Study on Plant Diversity and Soil Properties of Different Forest Types in Pisha Sandstone Area and Their Correlation

Studying the variation characteristics of species diversity and soil properties across different forest types, as well as their interrelationships, enhances our understanding of the differences in forest growth and development within the Pisha sandstone area. In this study, we sampled and analyzed plant diversity along with physical and chemical soil factors from four distinct forest types in the Pisha sandstone region of Inner Mongolia. Our objective was to explore the characteristics of species diversity and soil properties associated with these forest types and to elucidate the relationship between them. The results showed that the order of soil moisture, nutrients, and species diversity in the four forest types was PT > AA > CK > PA.PT; this was significantly higher than other forest types. AA played an important role in the conservation of soil moisture and nutrients under the forest, and the soil nutrient level of PA was significantly lower. Using correlation analysis, we determined that soil properties were the key factors affecting the understory species diversity of different forest types, and SWC, SOM, and AN were the dominant factors in the relationship between the two. Using PCA, it was found that PT and AA had good ecological benefits of soil and water conservation. Our findings indicate that soil nutrient content and moisture levels are critical factors limiting plant species diversity in the Pisha sandstone area. Furthermore, PT and AA demonstrate a beneficial effect on ecological restoration efforts within this region. This study offers a theoretical foundation for managing the process of forest ecological restoration in the Pisha sandstone area.