Why is black earth in Jilin province valuable for farming?

The black earth found in the central and western plains of Jilin province is highly valuable for farming primarily due to its exceptional fertility. This soil, categorized as chernozem, contains a high percentage of organic matter, which provides the essential nutrients required for productive cultivation.1

These soils are a type of Mollisol, which are globally recognized for their significant accumulation of humus in the surface layer. This high humus content, combined with the presence of important mineral nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium throughout the soil profile, makes the land ideal for growing various grain and cereal crops. Because of these characteristics, the black earth regions serve as highly arable land, supporting Jilin's status as a major producer of food crops like corn, rice, and beans.213