In order to investigate the spatial distribution and the responses to different land-use patterns of soil total organic carbon (TOC) in the Yongji of the Hetao Irrigation Region, the TOC concentrations at depths of 0-100 cm under three landuse patterns were measured. The results showed that TOC concentrations were in the range of 0.17%-1.28% with an average of 0.66%, which decreased significantly with soil depth. In horizontal direction, there were no significant differences in TOC distribution, and TOC concentrations increased slightly from south to north. There were significant differences of TOC concentrations in different land-use patterns, decreasing in the order of forestland > cropland > wasteland. The effects of fertilization on TOC occurred primarily at 0-40 cm and 60-80 cm soil depth, and significant differences in TOC concentrations occurred in vertical profiles of fertilized soil. In conclusion, TOC concentrations differed significantly in vertical soil distribution and different land-use patterns, and TOC concentrations were higher in fertilized than unfertilized soil in our study.