Factors controlling the spatial distribution of soil organic carbon in Daxing’anling Mountain

Daxing’anling Mountain, in the northeastern part of China, contains a large amount of soil organic carbon (SOC). Using data including topography, climate, and vegetation, the spatial distribution of SOC content was modeled using classical and geography-based statistics, as well as a geographically weighted kriging model. The study findings include: (1) SOC content generally ranges 40–70 g/kg, with high SOC content in the southwest and low SOC content in the southeast; (2) Results of principal component analysis suggested the normalized difference vegetation index is the best predictor of patterns in SOC; and (3) The geo-weighted regression Kriging model well reflects factors influencing spatial distribution of SOC content. This study provides important baseline information for environmental protection in the Daxing’anling Mountain area, as well as general information as to important factors that mediate this important reservoir of soil carbon.