Gulang County has a serious problem with land desertification, with sandy areas, water erosion, and grassland degradation. The desertification covers almost 86% of the county's land. From 1987 to 2000, the overall desertification level has slightly decreased, but some areas are still getting worse, especially in the southern part near Tegeli desert. The main reasons for this desertification are more people, less water, and overgrazing.