The study looked at soil properties in the coniferous forest of the Tianshan Mountains in China. They found that the type of soil and its nutrients varied depending on factors like precipitation and temperature. Soil at higher elevations had different properties than soil at lower elevations. Areas with more rain had fertile soil, while areas with less rain had less fertile soil. Despite these differences, the soil in the region was suitable for the growth of the Picea schrenkiana tree.