During the period from May to November, 2011, a survey was carried out to investigate variation of soil nematode communities in different soil layers varying from 0~30 cm as affected by plant community in alpine meadows in North Tibet. The shallow dish method was adopted for nematode extraction. In order to analyze composition, distribution and diversity of nematode communities in an extremely cold condition, indices, such as individual density, genus number and diversity, were applied in the research. A total of 33 038 nematodes were extracted and sorted into 93 genus, 51 families, 6 orders and 2 phylums. The average individual density of the nematodes was 847 idv 100 g^-1 dry soil. They were found mainly in the top soil. Differences in nematode community were found existing between meadows different in plant community. In terms of population of nematodes, the three alpine meadows followed an increasing order of Potentilla < Kobresia littledalei < K. pygmaea , and the differences are distinctive (p<0.05); while in terms of genus number, an reverse order went like Potentilla > Kobresia littledalei > K. pygmaea . Quantity and genus number of nematodes were fluctuated sharply during the period. The plant reviving period was the highest and followed by the flourishing period and the withering period. Dominant species varied with plant community. In terms of biodiversity, the three meadows follow an order of Potentilla > K. pygmaea > Kobresia littledalei . This might be explained by disturbance of grazing, as well as soil properties as affected by different plant communities. Therefore, nematodes can be used as a potential indicator for analyzing impacts of environmental factors on soil ecosystems.