Varying landforms can exert a considerable influence on diverse soil properties and different fractions of organic matter. These variations may alter soil microbial communities, which play a key role in nutrient cycling. This is particularly critical for semi-arid regions, which are highly sensitive and vulnerable ecosystems due to climatic conditions yet, have been subject to insufficient scholarly attention. In this study, Mazandaran Province (northern Iran), characterized by a semi-arid climate, was examined. Two distinct catena forms, V-shaped and Lambda-shaped, were sampled from five specific positions (summit, shoulder, back, foot, and toe slope positions) at three depths (0-15, 15-30, and 30-45 cm) during the summer season. A total of 270 soil samples were collected for laboratory analysis of soil physico-chemical characteristics. The results derived from principal component analysis (PCA), indicated that most of the attributes assessed in the V-shaped catena exhibited better conditions. Soil organic matter (SOM) concentration was 1.2 times higher in the foot and toe positions of the V-shaped catena compared to other positions, particularly in the surface soil layer. The highest carbon concentration was observed in the V-shaped catena, particularly in the shoulder position, which was 1.5 times higher than in other positions. Additionally, nitrogen levels in the toe position of the V-shaped catena were 1.5 times higher than in other positions. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis, revealed that catena positions exerted the greatest influence on soil chemical characteristics (standardized estimate = 0.90). The findings indicate that the upper sections of the slope, particularly in the Lambda-shaped catena, are highly sensitive and vulnerable in semi-arid rangelands, and should be safeguarded against anthropogenic disturbances. Soil conservation measures should prioritize the summit and shoulder regions of the Lambda-shaped catena. Analyzing soil properties at different slope positions allows for comparisons across sites, aiding in identifying erosion phases within the soil series.