A dataset of the impacts of conservation tillage on soil organic carbon and crop yield in black soil region of Northeast China

This dataset systematically compiles comprehensive data on the impacts of conservation tillage on soil organic carbon (SOC) and crop yield in the black soil region of Northeast China from 1983 to 2025. It aims to provide high-quality data resources for a deeper understanding and quantification of the benefits of conservation tillage in this region. The dataset construction began with extensive literature searches. Through major authoritative academic databases, CNKI and Web of Science, multi-dimensional keyword combinations (e.g., “conventional tillage/conservation tillage/no-till/reduced tillage” and “black soil/soil organic carbon/crop yield/soil properties”) were used to comprehensively screen 140 relevant publications. The data processing followed a strict technical roadmap, including raw data extraction, standardization, and missing data imputation. For data presented graphically in the literature, GetData software was employed for precise digital extraction. All extracted data underwent unit unification and format standardization; for instance, SOC content was standardized to g C kg⁻¹, and crop yield to t ha⁻¹. To ensure data completeness, missing annual mean temperature (MAT) and annual mean precipitation (MAP) values were supplemented from the WorldClim database based on the geographical coordinates of the study sites; the humidity index (HI) was calculated as the ratio of MAP to annual mean evapotranspiration (MAE) (HI = MAP/MAE). Missing initial soil pH, bulk density (BD), initial SOC content, total nitrogen (TN), C/N ratio, and sand, silt, and clay content—all initial soil physicochemical properties—were obtained from the Harmonized World Soil Database v1.2 (HWSD). Throughout the data processing, key parameters were manually entered by team members and subjected to rigorous secondary cross-validation to minimize human error and ensure data accuracy. Data quality control also included normality tests for continuous variables (SOC and crop yield). The dataset spans from 1983 to 2025, covering 43 years, which provides a solid foundation for studying the long-term effects of conservation tillage. Geographically, the dataset focuses on the black soil region of Northeast China, covering longitudes from 124°06′E to 127°27′E and latitudes from 40°28′N to 50°15′N. The dataset is stored as a single Excel file (.xlsx format, 1.44 MB) and serves as a metadata table for conservation tillage. It contains 838 independent observational data points, with each row representing a direct comparison between a conservation tillage treatment and a conventional tillage control group. This includes basic literature information, experimental site information, tillage treatment information, response variables (SOC and crop yield) data, and processed soil physical, chemical, and biological properties. In the table, CK and T represent the mean values of the control and treatment groups, respectively, SD denotes the standard deviation, N indicates the sample size, and Unit specifies the measurement unit. Some statistical indicators and explanatory variables in the dataset contain missing values, primarily due to varying levels of detail reported in the original literature. To enhance data completeness, some missing data were supplemented and marked in red within the data table, reminding users to consider the supplementary nature of these data during analysis. Data errors primarily originate from potential discrepancies during the extraction of data from literature and estimation errors from models or databases used for missing data imputation. To mitigate errors, the research team performed stringent secondary cross-validation and ensured data standardization.