<p><i>Hemicriconemoides litchi</i> is a sheathoid nematode of economic importance, yet its occurrence and ecological determinants in pomelo (<i>Citrus maxima</i>) orchards remain poorly understood. In this study, populations associated with pomelo in northern Vietnam were characterised using an integrative approach combining morphology, morphometrics, and molecular data, together with an assessment of their relationships with selected soil properties. Morphological observations of females agreed well with original description and subsequent reports, with minor morphometric variation falling within known intraspecific ranges. Molecular analysis of the D2–D3 expansion segments of 28S rDNA revealed very high sequence similarity (99.3–100%) with reference sequences of <i>H. litchi</i>, and phylogenetic reconstruction placed the Vietnamese population within a well-supported monophyletic clade of the species, clearly separated from closely related taxa. Field surveys across 30 sites showed considerable variation in nematode density (1–115 individuals per 100&#xa0;g fresh soil). Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that soil porosity and sand content were the main factors positively associated with nematode abundance, suggesting a strong influence of soil physical structure on population distribution. Total nitrogen also showed a significant positive relationship, which may reflect indirect effects mediated through host root development. Other parameters, including pH, moisture, and macronutrients, were not significantly related to nematode density within the observed ranges. These findings reveal the first occurrence of <i>H. litchi</i> in pomelo orchards and suggest that soil physical conditions, together with nitrogen availability, contribute to shaping its population dynamics.</p>