A dataset of soil physical and chemical index reference for aeolian desertification assessment standard of typical desertification regions in Northern China

<p indent="0mm">Objective assessment of land desertification status and development trends is an important prerequisite for effectively combating desertification. This study focuses on three typical desertification areas in Northern China, namely Guazhou County, Minqin County, and Naiman Banner in Dunhuang City. Firstly, the wind erosion desertification index is calculated based on the current “Land Desertification Monitoring Method” (GB/T 20483-2006) and soil samples from different levels of desertification levels are collected in October 2023. Secondly, key soil properties, including bulk density, mechanical composition, and nutrients are measured following the standard laboratory procedures outlined in the “Technical Regulations for the Third National Soil Survey”. Lastly, a dataset of soil physical and chemical index reference for aeolian desertification assessment standard of typical desertification regions in Northern China is established. The aforementioned standardized field sampling and laboratory testing procedures, combined with high-precision instrumentations and professional testing teams, effectively ensure the high quality and reliability of the data. This dataset is expected to contribute to China′s efforts in combating desertification.