[Objective] The effects of various soil physical and chemical properties on plant growth on canal slopes were studied in order to provide a scientific basis for grassland slope protection and standardized management of the central route of the south-to-north water transfer project.[Methods] The physical and chemical properties and change characteristics at different levels of the typical grass slopes of four different coverages were analyzed by taking the slope of the Xinzheng section of the central route of the south-to-north water transfer project as an example.[Results] ① The soil moisture in autumn was more suitable, with an average moisture content of 16.56% in the shallow layer and 16.91% in the deep layer; the vertical profile difference within the same sample plot was not significant, and the shallow layer difference of the different quadrat was obvious. ② The soil pH value was about 8.5 on average, and the soil was strongly alkaline. The average soil bulk density was about 1.37, and the soil bulk density in the shallow layers was lower than that in the deeper layers. ③ The average content of organic matter was 0.34%, and the average depth was 0.31%, which differed significantly (p<0.05) depending on coverage in the quadrat. The soil was found to be deficient in total nitrogen and phosphorus, and the total potassium content was relatively high.[Conclusion] There were obvious differences in soil characteristics, between different vegetation and degrees of grass slope protection, but all soil types were found to be of poor quality. Besides soil characteristics, the factors that affect the plant growth on canal slopes was also related to daily management and protection measures, such as lawn planting measures, the effects of long periods of extreme drought, and improper pruning.