Analysis of spatial-temporal variation of the saline-sodic soil in the west of Jilin Province from 1989 to 2019 and influencing factors

•Soil salinization in the west of Jilin province for a long term was monitored.•Meteorological conditions are the most relevant and important factors in soil salinization.•The implementation of government policies reversed the saline soil expansion.•Salinized soil was mainly converted to grassland and cropland.