Desertification Reduces Organic Carbon Content and Nutrient Availability in Dryland Soils: Evidence From a Survey in the Amu Darya River Basin

ABSTRACT Desertification degrades drylands, undermining ecosystem services and human well‐being as a serious global issue. Assessing desertification impacts on soil organic carbon (SOC) and properties aids in preserving drylands and combating desertification. However, knowledge gaps persist regarding desertification effects on SOC and soil in Central Asia's Amu Darya River Basin. Surveys across ~1000 km in this region showed that desertification decreased SOC by ~52% versus natural vegetation. Desertification also reduced nutrient availability and altered hydrothermal conditions, pH, stoichiometry, and herbaceous richness. In particular, it decreased soil clay and silt while increasing sand content. Regional climate change and prolonged grazing are primary desertification drivers here. These pronounced impacts on soils and vegetation may threaten ecological processes and services. Our findings contribute to dryland restoration efforts and resilience against desertification.