Soil Quality Mediates the Corn Yield in a Thin-Layer Mollisol in Northeast China

Soil quality (SQ) is critical to sustainable agricultural development. It sensitive the crop yield, especially in thin-layer black-soil regions, which have experienced severe degradation recent years. However, how evaluate SQ and its influence on land productivity not clear regions with thin coverage. Therefore, an integrated soil index (SQI) was constructed using diverse datasets along a 30 km transect typical region of China. The results showed that obvious observed this area. Black-soil thickness (BST), organic matter (SOM), total nitrogen (TN) content were most strongly correlated corn yield among 13 investigated indexes, Pearson coefficients 0.65, 0.39 0.34, respectively. minimum-dataset-based SQI six properties within 0–30 cm optimal solution for evaluation study good performance established method supported by strong correlation coefficient linear R2 0.75 0.56, BST identified differences colour across profile provided powerful information SQI, value would be underestimated 8% if ignored. between decreased from 0.56 0.49 when removed. This significance improving regions. core management prevent losses surface black improve SOM region. These findings can help farmers decision makers adopt proper measures thereby yield.