Comprehensive evaluation of soil quality and its influencing factors in typical regions of Northern Ningxia

QIN Junjie; ZHOU Dingtian; WANG Hang; WANG Zhongjing; ZHANG Zhenzhong; WANG Jiandong; LIU Fenwu

doi:10.13522/j.cnki.ggps.2025281

Abstract：[Objective]Soil quality is a fundamental determinant of agricultural productivity and ecological sustainability,particularly in arid and semi-arid regions where salinization and nutrient imbalance are prevalent.The aim of this study was to comprehensively evaluate soil quality in Huinong District,Pingluo County and Xingqing District in Northern Ningxia,so as to provide a scientific basis for the efficient and sustainable utilization of soil resources.[Method]Seven key indices related to crop growth were obtained from soil nutrient status,physical soil properties and soil salinity.Principal component analysis was used to objectively assign weights to the indices,and the comprehensive index method was applied to evaluate soil quality.Based on these methods,a comprehensive soil quality assessment was conducted to clarify the spatial variation of soil quality across the study region.[Result]① Huinong District had the best soil quality,followed by Pingluo County,while Xingqing District showed the worst soil quality.②Toal soil salinity was the most important factor affecting soil quality in Huinong District and Pingluo County,whereas soil organic matter was the most important factor influencing soil quality in Xingqing District.③One of the main reasons for the low soil quality in Xingqing District was soil salinization caused by the shallow groundwater table.[Conclusion]Reducing total soil salinity in Huinong District and Pingluo County is the key strategy for improving soil quality.Increasing soil organic matter content can significantly enhance soil quality,particularly in Xingqing District,thereby supporting improved soil management and sustainable agricultural development.