Coupling coordination diagnosis of the vegetation‐soil system suitability under revegetation: a perspective from soil erosion control

The coupling degree between vegetation and soil was an important aspect of vegetation restoration, yet it remains underexplored. This study adopts the diagnosis and analysis method of vegetation‐soil system coupling coordination, dividing the characteristics of vegetation‐soil coupling coordination into 15 categories and 5 suitability levels, and reasonably evaluating the restoration degree of vegetation‐soil systems in three key geomorphic units (Loess Plateau, hilly, and gully areas) on the Loess Plateau. Results showed that the loess tableland predominantly exhibited good coordinated and basic coordinated types, and the synchronous development type with vegetation and soil. The hill slope mostly displayed the basic coordinated vegetation lagging development type (70%). The laggard vegetation was observed in the gully slope. Combining the evaluation results, the loess tableland (close to the tableland–slope shoulder line) should be returned to cultivation for revegetation. The hill slope was suggested for selecting trees and herbaceous plants for revegetation, and shrub and herbaceous plants are preferred for revegetation on the gully slope. This study provides a reasonable evaluation method for assessing the status of revegetation and valuable insights for vegetation restoration work to control erosion.