OBJECTIVETo study the changes of nutrient contents in Chinese goldthread soil before and after planting Coptis chinensis.

METHODThe soil in Shizhu, Chongqing, was analyzed for nutrient contents.

RESULT AND CONCLUSIONThe results indicated that the preplanted soil was strongly acidic and the levels of organic matter, total nitrogen and potassium were high. However, the content of total phosphorus was very low; so were the contents of other eleven nutrients. Variations of nutrients except zinc and molybdenum were large. After four years of planting C. chinensis, the soil pH was increased. Contents of organic matters, manganese, zinc and boron were increased, while the contents of iron and copper were decreased. In general, the variance coefficient of all nutrient elements and the difference of soil fertility were decreased.