Desert soil erosion threatens fragile ecosystem and economic development in Qinghai.
The study analyzed soil erosion in a desert area using GIS and RS. Most erosion was caused by wind, with some water erosion. Different soil types and land uses were affected differently. Sandy and gobi areas had severe wind erosion, while swamp and channel areas had intense water erosion. The area had fragile ecology with poor soil fertility and low biomass. Effective protection measures are needed to control soil and water loss for sustainable development.