Feasibility and application of soil reconstruction technology for farmland consolidation in China's Loess Plateau

With the widespread implementation of farmland consolidation projects globally, the poor soil quality of newly created farmland (NCF) has become a significant bottleneck hindering the sustainable progress of such projects. Soil reconstruction technology (SRT), an innovative method to rapidly and effectively enhance the soil quality of NCF, has emerged as a prominent area of research in modern agricultural development. The Loess Plateau in China is highly susceptible to soil erosion and ecological degradation, making it a prime location for large-scale farmland consolidation efforts over the years. Investigating the practical feasibility and application potential of SRT can offer crucial technical insights for project implementation. This study conducted a field experiment in the Yangjuangou catchment of Yan 'an City to explore the effects of soil mixing measures on soil properties and crop yield. Results indicated significant improvements in soil particle size distribution, physicochemical properties, and maize yield of NCF following soil reconstruction through the mixing of Malan Loess. Furthermore, the application of SRT demonstrated practical feasibility for farmland consolidation, leading to maximum crop yield and optimal ecological and economic benefits. The study also deliberated on the implications of farmland consolidation for land use policy and its contribution to sustainable agricultural development.