The third national soil census in China, which has now completed its field sampling tasks, is a significant milestone in the country’s ongoing efforts to modernize its agricultural practices and ensure ecological sustainability. This census, which coincides with World Soil Day, plays a pivotal role in advancing agricultural development by providing comprehensive insights into the state of soil resources across the nation.
Launched in 2022, the third national soil survey has been an ambitious undertaking, mobilizing over 400,000 researchers and practitioners to cover 2,860 counties across China. The extensive sampling effort has spanned approximately 730 million hectares of various agricultural lands, including arable land, orchards, forests, and grasslands. As of November 2024, the team has collected more than 3.1 million soil samples, with 88% of the interior laboratory testing already processed. The final data validation and result compilation are expected to conclude in 2025.
The core objective of the soil census is to provide a detailed understanding of the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils across China. This information will help assess the quality and quantity of arable land, address significant shifts in land use over the past four decades, and support measures for improving soil management. In particular, the census is designed to support the construction of high-quality farmland, a critical component in ensuring food security and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
By mapping the state of soil resources, the census will provide essential data to guide the development of agricultural policies and practices. Soil fertility is key to modernizing agriculture, and the survey will inform tailored solutions such as soil-specific fertilization and crop rotation, which will enhance crop yields, optimize farming efficiency, and contribute to the overall health of the land. The insights gained from the soil data will also support the identification of areas that require soil restoration or protection from degradation.
Soil degradation, including issues like nutrient loss and reduced biodiversity, is a growing concern in many parts of the world. In China, this issue has been exacerbated by urbanization and industrialization, which have encroached on agricultural land. The soil census plays a crucial role in identifying these problems and in formulating strategies to mitigate their impact on farmland. Protecting the ecological functions of soil is essential not only for sustainable agriculture but also for maintaining biodiversity and the overall health of the environment.
Moreover, the soil census has implications for the economic development of rural areas. By identifying the unique soil characteristics of different regions, the survey can support the development of specialized agricultural products that are well-suited to local conditions. This, in turn, can boost rural economies and improve farmers’ incomes. The survey has already yielded positive results in pilot regions. For example, in Jiangxian county in Shanxi province, soil analysis has revealed areas suitable for planting deciduous shrubs and thoroughwax, while in Guangdong’s Gaozhou and Gansu’s Yuzhong, the census has helped develop planting plans for crops like lychee and lily, capitalizing on the region’s unique soil properties.
The major outputs of the census will include detailed data sets, comprehensive maps, and in-depth reports on soil conditions, along with an intelligent soil sample library. These resources will provide a foundation for future agricultural planning, including crop layout optimization and the development of specialty agricultural products. The information will also help in promoting rural vitalization by supporting the sustainable use of local soil resources and fostering the growth of agricultural industries in rural areas.
The soil census not only contributes to agricultural productivity but also plays a vital role in ecological conservation. By addressing the challenges of soil degradation and promoting sustainable land management practices, the census will help China safeguard its natural resources for future generations. In the long term, the data and insights gathered through the soil survey will guide policy decisions and shape the future of China’s agricultural landscape, ensuring that the country can meet the challenges of feeding its growing population while maintaining environmental sustainability.
