Soil samples were collected from the genetic horizons of three soil profiles representing three different landtypes. Trace elements in soil and in leaf samples were determined spectrometrically.

It was observed that the vertical distribution of trace elements was related to the amount of clay rather than to the genetic soil horizons. The clay content in these profiles was the attribute ofthe alluvial parent material. Therefore, the redistribution of trace elements was not due to pedogenetic effects.

The clay fraction contains higher amounts of trace elements in all the profiles. It was, therefore, assumed that the topsoil might be depleted of trace elements with the loss of clay by illuviation or by run-off. Trace element/iron oxide ratios of several soil samples show that the vertical distribution of trace elements in the profiles studied were not significant.

It was also observed that in the studied profiles Mn and Cd content was higher but that of other elements waslower than the FAO’s prescribed highest levels of total content of trace elements in soil.

Trace element contents of several leaf samples of tree species were examined and found not related to the trace element contents of soil.