Research Progress in Ecosystem Carbon Sequestration Function and Implications for Karst Desertification Governance

Abstract

Carbon sequestration is a core ecosystem service for mitigating global warming, yet it is highly vulnerable to degradation in karst desertification areas due to geological and anthropogenic factors. By using bibliometric tools such as CiteSpace and VOSviewer, this study conducted a bibliometric analysis of 2247 relevant publications retrieved from the Web of Science database up to 2024, clarifying the global research pattern, research hotspots and three major developmental stages in this field. This study elaborated on the carbon sequestration mechanisms and influencing factors of forest, grassland and soil ecosystems, and meanwhile pointed out the existing research deficiencies such as insufficient exploration of vegetation carbon sequestration potential and inconsistent understanding of soil organic carbon stability. Aiming at the governance of karst desertification, targeted strategies were proposed, including revising remote sensing data combined with field investigations, constructing region-specific assessment systems, and exploring soil carbon fixation pathways at multiple scales, which provides scientific support for carbon sink enhancement, carbon sequestration and ecological restoration in ecologically fragile areas.