Sand Barrier Research Articles

Characterization of the Physicochemical Properties of Salix psammophila Sand Barriers Degradation Under Ultraviolet Irradiation and Synergistic Water Environment

The degradation of Salix psammophila mechanical sand barriers in desert environments can lead to a reduction in their windbreak and sand-fixing benefits, thereby becoming a significant factor limiting the operational lifespan of these structures. Targeting the typical damage types of S. psammophila sand barriers in the desert, we conducted simulations of desert sunlight and rainfall phenomena and investigated the changing characteristics of the physical, mechanical, and chemical properties of sand barriers in the degradation process. The results clearly indicate that (1) accelerated aging for 288 h represents a critical time point for assessing changes in physical, mechanical, and chemical properties during the interaction between ultraviolet irradiation and water. Following 576 h of accelerated aging, compared with a fresh S. psammophila branch sample (CK), the mass loss percentage was 24.33%, while the basic density decreased by 35.87%, and the modulus of rupture and elasticity decreases by 24.93% and 23.03%, respectively. (2) After accelerated aging for 576 h, the contents of lignin, hemicellulose, and cellulose decreased by 35.93%, 33.84%, and 22.38%, respectively. The interaction between simulated ultraviolet irradiation and water under sunlight intensifies the vigorous physical and chemical reactions occurring within the S. psammophila sand barrier, alters its internal structure, diminishes its mechanical properties, and expedites the degradation of its protective capabilities.

Effects of recent urbanization on carbon and nitrogen burial rates of sedimentary records in a tropical coastal lagoon (Brazil)

Land use and land cover changes (LULCC) are a global environmental issue that has impacted biogeochemical cycles worldwide. Sedimentary records can demonstrate the effects of LULCC on aquatic ecosystems, where the recent urbanization has been linked to changes in carbon and nitrogen burial. In this study, we reconstructed long-term LULCC and sedimentary records of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and sediment burial rates in a eutrophic tropical coastal lagoon affected by recent urban expansion. Based on analyses of 30 years of satellite imagery and sedimentary records from 1932 to 2013, we revealed that urban expansion over low-productivity agricultural-pasture areas increased siltation and C, N, P concentrations and fluxes in the coastal lagoon. Large temporal variability of such parameters revealed not only the effects of LULCC on the lagoon's burial rates, but also the influence of artificial sand barrier openings, which connect the studied lagoon to the sea, reducing C, N, P, and particle deposition in the sediment. Our results support multi-proxy methods to assess the relationships between recent urbanization, rising C, N, and P burial rates, and the eutrophication process. We highlight that artificial sandbar openings, the current eutrophication management strategy for coastal lagoons, are ineffective in reducing the eutrophication state, even in the recent scenario of decreasing C, N, and P burial rates.

Chemical characteristics of Salix psammophila sand barriers are accelerated degradation by ultraviolet irradiation and water.

The implementation of Salix psammophila sand barriers measures constitutes a crucial element in desertification control, providing a solid theoretical foundation for the future application and pretreatment of sand barriers in production practices. To address the specific damage types predominant in desert environments, we executed simulations of ultraviolet irradiation and rainfall phenomena on mechanical sand barriers in sandy areas and also inspected the variations in chemical properties during accelerated aging processes. The findings unequivocally demonstrate that: (1) The synergistic impact of ultraviolet irradiation and water accelerated the deformation and fracturing of the S.psammophila sand barriers, thereby causing a partial degradation of its chemical properties and conspicuous lignin oxidation; (2) The fissure of the sand barrier deepened, resulting in structural alterations. The existence of water expedites the degradation process of S.psammophila sand barriers under ultraviolet irradiation. (3)With respect to the binding form of C atoms, the carbon atoms at S.psammophila sand barriers were highly oxidized after 576 hours of accelerated aging. The components of C2 (C-O) and C3 (C=O) rising to 40.16% and 12.24% respectively, while the components of C1 (C-C) declined to 47.60%. The amount of hydroxyl (O-C-O), carbonyl (C=O), and carboxyl (O-C=O) groups increases in line with the expansion of the contact area between the sand barrier structure and ultraviolet irradiation as well as water. More free radical substances are generated, thereby causing the chemical binding properties to tend to be more stable. In summary, Ultraviolet irradiation and water change are the primary factors influencing the degradation of S.psammophila sand barriers material structure and properties. In future desertification control, it is imperative to focus on enhancing the longevity of sand barriers by ensuring their waterproofing capabilities and resistance to ultraviolet irradiation.

Double tombolo formation by regressive barrier widening and landside submergence: The case of Orbetello, Italy

The double tombolo of Orbetello, in Italy, has formed during the Holocene around an ancient central tombolo. Earlier models consider that its sand barriers formed as sand spits that stretched from the mainland to a coastal island before enlarging seawards. This evolution, however, remains speculative. In order to test these models, we conducted the first study of a double tombolo that combines coring of its sand barriers and comprehensive imaging of its internal structure using sub-bottom acoustic surveys offshore and in the back-barrier. Sediment ages were constrained by 14C, luminescence, and U/Th dating. Acoustic images below the lagoon show that the barriers are in fact broad regressive strandplains that initiated on the flanks of the preexisting central isthmus when sea level was −7 ± 1 m lower than today. The strandplains then rose upwards and outwards, tracking sea level rise over the past 7 kyr. The oldest and lowest parts of the strandplains were flooded into the shallow intervening lagoon. The central isthmus is composed of regressive sand barriers accreted around a MIS 5.5 core during subsequent stages MIS 5.3 and MIS 5.1. The emplacement of the isthmus interrupted longshore drift between the mainland and the coastal island, converting the flanks of the initial tombolo into terminal sinks in which sand accretion accelerated, spurring early and rapid regression during the Holocene. A review of the environmental parameters conducive to double tombolo formation suggests that double tombolos may represent a frequent, albeit short-lived stage during the enlargement of single tombolos.

基于 CFD 数值模拟的联合沙障间距优化与风沙流特征研究

Strong wind and sand activities will seriously damage the ecological restoration and agricultural safety production on the edge of desert areas, resulting in irreversible economic losses. In order to prevent and protect the agro-ecological environment in the wind-blown sand area, this paper constructs a combination of double-row vertical nylon net sand barrier and grass grid sand barrier. Through numerical simulation and wind tunnel experiment, the protection benefits of double-row vertical nylon net sand barrier and grass grid under different spacing conditions are analyzed, and the layout conditions with optimal spacing are obtained. The results show that when the spacing between double-row vertical sand barrier and grass grid is 5H-10H, the airflow velocity behind the double-row vertical sand barrier cannot be fully developed, the increase of airflow velocity is small, and the average wind prevention efficiency is above 85%. The effective protection distance com-pletely covers the entire combined sand barrier area, and a large number of sand particles near the surface are fixed to the grass grid, so the sand resistance rate is over 77%. The combined sand barrier has a good cooperative protection effect and achieves efficient wind prevention and sand fixation. The wind tunnel experiment verifies the reliability of the results. It also realizes efficient wind prevention and sand fixation under extreme wind and sand weather, and avoids sand burial on farmland and ecological restoration areas caused by extreme wind and sand weather.

Carbon Sequestration Characteristics of Typical Sand-Fixing Plantations in the Shiyang River Basin of Northwest China

A predominant management practice to reduce wind erosion in the arid deserts of northwest China is the planting of shrubs. However, the carbon sequestration capacity of these sand-fixing plantations has not received much attention. In this study, the carbon sequestration capacity of six typical sand-fixing plantations (Haloxylon ammodendron (C. A. Mey.) Bunge, Caragana korshinskii Kom., Tamarix ramosissima Ledeb., Calligonum mongolicum Turcz., Artemisia desertorum Spreng. and Hedysarum scoparium Fisch. & C. A. Mey.) in the Shiyang River Basin were compared and analyzed. We evaluated how carbon sequestration may vary among different species, and examined if plantation age or management style (such as the additional construction of sand barriers, enclosure) positively or negatively influenced the carbon storage potential of these plantation ecosystems. Our results showed that all six plantations could store carbon, but plant species is the controlling factor driving carbon stock accumulation in plantations. The actual organic carbon stored beneath 25-year-old T. ramosissima, H. ammodendron, C. korshinskii, H. scoparium, C. mongolicum and A. desertorum plantations was 45.80, 31.80, 20.57, 20.2, 8.24 and1.76 Mg ha−1, respectively. Plantations using a clay–sand barrier had 1.3 times the carbon sequestration capacity of plantations that only used wheat straw and sand barriers. Similarly, enclosed plantations had 1.4 times the carbon storage capacity of unenclosed plantations. Plantation age greatly impacts carbon sequestration capacity. A 25-year-old H. ammodendron plantation has a carbon sequestration capacity three times greater than that of 3-year plantation. We conclude that while afforesting arid areas, H. ammodendron and T. ramosissima should be prioritized, and priority also should be given to using clay–sand barrier and enclosure.

A newly formed lagoon under eutrophication on the coast of Kumlubent-Gelibolu, Çanakkale Strait (Dardanelles), Sea of Marmara

Lagoons are semi-enclosed and dynamic water bodies that are highly vulnerable to coastal dynamics and environmental stressors associated with anthropogenic activities and climate change. We investigated a pristine lagoon, hereafter referred to as Kumlubent Lagoon, located on the coast of Gelibolu in the Çanakkale Strait in the Sea of Marmara. The evolution of coastal morphology and Kumlubent Lagoon’s formation was investigated by using satellite images collected between 2006 and 2020. In addition, water samples were collected from the lagoon and the shore on April 15 and 16, 2022 for nutrient (NO3, NO2, NH4, PO4, and Si), chlorophyll-a (chl-a) and total organic carbon (TOC) analyses in order to determine the trophic status of the lagoon. Our results showed that the nearshore deposition of coastal sediments gradually formed a sand barrier that isolated the lagoon from the sea in the year 2013. The nutrient analyses showed a clear indication of eutrophication of the lagoon. Accordingly, 29.784 µm/L of NH4, 1.168 µm/L of PO4, 34.15 (±1.54) µg/L of chl-a and 40.50 mg/L of TOC were measured in the water samples from the Kumlubent Lagoon. Our study suggests that the deposition of longshore drifted sediments in a southwesterly direction along the Çanakkale Strait plays a dramatic role in the development of coastal morphology in the Gelibolu-Kumlubent region. The rapid eutrophication of the Kumlubent Lagoon may be related to the high nutrient input from agricultural activities in the region.

Regional assessment of overwash processes in a retrograding sand barrier (Paraíba do Sul River Deltaic Complex, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)

Storm events are the primary mechanisms for generating overwash along the shoreline. This process occurs when wave runup exceeds the elevation of sandy features, often forming washover deposits. In retrograding barriers, overwash is the main driver of landward migration. Extreme wave energy events can lead to rapid changes in the morphology of these environments. On urbanized coastlines, storm impacts can be catastrophic and result in high reconstruction costs. Understanding the characteristics of storm events and the local morphological characteristics of these sandy features is crucial for risk assessments, hazard mitigation, and coastal area adaptations in the scenario of increasing storm events. The main objective of this study is to analyze the role of overwash processes in the retrogradation of the Quissamã barrier, located in the southern sector of the Paraíba do Sul River Delta Complex (PSRDC), on the coast of Rio de Janeiro. Using data from the global Wave Watch III model, sea warnings issued by the Brazilian Navy, atmospheric pressure charts, and astronomical tides, we identified storm events and mapped the washover fans formed after specific storm events. The washover fans were identified using PlanetScope images. The identified storm events were characterized by waves from the SE-S directions with high peak periods, and mostly occurred during spring tides or transitioning to neap tides. Additionally, the atmospheric pattern for most events was associated with the migration of cold fronts from high to low latitudes, leading to the development of extratropical cyclones. The geometry of the barrier also proved to be an essential morphological pattern. Considering the relative sea level along part of the Brazilian coast has been decreasing over the last 5500 years, storm events and associated processes are crucial for the retrogradation of barriers, maintaining the retrogradational characteristics of this coastal barrier.

Experimental study on a combined sand barrier: Integration of porous mesh plate and novel porous sand-fixing bricks

Wind and sand disasters frequently impact the newly constructed railroad along the Hongyi line in Qinghai Province's Qaidam Basin. The existing wind and sand prevention measures, primarily comprising polyethylene (PE) nets, have shown limited effectiveness. To this end, this study introduces an innovative combined sand barrier: A new type of porous sand fixing bricks (PSBs) are made from local aeolian sand, arranged in a square grid like low vertical sand barrier, and combined with a high vertical porous mesh plate (PMP) to form a combined sand barrier. Wind tunnel experiments were conducted to optimize the combined sand barrier's structure. The results indicate that incorporating porous sand-fixing brick sand barrier (PSBSB) on the leeward side of the PMP substantially impacts the near-surface flow field and plays a crucial role in decreasing wind velocity while enhancing sand control. The PSBSB with five rows of PSBs, positioned 18H from the PMP's leeward side, maximizes windproof and sand control efficiencies. Notably, the PSBs exhibit excellent self-stability under wind load, eliminating the need for additional fixing measures. This combined sand barrier presents a replicable, cost-effective solution for wind-blown sand disaster prevention in aeolian sand regions like the Hongyi line, promising advancements in sand barrier technology.

The windbreak effects of organic fence made from branches of Salix psammophila in Hobq Desert

AbstractSalix sand barriers have been widely used in arid and semi‐arid regions of northern China as an environmentally friendly approach to control wind erosion. However, the inherent variability in length and thickness of Salix branches complicates achieving the desired fence porosity, typically resulting in an error of approximately 10% or more. This defect affects the fence's wind protection, thereby limiting their broader application. To address these challenges, we conducted a field experiment in the Hobq Desert, where we established Salix fences with porosities of 23%, 37%, and 44%, and measured the airflow velocities around these fences. The results indicated that the fence with 37% porosity exhibited the most effective sheltering effect, providing a protection distance up to 7.14 times of the fence height. A total of 44% porosity fences are also reasonably effective for practical purposes. On the other end of the spectrum, fences with 23% porosity demonstrated a better sediment interception than its high porosity peers, achieving an interception rate of 81.46%. Therefore, we conclude that organic fences made from Salix branches can serve as efficient windbreaks. Our findings provide foundational data for the application of organic fences in arid and semi‐arid regions of northern China, and potentially similar environments globally.

Distribution of Recent Benthic Foraminifera from the Outer Channel in and Around Gabakund Sea Mouth of Chilika Lagoon

Chilika (19°28’ to 19°54’ N; 85°54’N to 85°38’ E) lagoon situated in the east coast of India is considered to be one of the largest tropical coastal brackish water bodies in Asia. The unique setup of 60 km long narrow strip of sand barriers and swampy islands separating the area from the sea with few mouths of interconnections in the east and draining of tributaries of the river Mahanadi in the west while its environmental condition governed by tidal inflows and the southwest monsoon.The study of features of benthic foraminiferal tests, morphology, and abundance shed light upon paleoclimatic changes like monsoon variability, salinity, temperature, etc. Ten sediment samples were collected from the outer channel of Chilika lagoon in and around the Gabakund area and processed for species level study and SEM imaging following standard procedures. Sand dominates as the substrate towards the mouth at Gabakund area and silty to clayey sand towards the southern part of the Outer Channel. A total of 13 genera of benthic foraminifera belonging to 36 species were documented at the sampling stations. In the current study the species diversity and richness on the basis of the physico-chemical attributes of sea and river water incursion during pre-monsoon time in the outer channel of the lagoon is reported. In this region calcareous benthic foraminiferal are dominant while few agglutinated foraminifera have found their unusual niche.

Varied hydrological regime of a semi-arid coastal wetland

Abstract Coastal wetlands are transitional ecosystems between land and sea. Participants of citizen science programs have detected frequent floods in wetlands, as well as small pools that appear and then disappear. Considering that it is not clear whether their main hydrologic drivers are of marine or continental origin, we studied the El Culebrón wetland located in the Chilean semi-arid zone. El Culebrón is strongly influenced by extreme rain events. This wetland also experiences seasonal changes in its water stage (WS). A high mean sea level agreed with 41% of the WS rises. High intensity storm surges coincided with 53% of WS peaks. A small tsunami in 2022 impacted the WS, and another very intense tsunami flooded it in 2015. An apparent diurnal cycle in the WS was discarded due to an instrumental artifact. The combination of the aforementioned factors provided an explanation for 91% of the WS rises. The probable and novel mechanism for sea level and storm surge influence on WS is the formation of a sand barrier between the coastal lagoon and the sea. As a whole, El Culebrón receives varied influences from both the sea and the mainland, but it seems to be more dependent on freshwater sources.

Utilizing sediment grain size characteristics to assess the effectiveness of clay–sand barriers in reducing aeolian erosion in Minqin desert area, China

Utilizing sediment grain size characteristics to assess the effectiveness of clay–sand barriers in reducing aeolian erosion in Minqin desert area, China

Exploring a path of vegetation restoration best suited for a photovoltaic plant in the Hobq desert

To investigate the soil improvement effects of different vegetation restoration measures during the operation and maintenance of photovoltaic power plants in the Hobq Desert. This study determined the soil grain size composition and soil nutrient content of 0–5 cm under four vegetation restoration measures and within the mechanical sand barriers by laser diffraction techniques and chemical experiments. The results showed that: (1) Soil particle size composition in the study area is predominantly sandy, with 1.02%, 6.63%, 5.34% and 2.61% less sand in Leymus chinensis (YC), Glycyrrhiza uralensis (GC), Artemisia ordosica Krasch (YH) and Hedysarum scoparium (HB), respectively, compared to mechanical sand barriers (CK). Soil particle distributions of YC, GC, and HB showed better sorting and more concentrated patterns, and all four vegetation restoration measures had higher fractal dimensions than CK. (2) AN (Alkali-hydrolyzable Nitrogen) content performance: The content of YC, GC, and HB was significantly higher than that of YH and CK, AP (Available Phosphorus) content did not differ significantly between measures, AK (Available Potassium) content was higher than that of CK in all measures, with YC content being the highest and SOM content being the highest for GC. (3) Soil total nutrient is unstable across vegetation restoration measures. Overall, the performance showed that the three vegetation restoration measures, YC, GC, and HB, were more evident in the soil total nutrient content improvement. Each particle size characteristic parameter and soil nutrient response vegetation restoration measures ameliorate sandy soil in PV power plants during operation and maintenance. YC and GC have the most apparent effect on soil amelioration.

Closure of Khor Al Balid and Khor Rori harbours/estuaries with coastal uplift and aridity in the 12th – 15th c. CE and evidence for an extreme overwash event in the 18th – 19th c. CE: Implications for ancient port sites in southern Oman

Ancient maritime trading ports along the southern coast of Oman have been the target of archaeological excavations for several decades. Though historical chronologies are well-researched, information from a paleoenvironmental perspective is lacking and can provide a more complete understanding of site development. This study investigates the timing of coastal sand barrier accumulation in the natural harbours at Khor Al Balid and Khor Rori, which had considerable effects on the populations at the ancient cities of al–Balīd and Sumhuram, respectively. Six cores from Khor Al Balid and four cores from Khor Rori were analyzed using sedimentological, microfossil (foraminifera and testate amoebae), geochemical (μXRF), and radiocarbon dating methods. Marine proxies (e.g., Amphistegina spp., C. pseudolobatulus, E. limbatum, Sr, Ca/Si) and lagoon proxies (e.g., T. macrescens, T. inflata, C. constricta and C. aculeata, Ti/Ca, Fe/Ca) were used to identify Marine Sand, Brackish Lagoon/Marsh, and Freshwater facies. Results indicate that the eastern arm of Khor Al Balid closed off from the sea around the 12th century CE and that the western arm closed around the 15th century CE. Siltation of harbours and the formation of sand barriers may have contributed towards site abandonment. Previous archaeological findings suggest that al-Balīd was able to continue with maritime trade activities along the southern seaside edge of the city for several centuries after siltation of Khor Al Balid, possibly with the help of dredging. An extreme overwash event was recorded in almost all cores across both sampling sites, suggesting that a very large cyclone or a tsunami hit the southern Oman coast sometime around the 18th–19th century CE. This event, as well as continuous coastal sand accumulation, may have contributed to the decline and abandonment of Khor Al Balid and highlights the impacts that large storm/wave events have on archaeological site preservation.

Modeled Flooding by Tsunamis and a Storm Versus Observed Extent of Coral Erratics on Anegada, British Virgin Islands—Further Evidence for a Great Caribbean Earthquake Six Centuries Ago

AbstractModels of near‐field tsunamis and an extreme hurricane provide further evidence for a great precolonial earthquake along the Puerto Rico Trench. The models are benchmarked to brain‐coral boulders and cobbles on Anegada, 125 km south of the trench. The models are screened by their success in flooding the mapped sites of these erratics, which were emplaced some six centuries ago. Among 25 tsunami scenarios, 19 have megathrust sources and the rest posit normal faulting on the outer rise. The modeled storm, the most extreme of 15 hurricanes of category 5, produces tsunami‐like bores from surf beat. In the tsunami scenarios, simulated flow depth is 1 m or more at all the clast sites, and 2 m or more at nearly all, given either a megathrust rupture 255 km long with 7.5 m of dip slip and M8.45, or an outer‐rise rupture 130 km long with 11.4 m of dip slip and M8.17. By contrast, many coral clasts lie beyond the reach of simulated flooding from the extreme hurricane. The tsunami screening may underestimate earthquake size by neglecting trees and shrubs that likely impeded both the simulated flows and the observed clasts; and it may overestimate earthquake size by leaving coastal sand barriers intact. The screening results broadly agree with those from previously published tsunami simulations. In either successful scenario, the average recurrence interval spans thousands of years, and flooding on the nearest Caribbean shores begins within a half‐hour.

Development and performance evaluation of sunflower straw cellulose ether ecological sand-fixing material

Sunflowers are widely cultivated as a cash crop in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China. However, due to the lack of efficient resource utilization techniques, most of the sunflower stalks are discarded. In the Hetao irrigation area, the problem of desertification has prompted the limited use of sunflower straw to construct physical sand barriers for windbreaks and sand stabilization. In response to this, this study focuses on synthesizing a cellulose ether sand-fixing material using sunflower straw, the primary agricultural waste in Denkou County, Hetao irrigation district. This material enhances the effective adhesion between sand grains, reduces porosity among loose sand grains, and inhibits sand grain movement. The findings from this study conclusively demonstrate that the sand-fixing materials under investigation meet international standards for mechanical properties. They effectively transform loose, unconnected sand grains into a state with strong adhesion properties.

Numerical simulation on sand sedimentation and erosion characteristics around HDPE sheet sand barrier under different wind angles

Numerical simulation on sand sedimentation and erosion characteristics around HDPE sheet sand barrier under different wind angles

UV irradiation behavior of Salix psammophila sand barriers in the process of desertification control.

Salix psammophila sand barriers degrade under sunlight exposure, resulting in diminished protective performance and shortened service life in desertification control. To address the unresolved issue of photoinduced damage and degradation in sand barriers, we conducted simulations to assess the accelerated damage effect of ultraviolet (UV) rays during solar exposure of S. psammophila sand barriers. Our analysis focused on elucidating the mechanism of UV irradiation in sand barriers by examining the structural and material property changes that occur during the degradation process. The results indicated the following: (1) The discoloration of sand barriers resulting from UV irradiation was primarily ascribed to the modification in lignin content. (2) The morphology and protective performance of S. psammophila sand barriers underwent significant changes following exposure to UV irradiation. The 96-day and 144-day time points of UV exposure are crucial for evaluating the extent of UV degradation in sand barriers. After 192 days of UV irradiation, there was a decrease in mass loss percentage by 3.62%, modulus of elasticity by 8.63%, and modulus of rupture by 6.74%. (3) The lignin, hemicellulose, and cellulose content decreased by 23.12%, 14.30%, and 6.96%, respectively. The impact of UV irradiation on the polysaccharide (cellulose and hemicellulose) in S. psammophila sand barriers was relatively minimal. (4) The carbon binding form in S. psammophila sand barriers underwent a transformation, characterized by a significant decrease in C1 content and an increase in C2 and C3 content. This resulted in a gradual enhancement of the oxidation state and binding energy of carbon. Therefore, to prolong the utilization lifespan of S. psammophila sand barriers, it is essential to address the UV irradiation behavior from the perspective of inhibiting lignin reactions.

Long-term ecological restoration increased plant diversity and soil total phosphorus content of the alpine flowing sand land in northwest Sichuan, China

The ecological restoration techniques that combine grazing, sand barriers with willows, fertilization, artificial planting, and continuous management are increasingly adopted in the management of flowing sandy land in high-altitude and cold regions. However, few studies have focused on the long-term ecological restoration effects of such technologies. This study systematically compared the vegetation and soil characteristics under different ecological restoration durations (0 (CK), 3 (F1), 14 (F2), 26 (F3), and 46 (F4) years) in the alpine sandy land of northwest Sichuan. The results showed that, with the increase of ecological restoration durations, (1) the aboveground and underground biomass of plants, and species number significantly increased, while the shannon-wiener index, margalef index, and simpson index dramatically decreased; (2) in the early stage of ecological restoration (0–3 yr), Cyperaceae accounted for the main groups, while in the late stage of ecological restoration (14–46 yr), Leguminosae and Forb groups predominated; (3) ecological restoration durations significantly influenced the total phosphorus (TP) content at a soil depth of 0–60 cm, but soil organic carbon and C/P ratio were only significantly impacted at 40–60 cm; (4) the plant and soil characteristics of F1, F2, and F3 treatments were more similar, and CK and F4 treatments were clearly distinguished on PC1 of principal component analysis; (5) there was no significant correlation between Leguminosae groups and environmental factors. Instead, a correlation between total nitrogen (TN) and Forb groups, Gramineae groups, and Cyperaceae groups was revealed. TN was very significantly positively correlated with species diversity and TP. Long-term ecological restoration improved plants biomass, plant species diversity, functional plant groups, and increased soil TP content in the alpine sandy land of northwest Sichuan.