Desertification degrades drylands, undermining ecosystem services and human well‐being as a serious global issue. Assessing desertification impacts on soil organic carbon (SOC) and properties aids in preserving drylands and combating desertification. However, knowledge gaps persist regarding desertification effects on SOC and soil in Central Asia's Amu Darya River Basin. Surveys across ~1000 km in this region showed that desertification decreased SOC by ~52% versus natural vegetation. Desertification also reduced nutrient availability and altered hydrothermal conditions, pH, stoichiometry, and herbaceous richness. In particular, it decreased soil clay and silt while increasing sand content. Regional climate change and prolonged grazing are primary desertification drivers here. These pronounced impacts on soils and vegetation may threaten ecological processes and services. Our findings contribute to dryland restoration efforts and resilience against desertification.

中文翻译：

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荒漠化降低了旱地土壤中的有机碳含量和养分可用性：来自阿姆河流域调查的证据


荒漠化使旱地退化，破坏生态系统服务和人类福祉，成为一个严重的全球性问题。评估荒漠化对土壤有机碳 （SOC） 和特性的影响有助于保护旱地和防治荒漠化。然而，关于荒漠化对中亚阿姆河流域土壤有机碳和土壤的影响，仍然存在知识差距。该地区 ~1000 公里的调查表明，与自然植被相比，荒漠化使 SOC 降低了 ~52%。荒漠化还降低了养分的可用性，并改变了热液条件、pH 值、化学计量学和草本丰富度。特别是，它减少了土壤粘土和淤泥，同时增加了沙子的含量。区域气候变化和长期放牧是这里荒漠化的主要驱动因素。这些对土壤和植被的显著影响可能会威胁到生态过程和服务。我们的研究结果有助于旱地恢复工作和抵御荒漠化。