Spatial heterogeneity of soil nutrients in black soil areas of Northeast China

Abstract

AbstractExploring the distribution and evolution of soil nutrients, it is needed to maintain quality of land and ensure food production. Based on geostatistical theory, 1,054 soil sites were selected from the surface (0–20 cm) of the typical black soil area in Northeast China. The spatial structure of soil pH, alkali‐hydrolyzed N, effective P, and available K was investigated using Kriging and spatial statistics. The soils in the study area are acidic, alkali‐hydrolyzed N, effective P, and available K content at moderate to high levels. Coefficients of variation for various nutrients ranged from 5 to 80%, all showing moderate variation. The pH, alkali‐hydrolyzed N, effective P, and available K increased from South to North, the value of soil nutrients near the city were high. The results provide reference values for future work targeted at improving food security and reducing the effect on the environment.