Understanding the multi-scale coupling of carbon and nitrogen (C
N) in agro-pastoral ecotones is complex due to the dual pressures of global change and human activities. This study aimed to investigate C
N dynamics in the Yang River basin (Northern China) using isotopic signatures (δ13CTOC, δ15NTN), C/N ratios, and molecular characterization of dissolved organic matter across different spatial scales (1000, 3000, and 5000 m) and land uses (cropland, forest, grassland, and urban). Our findings indicated that terrestrial organic inputs are predominant, with agricultural and urban activities significantly accelerating the transformation between total organic carbon and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) by 88.9%. Land use within 3000 m riparian buffers significantly regulated organic C sources, while N dynamics are predominantly controlled by circular buffers of the same spatial extent. The diversity of nitrogenous heteroatoms in farmland, grassland, and urban areas ranged from 62.7% to 74.7%, which is higher than the 58.7% observed in forested areas. This suggests an increase in the extent of N transformation. Overall, human activities in the Yang River basin drive strong C
N coupling, with dissolved oxygen (DO) availability playing a crucial role in DOC-dissolved inorganic nitrogen dynamics (DO peaked at 16.0 mg/L). This research provides a new multi-scale perspective on C
N interactions in semi-arid ecotones, offering insights that can support targeted strategies for ecological restoration and sustainable resource management.
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