Abstract should be limited to 300 words (excluding title, name, designation, affiliations & keywords)

Dryland ecosystems, represented by steppe, desert-steppe, and desert landscapes, occupy 41.2% of the total area of Mongolia. Hence, Mongolia is naturally sensitive to any desertification-driving factors such as climate change, drought and overgrazing (N.Sarantuya, 1995, Ts.Adiyasuren, 1992). One of the main indicators of desertification is quantification of the sand movement rate, and according to research results, sandy areas, which are widespread in the southern and western parts of Mongolia, are expanding rapidly as evidenced by increasing rates of sand shifting (D.Dash, 1999).

The first experiments using mechanical barriers to prevent sand movement were conducted in Mongolia in the early 1980’s by national scientists, Dr.Sainbayar and Kh.Jalbaa, where they trialed wooden fences. Later, from 2002, experiments using straw, stone and net checkerboards (20-22 cm in height) as well as clay barriers have implemented.  For wind blown sands, the dense checkerboard pattern using stones can accumulate approximately 5-6 cm depth of sand.  Research results conducted over the last two years demonstrate that such kinds of dense barriers have to place on slopes of less than 5-10 degrees to be effective. Moreover, it is particularly effective for preventing sand shifting in corners of sand dunes rather than on the windward side of a slope.

Key word: sand fixation, experiments, wind

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