Abstract:

In the history of desertification control in China, the sandy land Mongolian pine (Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica) has made significant contributions, earning the title of “Meritorious Tree Species” during the implementation of the Three North Protective Forest Program. However, there is a lack of systematic review on the historical process of the successful application of Mongolian pine in sand fixation afforestation, as well as the phenomenon of decline in Mongolian pine forests in sandy areas. In celebration of the 70^th anniversary of Scientia Silvae Sinicae, this paper aims to synthesize the research and practice accumulated by several generations of scientists from the Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (previously known as the Institute of Forestry and Soil, CAS). Through the comprehensive review from the starting with the initial introduction of Mongolian pine seedlings to the Dayijianfang site in the Zhanggutai region at the southern edge of the Horqin Sandy Land in 1955 for sand fixation afforestation, followed by large-scale promotion, and the subsequent decline of the plantations, and the recent decline of natural forests, this paper elucidates the silvicultural history of Mongolian pine sand fixation forests, their decline, and corresponding management strategies over 70 years (1955–2025). On this basis, prospects for further research on sandy land Mongolian pine forests are outlined, aiming to provide scientific references for the sustainable management of sandy land Mongolian pine forests.

Key words: sandy land, Mongolian pine (Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica), introduction, sand-fixation afforestation, Three North Protective Forest Program, sustainable management