The researchers studied soil nutrients on the southern foot of the Taihang Mountains to help with forestry in the area. They looked at different slopes and found that soil carbon and nitrogen levels varied moderately due to random and structural factors. Nutrient levels were higher at the bottom of slopes. Factors like soil density, gravel content, vegetation, and water content influenced soil nutrient variability. Soil water content was the main factor affecting soil nutrients on natural slopes, but not on forested slopes.