Micromorphological, chemical, mineralogical and physical properties of deep plowed and conventionally tilled soils were evaluated at five sites in east-central Alberta. Soil properties, as they relate to soil classification and seedbed tilth, were determined. Deep plowing resulted in the development of a unique soil fabric in Ap horizons which, relative to conventionally tilled soils, had characteristics tending towards higher salinity, sodicity, pH, clay, smectite and strength and lower exchange acidity, total C, total N, available moisture, stability and plasticity. Landscapes dominated by Solonetzic soils responded differently to deep plowing than landscapes where significant areas of Chernozemic soils were present [Formula: see text]. Solonetzic landscapes tended towards significantly higher salinity, sodicity and strength in Ap horizons than Chernozemic landscapes. Key words: Tilth, deep plowing, soil classification, reclamation