Soil quality differentiation along altitudinal gradients and restoration in Lhasa North-South mountains greening project

This study analyzed the differentiation characteristics of soil quality across three altitudinal zones—low(<3900 m), middle(3900–4100 m), and high(>4100 m)—within the semi-arid valley section of the Yarlung Zangbo River in the Lhasa North-South Mountains Greening area. Corresponding restoration strategies were proposed: targeted restoration combining soil improvement and artificial afforestation for the low and middle zones, and a natural recovery strategy focused on hillside closure supplemented by localized seeding for the high zone. This research aims to provide a reference for ecological restoration practices in similar regions.