The aim of the research was to compare physico-chemical properties, air-water and water retention properties of soils formed as a result of land reclamation in the area after gravel ex.ploitation with the properties of non-exploited soils. The examined soils had the texture of sand, loamy sand and sandy loam. The average humus stock in anthropogenically shaped soils amounted to 84.75 Mg∙ha^-1, which qualifies as very well reclaimed. In anthropogenic humus horizons, the average volume of mesopores corresponding to the contents of water potentially available (PRU) and easily available to plants (ERU) amounted to 11.16% v/v and 6.95% v/v respectively, with these values being statistically significantly higher than in deeper soil horizons. Humus horizons of reclaimed soils had higher, but not significantly, average values of field water capacity (43.42 mm), PRU (32.31 mm) and ERU (20.16 mm) than natural soils. The soil reaction of reclaimed soils was neutral or alkaline (pH_KCl 6.6-7.4). Calcium prevailed as the basic exchangeable cation. The sum of basic cations in humus horizons of reclaimed soils was significantly higher than in deeper horizons. No significant differences were found between grain-size distribution, humus stock, physico-chemical, air-water and water retention properties in reclaimed and non-exploited soils. During technical reclamation, humus horizon was restored, soil properties and soil production potential became similar to soil properties prior to exploitation.