The researchers compared soil seed banks in degraded areas near the Tarim River. They found 10 species in the soil seed bank, with an average density of 1633.33 seeds/m2. The density was lower in Kuergan compared to other areas. Herbaceous plants were more abundant in the soil seed bank than shrubs. The density and species abundance of the soil seed bank decreased with degradation, but it remained more stable compared to standing vegetation.