The variability of soil properties related to vegetation cover in Nnewi, a fast growing urban-industrial
town, was studied to underscore the factors that predispose the soil to erosion menace. Twelve soil
samples were purposively collected and analyzed to determine the soil properties. The results of soil
properties analysis showed marked coefficient of variability ranging from low, moderate, high and very
high variability for the physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil. This is as a result of poor
vegetation cover associated with land use pattern. Positive and negative correlation coefficients were
established within and between soil properties and vegetation cover. Principal components analysis
identified soil organic matter content, soil moisture content, sand content of the soil, soil microorganisms
and cation exchange capacity as the main soil properties that explain 91.2% of the impact of
vegetation cover on variability of soil properties. It is therefore advised that strict adherence to land use
plans be enforced to reverse the trend towards unstable soil properties and high susceptibility of the
soil to erosion menace in Nnewi.