Adapting northern herbs for desertification control around Poyang Lake, China

Desertification poses a pressing global challenge, threatening both environmental stability and socioeconomic well-being, and it requires detailed monitoring of its dynamics and drivers to inform land restoration and sustainable development strategies. Around Poyang Lake, China’s largest freshwater lake, desertification has triggered profound ecological degradation and economic losses, intensified by human activities and climate change. This study investigates these challenges by evaluating an integrated revegetation approach that combines Beach vitex (V. rotundifolia) with nitrogen-fixing licorice (Glycyrrhiza spp.) to improve soil quality, stabilize environmental conditions, and foster sustainable land management. Field experiments examined the drought tolerance and soil enhancement capabilities of five licorice landraces from three species, tracking soil pH, temperature, and moisture across different planting configurations. Findings revealed that rainfall elevated surface soil pH on flat terrains (6.5–7.6) while exerting limited influence on sloped areas (5.6–6.4). Interplanting with Beach vitex (V. rotundifolia) lowered surface sand temperatures by as much as 5 °C, boosted soil moisture retention, and enhanced the survival and vigor of Glycyrrhiza glabra seedlings. Licorice demonstrated strong root growth, effective nitrogen fixation, and substantial capacity to enrich sandy soils. This combined planting model offers a promising solution for combating desertification, converting degraded sandy expanses into fertile agricultural land, and advancing ecological recovery alongside economic resilience in southern China.