Karst ecosystem and environment: Characteristics, evolution processes, and sustainable development

•The Special Issue addresses the environmental quality in the karst area.•Evaluation of soil loss and change of soil quality in the karst ecosystem.•Water quality change driven by natural factors and agricultural activities.•Assessments of agroecosystem functions in the karst region, southwestern China. The studies in this Special Issue addressed environmental and ecological issues at the karst areas in the Southwest China. The contributions from these studies indicated that some active agricultural practices that were carried out in recent years reduced environmental risk and increased economic benefits at the karst areas. The results of ecosystem service value estimates in recent years showed improvements of ecosystem and environment in karst areas of China. Local farmers and government have realized the importance of protection of environment and ecosystem than before, which might promote to seek sustainable development goal in future. These studies have delivered new knowledgement that addressed the challenges of facilitating environmental sustainability with agricultural development in the karst region of South China. Meanwhile, further research should deepen science advances to improve the resilience of soil and water resources to agricultural practices in the fragile karst ecosystem.