Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the significant progress made in soil geochemical surveys in southern Xinjiang, which is crucial for agricultural development and resource management, particularly emphasizing the identification of selenium-rich lands and the establishment of a geochemical monitoring network [1][4][14]. Group 1: Project Overview - Since 2016, the Xi'an Geological Survey Center has led a geochemical survey covering nearly 210,000 square kilometers in southern Xinjiang, collecting and analyzing 24,000 soil samples to assess 54 chemical elements [1][4]. - The project has involved multiple organizations, including the Xinjiang Geological Research Institute and the Xinjiang Water and Environmental Geological Survey Center, creating a comprehensive geochemical mapping of the region [5][14]. Group 2: Soil Quality and Agricultural Potential - The evaluation indicates that 99.8% of the surveyed farmland is free from heavy metal pollution, with 33.4% classified as strongly alkaline soil (pH ≥ 8.5) [6]. - High-quality farmland has been identified, with 908,100 acres classified as premium farmland, representing 2.19% of the total cultivated area [6]. - The survey has delineated potential backup agricultural land resources totaling 4,084,500 acres in the Kashgar and Kizilsu regions [6]. Group 3: Selenium Resource Development - A "selenium belt" has been identified, covering nearly 4.9 million acres of selenium-rich land, with 1.13 million acres classified as selenium-rich farmland, accounting for 27% of the cultivated area in southern Xinjiang [9]. - The project has also identified significant areas of calcium, magnesium, and molybdenum-rich soils, with calcium-rich land covering 99.3% of the oasis area [9]. Group 4: Economic and Agricultural Impact - The project has led to the development of a local brand for selenium-rich products, with the Yanchi Basin becoming a demonstration area for selenium industry development [13]. - The analysis of the Bosten Lake sediments revealed a selenium content that ranks it as the richest freshwater lake in China, with local fish exhibiting a selenium enrichment rate of 92.5% [12]. Group 5: Future Directions - The Xi'an Geological Survey Center plans to deepen cooperation with local authorities to enhance the geochemical monitoring network and support the development of characteristic agricultural industries in southern Xinjiang [14]. - Ongoing research will focus on the migration and transformation of mineral elements in soil, crops, and drinking water to support the sustainable development of high-quality agricultural resources [14].