<p>Previous research showed varying degrees and types of impacts of agricultural expansion (AE) into natural habitats on soil-biodiversity-water compartments due to climatic, vegetation, and soil factors. Limited research on sandy soil responses to anthropogenic stresses, particularly duration of cultivation, calls for more attention.&#xa0;The study investigated the effects of farmers’ resources and farm age on soil properties in high (Chitokoloki) and medium rainfall (Lukweta) zones of Zambia plagued by AE.&#xa0;Farms were categorized into: newly converted native vegetation and fallow (one-year each), three-, five-, and ten-year-old farms under three wealth categories (WCs) identified through a participatory approach, yielding 25 farms per wealth category with 75 farms in each agroecological zone (AEZ). Soils collected at 20 cm depth were processed for standard laboratory analyses.&#xa0;WCs did not influence soil properties. Chitokoloki Arenosols (CAs) had varying trends of decline with farm age, notably bulk density, pH, ∆pH, cations, soil organic carbon (SOC), and sulfur. Conversely, Lukweta Acrisols (LAs) had mixed response patterns. SOC of CAs declined (<i>p &lt; 0.018</i>) on average by 1.2 g kg^-1 up to five years of cultivation, while SOC of LAs (<i>p = 0.001</i>) declined by 0.8 g kg^-1 up to ten years. These suggest pronounced declines in Arenosols, revealing vulnerabilities of the humid zones to disturbance.&#xa0;Soil properties respond differently to AE, depending on AEZ, and permutations of climate-parent material interactions. Future research calls for integration of technological and sociological factors to understand the dynamics of AE and soil properties.</p>