A CORRELATION ANALYSIS OF ROCKY DESERTIFICATION GRADES, PLANT DIVERSITY AND SOIL FACTORS IN CENTRAL HUNAN OF CHINA

Abstract

Karst rocky desertification (RD) in central Hunan is a part of karst land
degradation in southwest China. The change in grade of RD, or succession, has led to
ecological degradation and seriously hindered socioeconomic development. RD
succession is influenced by soil and vegetation. Taking central Hunan regions as a
study area and using SPSS17.0 statistical software, we investigated the correlation
between RD grades, plant diversity index and soil factors. Results showed that RD
grades showed a significant positive correlation with soil organic matter (OM) and
cation exchange capacity (CEC).
The plant diversity index was positively correlated with the soil fertility index
and showed a significant positive correlation with OM and available elements.
Further analysis on the available elements showed that total plant diversity indices
including Shannon-Wiener index H', Pielou index E and Simpson P had significant
positive correlations with available magnesium (AMg). Total plant diversity indices E
and P had significant positive correlations with available calcium (ACa). These
conditions might have closely reflected the particular microhabitat types of RD
regions.
The correlation between RD grades, vegetation and soil factors suggested that
the relationship of the three was co-evolutionary. To enhance RD control and
treatment effectiveness, increasing the content of the ACa and AMg may be more
impactful than increasing the content of OM in central Hunan.