Soil properties and biodiversity co-regulate ecosystem multifunctionality of desert steppe degradation in the arid wind and sandy area of northwest China

Key Points

• Ecosystem multifunctionality significantly correlates with both soil properties and biodiversity, indicating joint regulatory effects.
• Key metrics demonstrate that higher biodiversity and optimal soil conditions lead to better ecosystem performance across various functions.
• This analysis examines interactions between soil properties and biodiversity in desert steppe ecosystems across northwest China.
• Findings highlight the importance of preserving biodiversity and enhancing soil health for sustaining ecosystem multifunctionality.