- The study focused on rocky desertification shrub ecosystems in Shaoyang, Hunan Province, analyzing soil and plant samples from three distinct environments: light, moderate (abandoned land), and intense desertification.
- It was found that soil organic carbon and total nitrogen levels varied across soil layers and decreased with depth, while other nutrients like phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium remained consistent; moderate desertification sites had the highest levels of organic carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus.
- The research suggested that vegetation growth is closely linked to soil nutrient content, indicating that improved management strategies, including forest preservation and targeted fertilization, are necessary for addressing karst rocky desertification.