China Soil Profile Dataset launched, outlines soil resources, quality

The Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences released the China Soil Profile Dataset on the 11th World Soil Day on Thursday, a monumental scientific work documenting the nation's soil resources and quality.

Spanning 25 volumes, totaling 27.5 million words and featuring over 4,500 illustrations, the dataset was published by Zhejiang Science and Technology Publishing House.

The dataset provides an in-depth analysis of China's soil resources and quality, including data on more than 63,000 soil profiles from over 2,200 counties across the country.

Readers can explore soil conditions at national, provincial and county levels, gaining insights into the interactions between soil types, fertility, climate and terrain from the dataset, according to the academy.

The dataset represents a critical effort to compile and preserve valuable historical data, primarily drawn from the second national soil survey which was conducted between 1979 and 1984.

According to the research team, the integration of survey results from various regions and periods has enabled the creation of high-precision, time-series digital soil data.

The dataset provides detailed information to support the sustainable use of soil resources, farmland conservation, and environmental protection.

Initiated in 1999 and led by CAAS's Institute of Agricultural Resources and Regional Planning, the project combined artificial intelligence, data science and advanced technologies with soil science methods over more than two decades of research.

The dataset has already played a critical role in supporting the third national soil census, launched in 2022, according to Yang Peng, deputy director of the department of farmland enhancement at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

It has provided foundational data, such as high-precision soil maps and databases, and improved the efficiency and accuracy of digital soil maps generated during the census.

By comparing historical and current data, researchers are better equipped to understand changes in soil resource use and quality, offering guidance for soil improvement and farmland protection.

Applications of the dataset span various sectors, including agriculture, forestry, environmental protection and meteorology. It aims to support agricultural innovation, promote environmental sustainability and strengthen food security, according to CAAS.