Abstract: In order to find out the spatial distribution characteristics of soil nutrient elements and provide suggestions for agricultural planting and fertilization methods, Yuexi town in the Three Gorges Reservoir area was selected as the research object, 639 surface soil samples were collected and analyzed in the soil. The content of nutrient elements （N, P, K） and soil pH were divided into geochemical grades. Based on geostatistical methods, the spatial distribution characteristics and influencing factors of soil nutrient element content and pH were analyzed. The soil K content in the study area was relatively rich, while the N and P content was relatively low, the soil was mainly acidic, and the proportions of acidic and strongly acidic soils were 25.2% and 46.3%, respectively. Soil N content was related to altitude, and denitrification at low altitudes would cause soil N loss. Salt-based ions would migrate from high-altitude areas to low-altitude areas, resulting in high-altitude soils with mainly acidity and low K₂O content. In addition, the nitrification of N in high-altitude areas would also cause soil acidification. Soil P was obviously affected by human factors, and the content of P in cultivated land was significantly higher than other land types. It was recommended to increase the amount of organic fertilizer and potassium fertilizer in the distribution area of acidic and strongly acidic soil, reduce the application of nitrogen fertilizer, use artificial means to adjust the pH of the soil, reduce the cultivation of tea trees and legumes, improve soil acidification, and neutral and alkaline. The soil distribution area could increase the application amount of organic fertilizer in an appropriate amount and improve the soil fertility.

Key words: Three Gorges Reservoir area, soil, nutrient elements, geochemical characteristics, influencing factors, agronomic suggestions