Vegetation restoration in degraded karst areas of southwest China can improve soil quality. Different types of restoration projects were compared, including natural shrubland and various forests. Natural shrubland and certain forests were found to be more effective in increasing soil quality due to higher levels of organic carbon and nitrogen. The type of vegetation and the length of restoration time are crucial factors in improving soil quality. Choosing the right vegetation and allowing for long-term recovery can lead to better soil conditions in degraded areas.