Forest planting reduces soil salinity in desert, aiding ecological development
The study analyzed the landscape geochemistry of Karamay artificial carbon-sink forests to understand soil salinity and desertification control. Results showed that soil salinity increased with evaporation, leading to salt accumulation in surface soils. Sulfate was the dominant salt in the area, mainly consisting of SO42, Na+, and K+ salts. Groundwater salinity and compounds varied, with Cl, SO42, Na+, and K+ being the main elements. Forest protection reduced soil salinity, especially after planting Russia poplar forests. Overall, the study found that soluble total salts decreased with the age of the forest, indicating successful soil amelioration in the carbon-sink forests.