To clarify the correlations between soil nutrient characteristics and quality traits of kernels in Camellia oleifera forest land, the samples from 7 sites of different cultivation areas in Zhejiang Province were used to analyze the soil nutrient characteristics and kernel oil content, fatty acid composition, and active ingredients including squalene, vitamin E and sitosterol of ‘Changlin’ varieties. The results showed that the soil nutrient characteristics varied dramatically among different sites and the variation coefficients of the content of soil organic matter, hydrolyzed nitrogen, available phosphorus and potassium were between 32.66% and 142.26%. A significant positive correlation was found between the content of soil organic matter and hydrolyzed nitrogen, and the content of available phosphorus and available potassium as well (P<0.01). It was clear that the balance application of organic and phosphorus-potassium fertilizer was important for improving nutrient supply in Camellia oleifera cultivation. In addition, we found that the soil N/P ratio was negatively correlated with oil and monounsaturated fatty acids content in kernel (P<0.05), while positively correlated with polyunsaturated fatty acids and squalene content in kernel (P<0.05). The soil N/P ratio was an important factor affecting quality traits of Camellia oleifera and it could improve oil yield and quality when it was controlled at 7.60-26.92. This study could provide reference for efficient soil nutrient management in Camellia oleifera cultivation.