Abstract: The aim of this study was investigate the soil properties of shrub-encroached grassland and non-encroached grassland in Inner Mongolia. Compared with the non-encroached grassland, shrub-encroached grassland had higher soil bulk density and sand content, and lower silt, clay, organic matter, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus in the 0-60 cm soil layer. The differences in soil composition and soil nutrient contents were significant in the 0-60 cm soil layer in the enclosed treatment and in the 0-10 cm soil layer in the heavy grazing treatment. The extent of shrub encroachment was significantly and positively correlated with sand content and bulk density, but significantly and negatively correlated with soil grain size distribution and soil nutrient content. The above results suggest that soil properties have important effects on shrub encroachment. Poor and coarse-textured soil may be beneficial for shrub establishment and growth.