low-, and low-sensitivity areas increasing from 0.63% to 1.70%. (2) Low-sensitivity areas were concentrated in Jingbian County, Hengshan District, and southern Uxin Banner. Southeast Otog Banner and northern Jingbian County saw the most significant decreases in land desertification sensitivity since 2002. (3) The four selected factors interacted, with increased vegetation cover being the most crucial factor. This study provides a reference for future ecological restoration in the Mu Us Desert area.