BackgroundThe decrease in the area under natural vegetation and its conversion into other types of use has resulted in resource degradation including soil quality loss. Soil properties response to changes in land use/ cover has shown spatial and temporal variations. Hence this study was carried out to examine the influence of land use/ cover changes on physical and chemical properties of the soils in Rib watershed. Soil samples were taken over three selected land use/ covers (natural forest, grazing and cultivated lands) in two agro- ecological zones (Dega and High Dega). Multivariate analysis of variance (MNOVA) and Pearson’s correlation was computed. ResultsThe study revealed that land use/ cover and altitude have influenced physical and chemical properties of the soil in the study watershed. Significant difference in distribution of soil texture, BD, OC, TN and pH among land use/ covers have been observed. Natural forest had higher OC, OC stock and TN than grazing and cultivated lands. The mean OC stock ranged from 188.32 t/ha in natural forest to 72.75t/ha in cultivated lands. Soil pH was slightly higher for natural forests and lower in the soils of grazing and cultivated lands. Significant difference (P<0.05) among the two agro ecologies were also observed in OC, Ca2+, clay, and silt.. ConclusionTherefore, land use/ cover changes have affected the concentration of TN, OC, increase soil acidity and compaction that can affect productive of soils and production of crops.