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