The Black Soil Protection Law was promulgated on 24 Jun. 2022, and entered into force on 1 Aug. 2022.

The Law, which contains 38 articles, aims to protect the black land resources and ensure national food security.

1.What is black soil?

Black soil refers to well-shaped and highly fertile arable land with black or dark black humus topsoil within some areas of Heilongjiang Province, Jilin Province, Liaoning Province, and Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. (Art. 2)

2.Are construction sites on black soil allowed?

No. Construction projects shall not occupy black land. Where the occupation is necessary, the occupation shall be subject to strict examination and approval in accordance with the law, and additional arable land of equivalent quantity and quality shall be provided. (Art. 21)