International Academy of Ecology and Environmental Sciences Proceedings of the International Academy of Ecology and Environmental Sciences 2220-8860 15 4 2025 12 1 Characterization of physico-chemical properties of soils in the Caraga Region: An assessment of land use systems 92-101 EN Ambrose James Torreon James Melbert Guisando Geric Francis Jongko Michelle Barbon Fernando http://www.iaees.org/publications/journals/piaees/articles/2025-15(4)/physico-chemical-properties-of-soils.pdf> Soil is a natural resource that is essential for both the environment and agriculture, which promotes plant growth and makes up the bulk of the biosphere. Physical characteristics such as MC, BD, and Texture, and chemical characteristics such as SOC, TN, AP, pH, and EC affect the soil's ability to maintain ecosystem health. 31 soil samples (0-30 cm soil depth) were collected from three land use systems (LUSs) (forest, agricultural, and mining lands) across the Caraga Region in the Philippines. The parameters were measured using standard methods and procedures. The results of the study support a consensus that the physico-chemical properties of Mining Lands (MLs) are the poorest in quality, but are counterintuitive to another consensus that the physico-chemical properties of the soils of Forest Lands (FLs) are significantly higher than Agricultural Lands (ALs). This was based on the overall higher chemical quality of ALs than FLs and their contradictory results in terms of BD. Given these results, this research suggests the potential of incorporating soil quality testing as a complementary or alternative approach to GIS and remote sensing in identifying and proposing suitable land use strategies (LUSs).