Abstrcat The characteristics and causes of soil fertility under eucalyptus plantations on the Leizhou Peninsula are discussed. Investigation indicates that the soil fertility under this vegetation type is characterized by low soil organic matter content and soil nutrient impoverishment. Probable causes include severe soil and water loss

anthropogenic disturbance to the bioaccumulation process of nutrients

clear fallings practices

unsuitable land reclamation and residue management. Increasing the biodiversity characteristics of the eucalyptus plantations

returning litter to the forest floor

adopting sustainable harvesting techniques

as well as improved residue management are likely to improve the status of soil fertility