Understanding the spatial variability and environmental drivers of soil organic carbon (SOC) is critical for improving carbon management in fragile karst landscapes. This study collected 110 topsoil samples across county Yangshan, southern China, and applied an interpretable machine learning framework combining Random Forest (RF) and SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) to explore the spatial heterogeneity and key environmental controls of SOC. The measured contents ranged from 3.33 to 44.20 g/kg, with a coefficient of variation of 43.5%, indicating moderate variability. RF-based spatial predictions revealed that higher SOC levels were mainly concentrated in the northern and southern subregions associated with clastic rocks, while lower SOC values clustered in central areas dominated by carbonate bedrocks. SHAP analysis indicated that soil physicochemical properties contributed over 53% to SOC, with total nitrogen and cation exchange capacity exerting the strongest influences, particularly in karst zones. Hydrological, vegetation, and terrain-related factors showed moderate importance, especially in high-elevation areas with natural vegetation and complex topography that promoted SOC accumulation. In contrast, climatic variables had relatively weak impacts, with their influences clustered in lowlands dominated by anthropogenic land uses. These findings revealed spatially heterogenous controls on SOC between karst and non-karst landscapes, emphasizing the dominant role of soil properties under shallow, erosion-prone conditions and highlighting the role of topography and vegetation in enhancing SOC stocks in mountainous areas. The integrated use of interpretable machine learning approaches improves the understanding of localized SOC dynamics and provides a valuable reference for precision carbon management and ecological restoration in other environmentally sensitive regions. • RF-SHAP framework effectively identified key environmental drivers on SOC. • Local SHAP values visualized spatial heterogeneity in karst and non-karst areas. • TN and CEC dominated contributions of SOC, especially under karst landscapes. • Hydrology, vegetation, and terrain influenced SOC in high-elevation clastic zones. • Climatic impacts clustered in lowlands associated with anthropogenic disturbance.

Karst landscapes are characterized by distinctive geological and hydrological features, supporting fragile terrestrial vegetation ecosystems. Understanding vegetation dynamics and their driving mechanisms is crucial for ecological restoration and conservation in such regions. This study focuses on Guizhou Province, a typical karst area in southwestern China, and analyzes MOD13A1 NDVI time-series data from 2000 to 2021. By integrating multiple analytical techniques, including Theil–Sen and Mann–Kendall trend analyses, the Breaks for Additive Seasonal and Trend (BFAST) algorithm, and the XGBoost–SHAP interpretable machine learning framework, we systematically examine spatiotemporal patterns, nonlinear trends, and underlying driving factors. Results indicate a statistically significant increasing trend in NDVI. BFAST detected monotonic greening across 76.82% of the study area, while certain regions exhibited interrupted growth or transitions from greening to browning, with breakpoints primarily occurring in 2012 and 2014. SHAP analysis identified soil moisture as the principal natural driver and population density as the most significant anthropogenic factor. All driving variables displayed distinct threshold behavior and nonlinear responses in relation to NDVI, accompanied by notable interaction effects. This study enhances the understanding of vegetation dynamics and their drivers in karst mountainous regions, providing new insights for optimizing ecological management policies.

The unique petrifying spring habitats formed by karst topography in Southern China harbor bryophyte communities dominated by the endemic species Hydrogonium majusculum (C. Muell.), which plays a crucial role in habitat maintenance and tufa deposition. However, the underlying adaptive strategies-specifically how H. majusculum coordinates morphological and physiological responses to adapt to such highly heterogeneous sedimentary dynamics-remain unclear. We analyzed the geochemical characteristics and plant functional traits across five typical petrifying spring habitats. Redundancy Analysis (RDA) revealed a distinct asynchrony in trait responses: (1) Oxides indicating allochthonous detrital input (K2O, SiO2, TiO2), which serve as proxies for reduced calcification pressure, were significantly positively correlated with physiological traits (e.g., chlorophyll (Chl), superoxide dismutase (SOD), carbonic anhydrase (CA)) (p < 0.05), indicating that the physiological system is highly sensitive to the amelioration of low-energy sedimentary environments. (2) Conversely, morphological variation (e.g., plant height (Plant H) was predominantly restricted by physical calcification intensity (CaO). Although morphological traits exhibited localized growth in detritus-enriched sites, their overall structural recovery showed a distinct lag compared to physiological traits. This indicates that the rigid calcified crust continues to impose biomechanical constraints even as environmental stress decreases. Our data reveal a specific resource trade-off strategy of H. majusculum in dynamic petrifying spring habitats, which is characterized by physiological priority over morphological growth. Under high physical pressure, the moss sends energy to its enzymatic defense system first. This investment maintains cellular stability. The plant moves resources to carbon assimilation and growth only when local physical stress drops. This study explains how H. majusculum adapts to deposition dynamics. These findings also provide a theoretical basis for the management and protection of petrifying spring habitats.

Objective: To understand the epidemiological characteristics of dental caries and elevated blood pressure in children in Karst landform areas, and provide new directions for the development of targeted child health intervention strategies based on local conditions in the future. Methods: Based on the proportion of Karst landform area in Guizhou Province, 96 520 children aged 7-12 years were selected from all counties (districts) in Guizhou Province by stratified random cluster sampling from September to December 2024 for physical examinations such as dental caries detection and blood pressure measurement. A total of 54 552 primary school students at and above grade 4 were selected for questionnaire surveys. Binary logistic regression model was used for multivariate analysis on relevant factors. Results: The dental caries detection rate in children aged 7-12 years in Guizhou was 65.8%. The detection rate in girls (67.6%) was significantly higher than that in boys (64.2%) (P<0.001). In terms of ethnicity, the detection rate was highest in children of Dong ethnicity (73.2%), followed by Miao ethnicity (68.5%), Buyi ethnicity (66.9%), Tujia ethnicity (66.8%), other ethnicity (65.6%), and Han ethnicity (63.2%), the differences were significant (P<0.001). In terms of geographical distribution, the detection rate in non-Karst landform area (76.4%) was significantly higher than that in interspersed area (66.9%), area with high-proportion of Karst landform (64.3%), and area with low-proportion of Karst landform (63.5%) (P<0.001). The detection rate of elevated blood pressure was 12.4%, with higher rate in boys (12.8%) than in girls (11.9%) (P<0.001). The detection rate of elevated blood pressure in Tujia children (14.5%) was higher than that in Miao children (12.8%), children in Buyi and other ethnic groups (both 12.6%), Han children (12.0%) and Dong children (11.7%) (P<0.001). In terms of Karst landform distribution, the detection rate in interspersed area (13.4%) was higher than that in area with high-proportion of Karst landform (13.1%), area with low-proportion of Karst landform (10.3%) and non-Karst area (8.6%) (P<0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that Karst landform distribution was a protective factor for dental caries and a risk factor for elevated blood pressure in children aged 7-12 years old (P<0.001). Conclusions: The risk for dental caries and elevated blood pressure in children aged 7-12 years old in Guizhou is associated with Karst landform distribution. Therefore, comprehensive prevention and control measures should be developed according to local conditions to effectively reduce the incidence of dental caries and elevated blood pressure in children.

Unveiling the co-occurrence of fluoride-arsenic and nitrate retention in Wujiang cascade reservoirs by a hybrid hydrochemical, PMF model and multi-isotopic method.

UAV-borne LiDAR reveals three-dimensional habitat selection patterns of François’ langurs in complex karst landscapes

Storytelling is a strategic instrument in supporting tourism villages based on agrarian resources, as happened in Pucung Village, Girisubo District, Gunungkidul Regency. The village faces challenges in promoting physical assets, such as karst landscapes and historical sites, into tourism products that have high economic value and educational meaning. Therefore, on November 25, 2025, in Pucung Village, an Agrarian Resource-Based Storytelling Making Training activity has been held. The research method used is a qualitative approach with data collection techniques through in-depth interviews with key informants, namely local narrators, tourism village managers, and the Pucung Village community. Secondary data was also obtained from documentation and reports related to storytelling training that had been carried out in the village. The data analysis technique used is thematic analysis, where data is categorized and linked to produce findings that are relevant to the research objectives. The results of the study show that: First, storytelling has a unique mechanism. Second, storytelling is intended to empower local narrators. Third, storytelling can reveal the soul of the people of Pudung Village. Fourth, storytelling is done by adhering to Truth Based Storytelling Principles. Fifth, storytelling can have a psychological and social impact. Sixth, storytelling can have an economic multiplier effect. Seventh, storytelling takes into account managerial strategy and sustainability.

ABSTRACT In 1795 Jamaican Maroons from the island’s Cockpit Country revolted against British colonial authority. The resulting conflict erupted into the large-scale Second Maroon War, in which British military officials emerged victoriously after intense guerilla warfare. While scholars have long known the details about this important conflict in Atlantic history, including European military strategies to defeat the Maroons in their karst landscape communities, we know much less about the full relationship between the environment and Black resistance to slavery. Yet environmental knowledge and the introduction of non-human actors shaped the fighting and its outcome. This article shows how environmental knowledge of drinking water influenced each combatant’s strategies. The significant role that water played in the war was also directly tied to the British use of interspecies violence to end the conflict. By December 1795, British officers procured dogs from Cuba that were known for their ability to suppress enslaved resistance. The British introduction of canines as new non-human actors in the Maroon environment forced the Maroons to surrender. The introduction of dogs in the Cockpit Country led to the migration of humans as colonial authorities transported hundreds of Maroons to Nova Scotia once hostilities ceased.

ABSTRACT Deciphering sediment provenance is essential to understand depositional patterns and dynamics. This question is particularly important in archaeological contexts to constrain the sedimentological history of unearthed material—an information critically needed, for example, to estimate the age of the deposits—or to apprehend sediment movement and/or reworking in cave systems. Successfully used in several studies related to fluvial environments, mid‐infrared spectroscopy (MIRS) appeared in these contexts as a fast, cost‐efficient and effective method to assess sediment sources. We apply for the first time this approach to multi‐level cave systems in a karstic landscape along the Save and Seygouade valleys, in the Pyrenean foreland (Montmaurin, SW, France). Seven potential sedimentary sources for the sediments trapped in the karstic network were identified and characterised using 311 reference samples from 17 sampling sites. Discriminant analyses were performed to determine cave sample geochemical affinities with reference groups derived from these potential sources. The spectral signature of sediments artificially created by mixing two reference sources was also tested, to refine the interpretation of geochemical signatures when multiple provenances are involved. Sediments trapped in the studied caves mainly present geochemical affinities with ancient and/or modern alluvial deposits. Our results furthermore suggest that different depositional processes (e.g. slackwater flood deposits and vertical withdrawing) were at play, resulting, for a large proportion of the studied caves, in complex infills mixing several sedimentary sources. Beyond limitations related to the complexity of cave networks, this approach brought valuable information regarding sedimentation patterns, and could be further developed in the study of natural cave systems and underground archaeological sites.

The Dinarides of Bosnia and Herzegovina are exceptionally rich in surface and subterranean geomorphological and hydrological karst features which make them an ideal setting for ecological studies of microorganisms. This work presents the results of a seven-year study of testate amoebae, polyphyletic eukaryotic microorganisms, across various karst habitats. The main objectives were to collect data on testate amoebae biodiversity and to deepen our understanding of the transformation of their assemblages across surface and subterranean habitats. More than 50 taxa of testate amoebae were identified, including the notable finding of Psammonobiotus dinarica – a species originally described from caves – in a pristine surface karst river. A Jaccard resemblance-based cluster analysis of overall testate amoebae biodiversity revealed a clear separation of lake assemblages from river, spring, soil and cave assemblages. These results were confirmed by site-based cluster analysis and NMDS ordination, which showed strong separation (SIMPROF test) of lake, soil and cave assemblages, but also distinct assemblages of hydrologically interconnected karst features (sinking river Šuica → sinkhole cave Ponor Kovači → the resurgence Vrilo Spring). This study confirms a high similarity between river, spring, cave, and soil assemblages but reveals a previously unknown distinction of lake assemblages. It also showed that spring assemblages have higher similarity to river assemblages than to those in caves, implying a possible impact of primary production due to diffuse light in springs during summer droughts. This study emphasizes the need for further research of microbial assemblages in relation to environmental factors in order to support science-based protection of both surface and subterranean karst ecosystems.

Inceptisols are widely distributed soils with significant agricultural potential; however, their characteristics are strongly influenced by landscape and parent material. Understanding these variations is essential for explaining soil-forming processes and supporting appropriate land management. This study aims to compare the morphological and physico-chemical properties of Inceptisols developed under karst and volcanic landscapes in the Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. A comparative field study was conducted on two representative pedons located in Bedoyo Kulon and Berbah. Soil profile descriptions followed standard soil survey guidelines and were supported by field and laboratory analyses of selected properties, including texture, structure, pH, carbonate content, and organic matter. The results show that Bedoyo Kulon soils are characterized by Ap–Bw1–Bw2 horizons, clay texture, dark reddish-brown color, moderately acidic pH (5–6), and the presence of carbonates in subsurface horizons. In contrast, Berbah soils exhibit Ap–A1–Bw horizons, a sandy loam texture, very dark gray to gray color, a slightly acidic pH (5–5.5), and the absence of carbonates. These differences indicate that parent material and topography play a dominant role in soil development and horizon differentiation. The findings provide insights into pedogenesis in contrasting landscapes and highlight the need for site-specific soil management strategies to improve soil fertility and sustainability.

ABSTRACT The soil–epikarst zone represents the transition zone between the surface soil and the underlying karst topography. High permeability and complex hydrogeology govern water and solute fluxes. The mechanisms governing subsurface leakage and nitrogen transport in response to rainfall are unclear. Experiments simulating laboratory conditions were performed to assess the impact of rainfall and the soil–epikarst structure on subsurface leakage and nitrogen loss. Three rainfall amounts (15, 30, and 60 mm) and three rock proportions (45%, 55%, and 65%) were used to construct the soil–epikarst structure. Under the conditions of this study, subsurface leakage in the soil–epikarst zone occurred at 15 mm of rainfall (subsurface leakage: 57.8%–73.7%), and rainfall ranging from 30 to 60 mm significantly increased the extent of such leakage (subsurface leakage: 75.5%–77.6%). Additionally, the typical water holding capacity of the soil–epikarst structure ranges from 40 to 60 cm. The extent of nitrate nitrogen (NO 3 − –N) and ammonium nitrogen (NH 4 + –N) loss differed across rainfall amounts. As rainfall increased, NO 3 − –N loss also increased, whereas NH 4 + –N loss initially decreased but subsequently increased. Notably, nitrogen loss was exacerbated at a 55% rock proportion, corresponding to the highest subsurface leakage and leakage coefficient, whereas both subsurface leakage and nitrogen loss were attenuated at 45% and 65% rock proportions. In the soil–epikarst zone, inorganic nitrogen loss occurred predominantly in the form of NO 3 − –N. The amount of NH 4 + –N loss ranged from 28.35 to 35.50 mg, and the amount of NO 3 − –N loss ranged from 94.89 to 227.23 mg. The percentage of N loss ranged from 0.35% to 0.97%. Structural equation modeling revealed that the rock proportion, a quantitative indicator of the soil–epikarst structure, has a significant direct negative effect on total N loss, and this effect is associated with its influence on NO 3 − –N and NH 4 + –N losses, both of which positively contribute to total N loss. Rainfall regulates subsurface leakage and the transport of inorganic nitrogen in subsurface flow, thereby influencing total N loss. In conclusion, when rainfall ranges from 30 to 60 mm, NO 3 − –N accounts for more than 70% of the total N loss, and a 55% rock proportion exacerbates nitrogen loss, with the total N loss rate reaching 75.14%. This research enhances the understanding of subsurface leakage and nitrogen loss in the soil–epikarst zone of karst areas with varying rainfall and may guide the development of efficient water and nitrogen management approaches to minimize nitrogen pollution of water sources.

Vegetation regeneration enhances soil carbon sequestration in degraded karst ecosystems. However, how succession influences soil organic carbon (SOC) fractions and enzyme activities remains poorly understood in Southwest China's karst landscapes. We examined three successional stages (grassland, shrubland, and secondary forest) in Pingtang County, Guizhou Province. We quantified SOC fractions, enzyme activities, and their drivers using random forest modeling, partial correlation, and structural equation modeling.SOC content increased significantly from grassland to secondary forest, with forest soils containing 76.74% more SOC than grasslands (P < 0.05). Mineral-associated organic carbon dominated all successional stages (51.75-58.81% of total SOC), while microbial biomass carbon increased most during succession (63.84%). Particulate organic carbon remained stable across succession (P > 0.05). β-1,4-glucosidase and cellobiohydrolase activities increased with succession, while dehydrogenase and catalase activities decreased. Random forest analysis identified carbon fractions as the dominant predictor of SOC variance (38%). Partial correlation analysis confirmed significant relationships between SOC, carbon fractions, and enzyme activities. Structural equation modeling showed that carbon fractions had the strongest direct effect on SOC accumulation, while soil nutrients had the largest total effect through indirect pathways, regulating enzyme activities and carbon fraction dynamics. These findings elucidate the pathways through which soil nutrients regulate SOC accumulation during karst vegetation succession, advancing understanding of carbon dynamics in degraded karst ecosystems.

Over the past decade, the tourism sector in the karst region of Gunung Kidul has experienced substantial growth, contributing significantly to local revenue generation and expanding employment opportunities for surrounding communities. Nevertheless, the rapid development of tourism infrastructure, land-use conversion, and intensive exploitation of karst landscapes have generated constitutional concerns related to the State’s obligation to safeguard environmental sustainability. Karst ecosystems perform essential ecological functions, including groundwater storage, hydrological regulation, and providing habitats for diverse biological species. Consequently, environmental degradation in these areas may result in long-term ecological consequences. This study aims to examine the tension between tourism-driven economic development and the protection of karst environments from the perspective of Article 33 of the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia, as well as the principles of sustainable development. The research employs a socio-legal approach, combining normative analysis of statutory regulations with conceptual examination of the green constitution doctrine and sustainable development framework. The findings indicate that Article 33 of the 1945 Constitution not only emphasizes state control over natural resources for the prosperity of the people but also implicitly incorporates principles of environmental sustainability and ecological responsibility. Accordingly, tourism policies that disregard environmental carrying capacity and ecological limits within karst regions risk contradicting constitutional mandates. The integration of sustainable development principles into spatial planning policies and licensing mechanisms is therefore essential to ensure a balanced relationship between economic advancement and environmental preservation.

ABSTRACT Subterranean waters are important but understudied biodiversity reservoirs, particularly in the semi‐arid Caatinga biome. We quantified the biological uniqueness of zooplankton communities in these groundwater‐dependent systems and investigated how environmental conditions shape beta diversity. We sampled 12 subterranean aquatic ecosystems (ponds, lakes, rivers, and springs) over 3 years. We computed local contributions to beta diversity for species composition (LCBD) and environmental heterogeneity (LCEH), related LCBD to LCEH and richness, quantified species contributions to beta diversity (SCBD), compared community composition among habitats, seasons and ecosystem types, and tested for distance–decay patterns in community dissimilarity. Environmentally distinctive sites (high LCEH) harboured more compositionally unique communities (higher LCBD) with fewer taxa. Compositional uniqueness increased with total phosphorus, indicating that nutrient‐enriched sites supported more distinctive, low‐richness assemblages, with guano‐influenced ponds in Furna Feia cave being the most environmentally and biologically unique. K‐like taxa (copepods and lobose testate amoebae) showed higher SCBD values, whereas r‐like taxa (rotifers and small cladocerans) were more frequent in the most phosphorus‐enriched, high‐LCBD sites. Community composition differed between habitats and ecosystem types, but not between seasons; it was dominated by species turnover and showed high among‐cave dissimilarities without clear distance–decay. Our findings indicate that subterranean zooplankton metacommunities in the Caatinga drylands are structured primarily by environmental filters (notably nutrient enrichment), habitat type and life‐history strategies rather than spatial distance or seasonality. Subterranean waters act as unique refuges that contribute disproportionately to regional biodiversity and should be considered in the conservation of groundwater‐dependent ecosystems in semi‐arid karst landscapes.

The Maros-Pangkep Karst Area, a UNESCO Global Geopark, is a globally significant ecosystem threatened by environmental degradation.Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are key soil microorganisms that enhance plant nutrient uptake and stress tolerance, yet information on their communities in karst environments is limited.This study aims to determine how different land cover types former mining land, scrubland, mixed gardens, and secondary forests shape AMF community composition, diversity, and root colonization patterns.Four dominant AMF genera Glomus, Acaulospora, Gigaspora, and Entrophospora were identified, and their abundance and distribution were strongly influenced by land cover type.Mixed gardens exhibited the highest spore density (62.7 spores/50 g of soil) and genus diversity, dominated by Acaulospora, whereas secondary forests showed the lowest densities (11.4 spores/50 g of soil).Former mining areas were enriched in the stress-tolerant genus Entrophospora, while Glomus was cosmopolitan across all sites.Root colonization trends reflected these patterns.These results reveal that land cover is a major driver of AMF community structure in the Maros-Pangkep karst area and identify taxa adapted to degraded habitats, providing new insights into microbial ecology in karst landscapes.

Environmental drivers of drought effects on vegetation growth across Southwest China: Insights from an integrated soil moisture threshold and effect size framework.

Vegetation productivity and soil CO₂ correlation were decoupled during post-wildfire recovery in karst landscapes

Integrating ensemble learning and rocky desertification indices improves accuracy and interpretability of soil thickness prediction in karst landscapes

Efficient recognition of cone karst landforms through deep learning: insights from multi-source data fusion in southwest China