What drives the assembly of plant communities on extreme soils? A global analysis of gypsum plant communities

Gypsum soil as the widespread unusual substrate is highly restrictive and stressful for plant growth. However, this type of soil serves as a habitat for many plant taxa, most of which are highly threatened. There is an urgent need to consider the factors controlling gypsum plant community composition worldwide, to promote conservation and mitigate desertification. GYPWORLD project, as a unique global study of unusual soils, started the study of species plant communities on gypsum areas. Our objective is to elucidate the effects of climatic and soil factors on the structure of gypsum plant communities worldwide. Consequently, the results of this project will provide valuable insights into the most effective management, conservation and restoration practices for gypsum plant communities worldwide.