Prediction of soil organic carbon and total nitrogen in mattic layer of typical distribution area of alpine meadow on Qinghai-Tibet plateau

The Mattic layer (ML) is the surface layer of alpine meadow soil, which is characterized by a highly developed and dense complex of living and dead Kobreia roots, humus, and minerals. This layer is rich in organic matter and roots and contributes significantly to nutrient cycling, water retention, and ecological stability in alpine meadow ecosystems. Some studies have reported increasing degradation of the mattic layer due to global warming exacerbated by global warming, overgrazing, and human activities, which reduces the carbon and nitrogen fixation capacity of the soil and may accelerate the release of these elements into the atmosphere, creating feedback loops that exacerbate global warming. We selected two typical distribution areas of alpine meadows on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, set up sample sites, collected soil in the mattic layer, and measured the organic carbon and total nitrogen. Combined with high-resolution terrain and vegetation data obtained by UAV, we accurately predicted the distribution of soil organic carbon and total nitrogen in the sample area. The study found that the UAV had excellent utility in predicting soil organic carbon and total nitrogen in the mattic layer. At the same time, the uncertainty of soil organic carbon and total nitrogen distribution was deeply analyzed, and the factors affecting the distribution of soil organic carbon and total nitrogen were revealed. The distribution of SOC and TN is highly uncertain in areas with large topography, and topography is the most important factor controlling the distribution of SOC and TN. These maps can play a role in grazing and soil management.