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[Objective] In regions near Dianohi, Erhai, Fuxian, Xingyun and Yangzong lakes, currently, use and application rales of chemical fertilizers and pesticides are empirical. Quantifying pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), texture (proportions of clay, silt and sand) can be useful to precise application of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in soils. [Method] 249 soil samples adjacent to water body of lakes were randomly taken. CEC, pH, soil texture (proportions of clay, silt, sand) were determined, categorized and compared among regions near lakes. Pair-wise correlation and regression analyses were conducted between variables. [Result]Soil pH, CEC and texture surrounding lakes were significantly different. Clay proportion positively correlated with CEC. Sand and silt proportions negatively correlated with CEC. Clay proportion was the most weighted variable; regression equation with CEC explained more variance, R2 =0.54. [Conclusion] In soils with lower CEC, the application rates of chemical fertilizers and pesticides should be ‘less quantity, more often’; In soils with higher CEC, the application rates should be ‘more quantity, less often’. In comparison to soils close to the east of Erhai lake, soils close to the west contained more sand and silt proportions, predisposing chemical fertilizers and pesticides to leaching or surface runoff to the water body. Clay proportion was the most-weighted variable explaining more variance of soils and could be included in regression equation to estimate CEC more accurately compared with sand and silt proportions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]