Water Conservation Mechanism and the Function Improvement of the Ecosystem in Karst Desertification Control

Abstract

Water source conservation (WSC), as one of the most important ecosystem services (ES), playsa critical role in promoting the restoration of ecosystem structure. Severe soil erosion in karst regions has led to the continuous degradation of soil conservation services. Understanding the current research status and evolutionary trends in this field is crucial for establishing a theoretical foundation for future rocky desertification control in karst areas. This study collected 175 articles on WSC based on the Web of Science (WOS) and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases. Through systematic reviews and qualitative analyses, this paper summarizes research progress, achievements, and development trends from multiple dimensions, and employs spatial visualization and analytical tools (such as SATI and Gephi) to present the research findings visually. It addresses key scientific issues and future trends in existing water source conservation measures, aiming to enhance water source conservation capacity in rocky desertification areas. This study provides significant guidance for optimizing the layout of ecological engineering projects and rocky desertification control in karst regions.