Hybrid Technique of Enzyme‐Induced Carbonate Precipitation (EICP) and Loess for Stabilizing Desert Sand

Abstract

Various methods such as Enzyme‐Induced Carbonate Precipitation (EICP) have been used to mitigate desertification and facilitate revegetation. This study proposes a hybrid technique of EICP and loess for the stabilization of desert sands. The addition of loess can increase the stability of desert sands, while also facilitating plant growth. Properties of sand treated by combining EICP and loess, including surface strength, wind erosion resistance, crust thickness, and water retention, were evaluated. Results show that increasing both loess content and cementation solution (CS) concentration improves surface strength and resistance to wind erosion. An exponential relationship was observed between surface strength and erosion ratio, with optimal erosion resistance achieved when surface strength exceeded 180 kPa. Crust thickness ranged from 0.5 to 2 cm, increasing with CS concentration at low loess levels but decreasing at higher loess contents due to reduced permeability. Water retention improved with higher CS concentrations but showed limited sensitivity to loess content. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that loess interacts effectively with calcium carbonate crystals, forming larger soil aggregates that fill voids between sand particles, thereby improving both surface strength and erosion resistance. Considering wind erosion performance and ecological impact, a combination of loess content below 10% and a CS concentration of 0.2 mol/L is recommended as a cost‐effective and sustainable solution for desert sand stabilization in arid and semi‐arid regions.