[Objective] The release characteristics of surface sediments in shallow lakes of a city and the influence of organic matter on nitrogen and phosphorus release were analyzed to provide a theoretical basis for eutrophication control of shallow lakes.[Methods] The release characteristics of ammonia nitrogen (NH₄⁺-N) and soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) were studied in a shallow lake through a release kinetics experiment and a release potential experiment. Results were compared with the release characteristics after organic matter was removed by H₂O₂.[Results] The release rate of nitrogen and phosphorus before and after the removal of organic matter initially slowed down from a faster process, and finally stabilized to reach the maximum release rate. After the removal of organic matter, the release equilibrium time of NH₄⁺-N was shortened, while SRP was almost unchanged. After removing organic matter, the maximum release of NH₄⁺-N was significantly positively correlated with the organic matter content, while SRP had no significant correlation with organic matter.[Conclusion] Various factors influence the release of nitrogen and phosphorus in sediments. Areas rich in higher aquatic plants have a significant inhibitory effect on the release of phosphorus. The higher the content of organic matter in sediments, the higher the maximum release of nitrogen from sediments. The maximum release of phosphorus is affected by factors such as organic matter content, activity, composition, and adsorption, and the combined effects of iron, aluminum, and phosphorus content.