Rock outcrops (ROCs), which occur either as exposed parts of the bedrock or as isolated blocks, are very common structures associated with patches of soil and plant communities in terrestrial ecosystems, especially in karst-dominated landscapes. They have various edge effects on the karst plant matrix via the export of water and nutrients from runoff.
Click here for original story, Rock outcrops influence adjacent soils and plant growth at fine scales in karst areas
Source: Phys.org