Abstract
Plant material and soil samples from seven long-term field experiments with different liming rates and fertilizer levels were analysed for Mn, Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb, Cd, Cr and As. Liming consistently decreased the plant levels of Mn, Zn and Ni, whereas Pb, Cr and As did not seem to be influenced. Cu was only slightly influenced and the influence on Cd levels varied inconsistently in grain/seeds. In straw/ley the expected decrease in Cd level with increasing base saturation and pH was found. Liming consistently decreased easily soluble fractions of Zn, Ni and Pb in soils. Only Cd was influenced by the level of fertilizer, with an obvious tendency towards increasing Cd levels in plants and soils at increasing rates of fertilizer application.