[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(C_v) of effective phosphorus was the greatest (C_v was 67.45%), while the spatial variability of rapidly-available potassium was the least(C_v 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.