Journal of Hunan Ecological Science

【Objective】This study aims to provide scientific evidence for ecological restoration in arid and semi-arid regions by deeply exploring the physicochemical properties and spatial heterogeneity of soil in Ningxia Shapotou National Nature Reserve. 【Method】A total of 19 soil genera within Ningxia Shapotou National Nature Reserve were selected for detailed physicochemical analysis, including soil organic mat- ter, calcium carbonate, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, total potassium, and pH. Statistical methods were employed to assess the spatial heterogeneity of each indicator, particularly its variation at different soil depths. 【Result】The study found that the majority of the soil in Ningxia Shapotou National Nature Reserve was sandy soil, sandy loam, and loamy sand, which generally had low organic matter and nutri- ent content, indicating poor soil fertility. Specifically, the spatial heterogeneity of organic matter was the most significant among all indicators, and it gradually increased with increasing soil depth. The spatial heterogeneity of soil calcium carbonate was also relatively large, with the maximum spatial heterogeneity observed at a soil depth of 20 cm. In contrast, the spatial heterogeneity of total potassium was the smal- lest. These results reflected the positive effects of ecological restoration in this protected area. 【Conclu- sion】The soil in Ningxia Shapotou National Nature Reserve is dominated by sandy soil, sandy loam, and loamy sand, with poor soil fertility. However, the significant spatial heterogeneity of soil organic matter and calcium carbonate indicates positive changes in soil properties during ecological restoration. These changes provide favorable conditions for ecological restoration in this area and highlight the im- portance of continuous monitoring and management of soil properties to promote sustainable ecological restoration efforts.

arid area; soil physicochemical properties; spatial heterogeneity; Ningxia Shapotou Na- tional Nature Reserve