Response of the Desertification Landscape Patterns to Spatial–Temporal Changes of Land Use: A Case Study of Salaxi in South China Karst

A study of Salaxi in South China Karst reveals that land use changes, particularly the conversion of cultivated land to shrubland, grassland, and woodland, significantly influence karst desertification (KD) patterns. From 2009 to 2019, areas of non-KD and potential KD expanded, while light and medium KD regions transitioned toward potential KD, indicating a shift towards ecological restoration. The research used landscape pattern indices and KD evolution trajectories to analyze these changes, finding that yellow soil was most susceptible to KD. Additionally, land use landscape metrics showed increased fragmentation and evenness, contrasting with declining KD landscape indicators. These findings highlight the complex interplay between land use dynamics and KD, offering critical insights for sustainable management strategies in karst regions.

Shu, T., Xiong, K., & Zhang, N. (2023). Response of the Desertification Landscape Patterns to Spatial–Temporal Changes of Land Use: A Case Study of Salaxi in South China Karst. Land, 12(8), 1557. https://doi.org/10.3390/land12081557