Response of soil physical-chemical properties to rocky desertification succession in South China Karst

Soil physical-chemical properties in South China Karst exhibit a non-linear response to rocky desertification succession, initially deteriorating before improving with increased severity. Key indicators such as organic matter content, nitrogen levels, capillary moisture capacity, bulk density, and porosity show significant correlations and serve as critical factors in evaluating desertification degrees. The study proposes that bare rocks in extreme desertification environments act as nutrient sinks, challenging the assumption of continuous soil degradation. Researchers analyzed 45 sample plots across three karst landforms using chemical determination and mathematical statistics to uncover these patterns. Findings provide theoretical support for karst forest ecosystem protection and rocky desertification control.

SHENG Maoyin, 盛茂银, LIU Yang, 刘洋, & XIONG Kangning, 熊康宁. (2013). Response of soil physical-chemical properties to rocky desertification succession in South China Karst. Acta Ecologica Sinica, 33(19), 6303–6313. https://doi.org/10.5846/stxb201305080979