Investigation and assessment of soil fertility in the greenbelts of Chanba ecological zone of Xian, northwestern China

2 Agricultural Technology Promotion Center of Xi‘an Changan Area, 710100, P. R. China. Information about the soil fertility of greenbelts is needed to promote rapid and sustainable urban development. Soil samples (0-20 cm depth) were collected from main areas of the Chanba ecological zone of Xian City, northwestern China. The samples were analyzed to determine soil pH, organic matter content, alkalihydrolysable N content, available phosphorus content, and available potassium content. The results were evaluated using the modified Nemerow Index. There was significant human disturbance in the ecological zone. Soil fertility was low in the national wetland park, intermediate in regions near to Chanhe West Road, Avenue(Chanba Avenue, Guangyuntan Avenue, Ouya Avenue), Beichen Road, Bahe West Road, Baliu Road, Fort Island of Yanming Lake No. 2, garbage mountain of Yanming Lake，reserve wetland of Yanming Lake No. 5, and high in the No. 3 Yanming Lake region. Soil organic matter content was the limiting factor of soil fertility in the Chanba ecological zone. Some measures are suggested for scientifically managing these soils.