Oasis shelterbelts as a sustainable strategy for combating desertification: ecological benefits and practical applications

Desertification threatens ecosystem stability, agricultural productivity, and human livelihoods across arid and semi-arid regions. Yet, the evidence on how oasis shelterbelts contribute to long-term control of desertification remains scattered across ecological, engineering, and land-management studies. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the structure, functions, and applications of oasis shelterbelts, with emphasis on their roles in wind erosion control, sand stabilization, biodiversity conservation, microclimate regulation, and livelihood support. A structured literature survey was conducted using peer-reviewed studies and case-based evidence on shelterbelt design, species selection, ecological performance, socioeconomic benefits, and management constraints in dryland environments. The reviewed literature shows that shelterbelt effectiveness depends strongly on species composition, spatial configuration, water availability, and long-term management. Across regions, consistent benefits include reduced wind velocity, improved soil stability, enhanced habitat connectivity, and protection of agricultural systems, whereas major constraints include water scarcity, soil salinity, establishment costs, and management complexity. The evidence also reveals important knowledge gaps regarding long-term ecological trade-offs, comparative performance across climatic gradients, and shelterbelt resilience under climate change. This review contributes an integrated framework linking shelterbelt design, ecological functioning, and management outcomes, and highlights priorities for evidence-based policy, adaptive management, and future research in dryland restoration. • Oasis shelterbelts play a crucial role in mitigating desertification. • Shelterbelts are proven to reduce wind velocity, stabilize sand dunes, and conserve biodiversity. • Water scarcity, poor soil quality, high costs highlight the need for adaptive strategies to ensure sustainability. • Case study of China oasis protection reveals the importance of integrating scientific innovation and community involvement. • Future research should address knowledge gaps on long-term ecological impacts of shelterbelts.