Characteristics of the Spatiotemporal Evolution and Driving Mechanisms of Soil Organic Matter in the Songnen Plain in China

Yao Wang, Yimin Chen, Xinyuan Wang, Baiting Zhang, Yining Sun, Yuhan Zhang, Yuxuan Li, Yueyu Sui () and Yingjie Dai ()
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Yao Wang: State Key Laboratory of Black Soils Conservation and Utilization, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 138 Haping Road, Nangang District, Harbin 150081, China
Yimin Chen: State Key Laboratory of Black Soils Conservation and Utilization, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 138 Haping Road, Nangang District, Harbin 150081, China
Xinyuan Wang: School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, No. 19 Xinjiekouwai St, Haidian District, Beijing 100875, China
Baiting Zhang: College of Resources and Environment, Northeast Agricultural University, No. 600 Changjiang Road, Xiangfang District, Harbin 150030, China
Yining Sun: College of Resources and Environment, Northeast Agricultural University, No. 600 Changjiang Road, Xiangfang District, Harbin 150030, China
Yuhan Zhang: College of Resources and Environment, Northeast Agricultural University, No. 600 Changjiang Road, Xiangfang District, Harbin 150030, China
Yuxuan Li: College of Resources and Environment, Northeast Agricultural University, No. 600 Changjiang Road, Xiangfang District, Harbin 150030, China
Yueyu Sui: State Key Laboratory of Black Soils Conservation and Utilization, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 138 Haping Road, Nangang District, Harbin 150081, China
Yingjie Dai: College of Resources and Environment, Northeast Agricultural University, No. 600 Changjiang Road, Xiangfang District, Harbin 150030, China

Agriculture, 2025, vol. 15, issue 20, 1-16

Abstract: Soil organic matter (SOM) is a key component of nutrient cycling and soil fertility in terrestrial ecosystems. SOM is of great significance to the stability of terrestrial ecosystems and the improvement of soil productivity; to further exert its role, it is first necessary to clarify its actual distribution and occurrence status in specific regions. Under the combined impacts of intensive agriculture, unreasonable farming practices, and climate change, the SOM content in the Songnen Plain is showing a degradation trend, posing multiple stresses on its soil ecosystem functions. This study aims to systematically track the dynamic changes of SOM in the Songnen Plain, assess its spatiotemporal evolution characteristics, and reveal its driving mechanisms. A total of 113 representative soil profiles were selected in 2023; standardized excavation and sampling procedures were employed in the Songnen Plain. Soil pH, SOM, total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), total potassium (TK), particle size (PSD), texture, and Munsell soil colors of samples were determined. Temporal variation characteristics, as well as horizontal and vertical spatial distribution patterns, in SOM content in the Songnen Plain were assayed. Structural equation modeling (SEM), together with freeze–thaw of soil and soil color mechanism analyses, was applied to reveal the spatiotemporal dynamics and driving mechanisms of SOM. The result indicated that the distribution pattern of SOM content in horizontal space shows higher levels in the northeastern region and lower levels in the southwestern region, and decreased with increasing soil depth. SEM analysis indicated that TN and PSD were the main positive factors, whereas bulk density exerted a dominant negative effect. The ranking of contribution rates is TN > TK > TP > PSD > annual average temperature > annual precipitation > bulk density. Mechanistic analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between SOM content and R, G, B values, with soil color intensity serving as a visual indicator of SOM content. Freeze–thaw thickness of soil was positively correlated with SOM content. These findings provide a scientific basis for soil fertility management and ecological conservation in cold regions.

Keywords: color response mechanism; freeze-thaw; SOM; Songnen Plain; structural equation model (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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