Abstract: Salix scrub pasture in Maowusu desert as a case was studied. With the vegetation classification, ordination and gradient analysis, the theory and methods for desertification assessment were discussed. The main causes of salix scrub pasture desertification in Maowus desert are as follows:duneextending, land covered by sand, groundwater level lowing, soil poor and vegetation commuity degradation. The indicator system of scrub pasture desertification assessment on community level was put forward.

Key words: Maowusu desert, Salix scrub pasture, Desertification assessment, Indicator system

摘要： 本文以毛乌素沙区柳湾灌丛草场荒漠化为例,应用植被分类、排序和梯度分析等技术,探讨荒漠化评价的理论和方法。柳湾灌丛草场荒漠化的主要原因是沙丘扩展、地表覆沙、地下水位下降、土壤贫瘠和植被群落退化所致。初步提出柳湾灌丛草场在群落水平上的荒漠化评价指标体系。

关键词: 毛乌素沙区, 柳湾灌丛草场, 荒漠化评价, 指标体系