A dataset of topsoil nutrient content observed by Hailun Agroecosystem Experimental Station, CAS (2004–2015)

The land of mollisols (usually called “black soils”) plays an extremely important role in China’s food security. Hailun Agroecosystem Experimental Station of Chinese Academy of Science (Hailun Station) located in the hinterland of Songnen Plain, represents the typical agricultural ecosystem in black soils. Hailun station is the only national station in China which is engaged in the long-term monitoring, research, and demonstration of black soil agricultural ecosystem. Abiding by the protocols for standard soil observation and measurement of CERN (Chinese Ecosystem Research Network), Hailun Station has been carrying out long-term soil monitoring. This dataset collected and processed top soil (0–20 cm) nutrient data under three different long-term fertilization regimes from 2004 to 2015. The dataset includes 14 soil nutrient properties: soil organic matter, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, total potassium, available nitrogen, available phosphorus, available potassium, slow-released potassium, pH value, composition of exchangeable cation (Ca2+, Mg2+, K+ and Na+), and cation exchange capacity. In addition, the dataset includes detailed background information and management records of the monitored fields, methods of sampling and analyses, and quality control. The relative error and deviation of the 10 nutrient indexes are 2.37% and 2.08% in average, respectively. This dataset can provide data support for sustainable use of black soil, and research on soil fertility evolution of farmland and regional agriculture ecology in northeast China.