[Objective] The effects of mechanical sand barriers on surface erodibility in sandy areas which experience windy conditions were clarified in order to provide a theoretical basis for the application of a sand barrier in sand prevention engineering. [Methods] Soil samples taken from biodegradable polylactide (PLA) sandbag barriers

Salix psammophila sand barriers and reed sand barriers laid in different years on the windword slope of the northern margin of Kubuqi Desert were used to analyze soil organic matter content

soil particle size composition and soil erodibility K value at the 0—20 cm depth. [Results] ① The laying of sand barriers increased soil organic matter content. The 2 m×2 m S. psammophila sand barrier had the best effect on the accumulation of soil organic matter

and the soil organic matter content on the windward slope was relatively small. ② Laying of sand barriers increased the content of clay

silt

and fine sand in the barriers

and those contents increased with increased laying time. The soil in 0—20 cm layer was dominated by fine sand. ③ Laying of mechanical sand barriers could reduce soil erodibility

and the soil in the lower barriers of the dunes had the best erosion resistance under various site conditions. Among the three types of mechanical sand barriers

the S. psammophila sand barriers had the highest erosion resistance. Barrier effectiveness increased with laying time

and soil erosion resistance also increased. Four years after installation of sand barriers

the risk of soil erosion within the 2 m×2 m laying specification was relatively small. The soil erodibility K value and the soil organic matter content were negatively (p<0.01) correlated. [Conclusion] The laying of sand barriers increases the content of soil organic matter

and is conducive to the accumulation of fine-grained substances

thereby enhancing soil anti-erodibility. It is an effective wind erosion control measure for controlling mobile sand dunes. It is recommended that when laying mechanical sand barriers on the northern edge of the Kubuqi Desert

a 1 m×1 m PLA sandbag barrier should be laid on the upper part of the windward slope

a 2 m×2 m sallow sand barrier should be laid in the middle part

and a 2 m×2 m PLA sandbag barrier should be laid on the lower part of the windward slope.