Abstract: Effects of tree canopy shades on Below Ground Microbial Load (BGML) were investigated within Federal University Otuoke. A homogenous forest stand was purposefully demarcated into three sample areas of 1 hectare each in order of limited canopy, and total canopy cover. An open field within the same terrain was also demarcated. A 10m×10m sub-samples were demarcated within each sample area and three sample plots were randomly selected from each area for investigation. Twenty trees (10/sample plot) under limited and total canopy cover were randomly picked. Twenty Leaves were randomly collected from each sample tree for leaf area index measurement. Soil samples were collected from 0-30cm under each canopy shade and taken to the laboratory for microbial load analyses. Chi-square test and correlation analyses were used in data analyses. Results showed that closed canopy has the highest microbial load with mean value of 167 x 10-5, followed by Limited canopy (138 x 10-5). Open canopy had the lowest microbial load of 67x105. Chi- square test shows that microbial load was significantly (P<0.05) higher under close canopy than open field. Microbial population was 501 x 10-5 CFU under close canopy, 415 x 10-5 CFU under limited canopy, and 201 x 10-5 CFU in open field. The coefficient of determination (R2) was 0.15 for closed canopy, R2 = 0.21 for limited canopy. There were weak positive correlations between canopy shades and soil microbial load. The practice of clearing woody trees to improve grassland for livestock production is not recommended. More trees on agricultural lands could improve soil health by attracting below ground populations.