Stability of EICP-ASKG-reinforced aeolian sand along desert highways under the combined effects of plant germination and wind erosion

Sand control along desert highways is a pressing challenge because wind-blown sand can bury road shoulders and pavements and reduce visibility, while many existing mitigation measures are costly and difficult to maintain at scale. This study proposes an environmentally friendly and cost-effective reinforcement method based on enzyme-induced carbonate precipitation (EICP) combined with Artemisia sphaerocephala Krasch. gum (ASKG) and secondary reinforcement after seedling emergence. The stability of EICP-treated aeolian sand under simultaneous plant germination and wind erosion was evaluated through plant-growth tests and wind-tunnel experiments. Low-concentration EICP (0.1 mol/L) promoted seed germination but provided limited wind protection, whereas higher concentrations (0.2-0.3 mol/L) markedly improved erosion resistance but inhibited germination. Incorporating ASKG improved soil strength and moisture conditions, achieving a better balance between stabilization and plant growth. EICP reduced water evaporation, and ASKG further enhanced water retention by increasing cohesion and moisture conservation. However, seedling emergence locally weakened the crust and increased evaporation, and wind-induced plant motion and near-surface flow disturbance accelerated crust cracking. A secondary low-concentration EICP treatment effectively repaired emergence-related damage, reducing mass loss by > 70% and decreasing erosion-pit diameters from 9.8-20.4 mm to 6.7-11.2 mm. Overall, combining low-concentration EICP with ASKG and applying secondary reinforcement after emergence provides an effective pathway to enhance wind-erosion resistance while maintaining vegetation establishment in desertified regions.