[Objective] This study aims to analyze the carbon storage and distribution patterns of three typical windbreak and sand-fixation shrub species at the eastern margin of Kubuqi Desert, providing scientific basis for evaluating carbon sink functions in desert ecosystems and formulating ecological restoration strategies in western China. [Method] Using?Caragana korshinskii,Salix cheilophila,and?Corethrodendron?fruticosum?shrubs in the Zhandanzhao area of Ordos City (Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region) as research subjects, the research systematically characterized the carbon density distribution pattern within these desert shrub forest ecosystems and elucidated the underlying driving mechanisms. [Result] (1) In the sand-fixing shrub forest of saposhnikovia divaricata,Caragana korshinskii?exhibited the highest carbon density, followed by?Salix cheilophila?and?Corethrodendron?fruticosum, showing increases of 157.71%, 102.40%, and 24.82% respectively compared to non-vegetated sandy land. The soil layer served as the primary carbon pool, contributing 89.1%-96.0% of the total ecosystem carbon density.(2) In three types of saposhnikovia divaricata sand-fixing shrub forests, carbon density distribution in?Caragana korshinskii?and?Salix cheilophila?followed the sequence: roots > branches > leaves, with roots accounting for 68.75% and 45.72% respectively. In contrast,?Corethrodendron?fruticosum?showed the pattern: branches > roots > leaves, with branches contributing 48.47% and roots 40.49%.(3) Regarding vertical distribution in soil profiles, carbon density in?Caragana korshinskii?and?Salix cheilophila?ecosystems concentrated predominantly in the 0-20 cm surface layer and decreased with soil depth, while?Corethrodendron?fruticosum?and bare sandy land showed higher concentrations in middle and deeper layers (20-60 cm). (4) Correlation and redundancy analyses identified soil total nitrogen (TN) and available phosphorus (AP) as the key driving factors influencing carbon density accumulation in these shrub ecosystems. [Conclusion] For windbreak and sand-fixation afforestation projects, selecting?Caragana korshinskii?proves most effective for enhancing ecosystem carbon sequestration. Supplementary nitrogen fertilization during plantation establishment is recommended .