Soil fractals reveal soil health and grassland degradation levels.
The study looked at soil samples from a degraded grassland that was being restored and protected. They found that the size distribution of soil particles changed depending on how the land was managed. The soil in the top 30 cm layer had different fractal dimensions in reclaimed areas compared to areas that were left alone. The fractal dimension could show the type of soil, especially the amount of clay and silt. The researchers also found a strong link between the fractal dimension and various soil properties, like physical, chemical, and biological characteristics. This means that the fractal dimension could be a useful tool for evaluating soil quality and the level of grassland degradation.