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Study on the Spatial Distribution Patterns and Influencing Factors of Soil Organic Carbon Components in Ecological Vegetative Slope Areas

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  • Lifei Zheng

    (School of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Environment, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China
    Key Laboratory of Intelligent Health Perception and Ecological Restoration of Rivers and Lakes, Ministry of Education, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China)

  • Xuyuan Zhou

    (School of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Environment, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China
    Key Laboratory of Intelligent Health Perception and Ecological Restoration of Rivers and Lakes, Ministry of Education, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China)

  • Xinlong Zhou

    (School of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Environment, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China
    Key Laboratory of Intelligent Health Perception and Ecological Restoration of Rivers and Lakes, Ministry of Education, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China)

  • Shaoping Huang

    (School of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Environment, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China
    Key Laboratory of Intelligent Health Perception and Ecological Restoration of Rivers and Lakes, Ministry of Education, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China)

  • Zhiying Zhong

    (School of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Environment, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China
    Key Laboratory of Intelligent Health Perception and Ecological Restoration of Rivers and Lakes, Ministry of Education, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China)

  • Henglin Xiao

    (School of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Environment, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China
    Key Laboratory of Intelligent Health Perception and Ecological Restoration of Rivers and Lakes, Ministry of Education, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China)

Abstract

Understanding the spatial distribution patterns of soil organic carbon components in Ecological Vegetative Slopes (EVS) is crucial for optimizing restoration strategies, enhancing soil carbon sequestration capacity, and scientifically evaluating rehabilitation effectiveness. It is an important pathway for promoting sustainable development. This study investigated the effects of slope gradient, slope position, vegetation type, and cement content on the spatial distribution characteristics of soil total organic carbon (TOC) and its components (readily oxidizable organic carbon (ROC) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC)) through slope model experiments and laboratory analyses. The key findings revealed that (1) TOC, ROC, and DOC concentrations decreased with increasing slope gradient and upper slope positions, with steeper slopes amplifying positional effects and exhibiting surface-layer accumulation characteristics. (2) The highest TOC, ROC, and DOC content was achieved in the mixed planting slope with Bermudagrass and Magnolia under a substrate thickness of 3 cm and 3% cement content. Lastly, (3) soil pH increased with the slope gradient and upper positions, showing systematic variations across vegetation types and cement contents. Comparative analysis demonstrated that optimizing vegetation composition and cement dosage effectively enhanced SOC accumulation, while slope gradient and position dominated the spatial heterogeneity of carbon distribution. These results provide theoretical and practical guidance for the precision management of slope ecological restoration. These findings provide robust data support for the ecological sustainability of engineering slope restoration and the enhancement of soil carbon storage.

Suggested Citation

  • Lifei Zheng & Xuyuan Zhou & Xinlong Zhou & Shaoping Huang & Zhiying Zhong & Henglin Xiao, 2025. "Study on the Spatial Distribution Patterns and Influencing Factors of Soil Organic Carbon Components in Ecological Vegetative Slope Areas," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(6), pages 1-18, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:6:p:2650-:d:1614114
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Yujin Li & Juying Jiao & Zhijie Wang & Binting Cao & Yanhong Wei & Shu Hu, 2016. "Effects of Revegetation on Soil Organic Carbon Storage and Erosion-Induced Carbon Loss under Extreme Rainstorms in the Hill and Gully Region of the Loess Plateau," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(5), pages 1-15, April.
    2. Tingjiang Gan & Qianqian Qian & Zhiqian Liu & Danping Xu, 2024. "Simulation of Suitable Distribution Areas of Magnolia officinalis in China Based on the MaxEnt Model and Analysis of Key Environmental Variables," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 14(12), pages 1-15, December.
    3. Qi-Peng Zhang & Jian Wang & Hong-Liang Gu & Zhi-Gang Zhang & Qian Wang, 2018. "Effects of Continuous Slope Gradient on the Dominance Characteristics of Plant Functional Groups and Plant Diversity in Alpine Meadows," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(12), pages 1-15, December.
    4. Shi, Peng & Li, Peng & Li, Zhanbin & Sun, Jingmei & Wang, Dejun & Min, Zhiqiang, 2022. "Effects of grass vegetation coverage and position on runoff and sediment yields on the slope of Loess Plateau, China," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 259(C).
    5. Ye Yuan & Xueyi Shi & Zhongqiu Zhao, 2018. "Land Use Types and Geomorphic Settings Reflected in Soil Organic Carbon Distribution at the Scale of Watershed," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(10), pages 1-12, September.
    6. Snežana Jakšić & Jordana Ninkov & Stanko Milić & Jovica Vasin & Milorad Živanov & Darko Jakšić & Vedrana Komlen, 2021. "Influence of Slope Gradient and Aspect on Soil Organic Carbon Content in the Region of Niš, Serbia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(15), pages 1-17, July.
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