Intercropping rice in immature oil palm plantations offers a dual strategy to boost food production while optimizing land use during the unproductive phase of oil palm. The presence of rice between palm rows may increase biomass return and soil organic matter, potentially altering soil physical and chemical properties. This study, therefore, compared bulk density, pH, organic carbon (C), and total nitrogen (N) between oil palm plantations with rice intercropping and those under monoculture. Results showed that intercropped systems had significantly higher bulk density, soil pH, and organic C content than monoculture plots. Although total N did not show a consistent increase, the improvements in organic carbon and pH suggest enhanced soil fertility and buffering capacity. These positive changes are likely attributable to greater root biomass and litter input from the intercrop. Collectively, these findings indicate that rice intercropping during the immature stage not only utilizes otherwise idle land but also improves key soil quality indicators. We therefore advocate this practice as a sustainable intensification option that supports both food security and long-term soil health in oil palm landscapes.