Soil functions such as water regulation, resistance to degradation (i.e., erosion) and habitat provision for soil biota are essential for climate-resilient cropping systems. While soil functions are largely governed by pedo-climatic conditions, the relative importance of agricultural management remains unclear. Because these functions are governed by soil physical properties, we quantified the relative influence of pedo-climatic conditions and soil management on key soil physical properties across ten long-term field experiments in Europe. The sites spanned a 2500 km climatic gradient from Spain to Sweden and included contrasting tillage or organic matter management practices. Measurements included bulk density (BD), water storage, aeration, hydraulic conductivity, soil organic carbon (SOC), aggregate stability, and earthworm abundance in topsoil (~10 cm) and subsoil (~30 cm) across 92 plots and 23 management treatments. Management intensities (carbon inputs, tillage, mineral nitrogen fertilisation) were quantified over the preceding decade. We applied mixed-effects models, variance partitioning and structural equation modelling to identify direct and indirect effects. Pedo-climatic conditions explained more variability in soil physical properties than management (threefold in the topsoil and eightfold in the subsoil). Mean annual temperature and clay content controlled topsoil SOC content, which in turn mediated most soil physical properties. Management effects, although smaller, significantly influenced topsoil properties. Higher C inputs increased SOC, aggregate stability and earthworm abundance. These effects indirectly reduced BD and penetration resistance while increasing water storage, air capacity and hydraulic conductivity. Higher tillage intensity reduced BD directly but was also associated with lower aggregate stability and reduced saturated hydraulic conductivity in the topsoil. Overall, pedo-climatic conditions dominated soil physical properties, particularly in the subsoil, whereas management mainly affected topsoil properties relevant for climate resilience, highlighting limited subsoil responsiveness and the need for management strategies targeting subsoils.