As important factors affecting terrestrial ecosystems,organic carbon and nitrogen can maintain and enhance soil carbon and nitrogen reserves,which is the key to ecosystem productivity.Soil samples were taken in different altitudes in Purple Mountain,and organic carbon and total nitrogen content were determined using routine analytical methods.The results show that the soil organic carbon and nitrogen contents vary with covering vegetation,which is largest in mingled forest and smallest in meadow.The soil organic carbon and nitrogen increase with altitude,while the ratio of carbon to nitrogen decreases with altitude.Significant linear relationship exists between organic carbon and total nitrogen,which suggests that the nitrogen is mainly existed in soil organic matter in organic form.The study is hoped to provide scientific references for ecological and environmental protection in Purple Mountain.