A dataset on topsoil salinization characteristics in the Tailan River Irrigation District on the northern margin of the Tarim Basin in Xinjiang

Soil salinization is a critical barrier to sustainable agriculture and ecological stability in arid and semi-arid regions. The Tailan River Irrigation District in southern Xinjiang is severely affected by salinization, with a two-decade absence of comprehensive soil salinity survey data hampering effective saline-alkali land management. This study established 164 sampling points in the district via equal-interval zoned sampling in ArcGIS, collecting 0-120 cm topsoil samples at seven depths on April 20-21, 2024 in accordance with NY/T 395-2012. Soil samples were pretreated for EC measurement (1:5 soil/water ratio), and physico-chemical properties, including pH, electrical conductivity (EC), moisture content (MC), total soluble salt content (TSS) and eight salt ion content, were analyzed per national agricultural and environmental standards. After rigorous screening, 118 valid sampling points and 807 soil data records were used to construct a comprehensive dataset that clarifies the spatial distribution of soil salinity, moisture and EC in the district, providing a vital foundation for saline-alkali land improvement, crop layout optimization and the formulation of relevant agricultural policies.