Systematic elucidation of the evolution trend of karst rocky desertification (KRD) is of great significance for correctly understanding its occurrence and development process, and implementing effective comprehensive control measures. Based on the existing studies, the authors explore the formation and evolutionary mechanisms and trends of KRD in the karst mountains of Southwest China based on the literature and field investigations. The factors driving the occurrence and formation of KRD are: the single livelihood of farmers in karst mountain areas (KMA); the great land pressure, the low land carrying capacity; and the fragile ecology. With a background of low land carrying capacity, land-use practices such as over-cutting, over-cultivation, and over-grazing have triggered land degradation in the KMA, including the KRD. With the evolution of social and economic background and the disappearance of its driving factors, the trend of KRD expansion will undergo fundamental change, essentially a KRD transition. KRD transition is the response of the land-use system to the comprehensive action of economic and social development and ecosystem, which accords with the general trend of economic and social development and ecosystem evolution. The transition of KRD areas outlined in this paper reveals the change of human–land relationship in a KMA in Southwest China and provides a valuable reference for rural revitalization and ecological construction.

中文翻译：

---

从扩张到收缩：探讨西南喀斯特山区喀斯特石漠化的演变与转变

系统阐明喀斯特石漠化（KRD）的演变趋势，对于正确认识其发生发展过程、实施有效的综合治理措施具有重要意义。笔者在现有研究的基础上，通过文献资料和实地调查，探讨了西南喀斯特山区KRD的形成、演化机制和趋势。驱动KRD发生和形成的因素有：喀斯特山区农民生计单一（KMA）；土地压力大，土地承载力低；和脆弱的生态。在土地承载力低下的背景下，过度砍伐、过度开垦、过度放牧等土地利用方式引发了包括库区在内的库区土地退化。随着社会经济背景的演变及其驱动因素的消失，KRD扩张的趋势将发生根本性的变化，本质上是KRD转型。KRD转型是土地利用系统对经济社会发展和生态系统综合作用的响应，符合经济社会发展和生态系统演化的总体趋势。本文概述的知识开发区变迁揭示了西南知识区人地关系的变化，为乡村振兴和生态建设提供了有价值的参考。