Exploring the Spatial Relationship between Soil Quality Index and Soil Ecosystem Services Driven by Social-Ecological Factors: A Peri-Urban Case Study in Central China

Urban expansion has profound impacts on soil quality in peri-urban areas. Understanding the intricate spatial relationship between soil quality index (SQI) and soil ecosystem services (SESs) in response to social-ecological factors is crucial for achieving sustainable soil utilization and management. In this study, a total of 485 soil samples were collected from different land-use types (including paddy field, dry land, orchard, and forest) in peri-urban areas of a city (Nanchang) in central China. The assessments of soil quality based on SQI and SESs were conducted using multi-source heterogeneous data. We determined the spatial relationships between SQI and six SESs using bivariate spatial autocorrelation analysis, and deciphered the role of 11 social-ecological factors in driving SQI–SES relationships across different zones. The results showed that SQI and SESs exhibited significant spatial clustering (P < 0.01), despite certain variations in their distribution patterns. SQI had significant positive spatial correlations with soil organism habitat, food provision, erosion control, carbon storage, and filtering and buffering (r = 0.16–0.48, P < 0.05). Two-step clustering categorized 183 villages with distinct SQI–SES relationships into four zones, i.e., soil ecological protection zone, food production core zone, soil quality enhancement zone, and soil ecological restoration zone. The impacts of various social-ecological factors on different zones were unveiled and corresponding development recommendations were presented. Results of this study facilitate the formulation of peri-urban-specific soil conservation policies and management strategies. Our work provides guidance on the improvement of soil quality and soil ecosystems, contributing to the future achievement of sustainable development goals.