Changes in soil nutrient and enzyme activities under different vegetations in the Loess Plateau area, Northwest China

► Degraded land restoration had a significant effect on soil nutrient cycle. ► Nutrients content decreased in amorpha mixed with blackloust. ► Nutrients content increased in amorpha mixed with Chinese pine. ► Vegetation species influenced soil enzyme activities. ► High enzyme activity per unit of organic carbon indicated a low organic matter in soil.