[Objective] We aimed to study the spatial characteristics of arable layer soil nutrient elements in the arid desert-oasis region in order to provide the theoretical basis for the rational development and utilization of land resources in oasis. [Methods] Based on the methods of GIS and geo-statistics

the spatial variation of the soil nutrient in arable layer and its driving factors were analyzed in Jinghe County

Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. [Results] (1) The coefficient of variation(Cv) of effective phosphorus was the greatest (Cv was 67.45%)

while the spatial variability of rapidly-available potassium was the least(Cv was 40.76%). (2) Organic matter

alkali-hydro nitrogen and effective phosphorus showed a strong spatial autocorrelation

and the spatial variability was mainly caused by structural factors such as terrain

soil texture and soil type. Rapidly-available potassium showed a moderate spatial auto-correlation. The spatial variability of rapidly-available potassium was not only affected by the structural factors

but also by the random factors such as fertilization and the planting structure. (3) The soil nutrient elements in the central area of Jinghe County oasis showed a patchy distribution

while in the outer of oasis

the content of soil nutrient elements was relatively low

and it showed a sheet distribution. [Conclusion] Organic matter is lacing

while phosphate and potash fertilizer is abundant in the arable layer soil in Jinghe County.