Abandoned croplands in the Ordos Plateau, China were studied to see how the soil and plant life change over time. In one area, the soil improved with more clay and less density, while water content increased near the surface. In another area, the soil stayed stable near the surface but changed a lot deeper down. The growth of plants and soil crust helped prevent certain plants from taking over. The accumulation of litter and clay on the soil surface caused changes in the soil water content, leading to different plant communities growing in the two areas.