The study looked at how desertification affects the vegetation in the Hulunbeir Sandy Steppe in Inner Mongolia. They found that as desertification progresses, the plants in the steppe become shorter, less dense, and less diverse. The soil quality also worsens, with less organic matter and nutrients. Perennial grasses decrease, while annual plants like forbs increase. This shift in vegetation is mainly due to changes in soil texture and nutrient levels. Overall, desertification harms the steppe vegetation by reducing plant growth and diversity.