Effects of Landscape Pattern on Spatial Distribution of Soil Organic Carbon Content in a Typical Lakeside Oasis

Knowledge of the factors influencing the spatial distribution of farmland soil organic carbon (SOC) content contributes to a better understanding of human impacts on soil, which is crucial for improving soil quality and mitigating climate change. Intensive agricultural production has significantly altered the landscape patterns of oasis farmlands, yet its effects on the spatial distribution of SOC content remain unclear. The study employed Ordinary Kriging interpolation and stepwise regression analysis using 71 surface soil samples (0–20 cm) from the Bosten Lake lakeside oasis in Xinjiang to investigate the effects of climate, topography, and landscape pattern on SOC content. Results showed that climate factors explained only 15% of SOC content variation ( R 2 = 0.15), with mean annual precipitation (MAP) exhibiting a significant negative effect. Incorporation of landscape pattern indices increased model explanatory power to 28% ( R 2 = 0.28, representing a 13% increase), with Contagion Index (CONTAG) and Mean Contiguity Index (CONTIG‐MN) showing significant negative influences, while aggregation‐related indices contributed positively to SOC accumulation under arid wind‐erosion conditions. The study quantitatively evaluated the contribution of landscape patterns to the spatial variation of SOC content in an arid lakeside oasis, where such relationships remain poorly understood, and reveals the positive role of moderately aggregated landscapes under wind‐erosion conditions. The findings provide a scientific basis for improving long‐term SOC sequestration, optimizing agricultural landscape management, and supporting sustainable development in arid oasis regions.