[Objective] In order to study the spatial variability of soil properties in the buffer belt of Erhai Lake, and then provide reference for controlling non-point source pollution and pricision agricultural planning and layout.[Methods] 80 soil samples in the buffer belt of Erhai Lake were collected. Soil moisture, total soil organic matter, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, ammonia nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen were measured. The spatial distribution patterns of soil parameters were analyzed by using traditional statistical and geo-statistical methods.[Results] (1) All statistical characteristics passed through the K-S test and thus indicated normal distribution; (2) The nutrient contents in the soil were high. The coefficient of variation of ammonia nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen were higher than 100%, indicating a strong variability;. (3) Soil organic matter in south was slightly lower than that in north. In east-west direction, organic matter in the east and west was higher than that in the middle. By contrast, the content of total nitrogen and total phosphorus in south and north was lower than that in the middle; (4) Total soil organic matter showed a strong spatial correlation, whereas total nitrogen and total phosphorus showed weak spatial correlations.[Conclusion] Farmland layout and the migration and conversion of the buffer zone were two important factors affecting the spatial variability of soil properties.