Abstract: Water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC) was as an important component in the transport and supply of carbon (C) to microorganisms and played a major role the cycle of soil organic matter. The concentration and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopic characteristics of soil water-soluble organic carbon among four vegetation types with an elevation gradients in Wuyi Mountain southeastern China were investigated. The results showed that among the wave length of 230--665 mm, the UV-visible spectra absorption value of soil water-soluble organic matter from four vegetation types, with an eleration gradients decreased with wavelength increasing. A peak at about 230 nm was observed in all cases. The E240/E420 and E230/E250 ratios of soil water-soluble organic matter from different sources were significant difference. The concentration of water-soluble organic carbon from the same elevation had a significantly linear and positive correlation with E230 (R from O. 819 to 0. 999, P<0. O1). The concentration of water-soluble organic carbon could be estimated using E230.