In semi-arid regions, desertification is a critical environmental degradation factor. This study analyzes land degradation and desertification vulnerability dynamics in Ningxia, China (2001–2022) using the MEDALUS framework with a Random Forest classifier. Land-cover change was significant due to irrigation and agricultural expansion, with farmland increasing to 65.29% of the landscape while grassland shrank to 10.13%, intensifying ecological pressure. Bare land followed a U-shaped trend, reaching 9.17% in 2022, indicating increased soil exposure. Soil quality remained moderately stable, with 70–80% of land retaining integrity despite ongoing degradation. Vegetation quality fluctuated co... More >