Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) emitted by high-voltage power lines (HVLs) are an emerging environmental concern with largely underexplored implications for soil microbial functioning and biochemical integrity. This study investigates the chronic effects of non-ionizing EMFs (50-60 Hz) on soil health in a semi-arid agroecosystem of southeastern T & uuml;rkiye, focusing on microbial biomass (Cmic, N), soluble nutrient pools (Csoluble, Nsoluble, NO3-, NH4+), enzymatic activities (catalase, dehydrogenase, urease), and microbial metabolic efficiency (qCO(2)). Soil samples collected at 0 m (IR) and 300 m (control) from HVLs revealed significant alterations in microbial and enzymatic indicators. Cmic decreased by 21.8%, CAT and DHG activities dropped by 25.3% and 8.6%, respectively, while qCO(2) increased by 29.4%, indicating metabolic stress. Mechanistically, these changes are attributed to EMF-induced oxidative stress and electromechanical disruption of microbial membranes, leading to impaired enzyme function and carbon-use efficiency. Despite a slight increase in microbial N and urease activity, the overall decline in microbial resilience suggests cumulative physiological damage. These results highlight the vulnerability of soil ecosystems to electromagnetic pollution and underscore the need for long-term monitoring and mitigation strategies, such as biochar application, to safeguard soil fertility and ecosystem sustainability in HVL-exposed landscapes.