<p>Wetland ecosystems play a crucial role in regulating environmental changes, particularly in soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration. However, research on the distribution of SOC components along the soil depth profile and their influencing factors under different land use types remains limited. In this study, we collected 314 soil samples from 34 profiles in the East Dongting Lake Wetlands, representing different land use types, and conducted a series of analyses on SOC components and stability. The results showed that SOC content gradually decreased from the surface to the bottom layer, with average values of 7.44, 6.43, and 8.29 g kg⁻¹ in reed wetlands, uplands, and paddy fields, respectively. Land use type significantly affected the level of recalcitrant organic carbon (ROC), with the highest proportion observed in reed wetlands (69.99%). This type of wetland also exhibits high aggregate stability and substantial SOC stocks within the 0–100 cm soil depth, and these characteristics exert a positive effect on enhancing SOC content and carbon sequestration potential. The predictive model indicated that SOC components were primarily governed by total nitrogen content and soil bulk density. In paddy fields, relative water content and clay content played more important roles in influencing SOC components. Land use type also influenced SOC storage, with values of 9.55, 8.82, and 8.71 kg C m⁻² (0–100 cm) in reed wetlands, uplands, and paddy fields, respectively. These findings advance the understanding of how land use types impact SOC component distribution in wetlands, contributing to the scientific basis for soil carbon sequestration in wetland ecosystems.</p>