Ordinary chernozems in the Azov Plain have a low background content of mobile zinc compounds, a sufficient supply with copper and an increased content of lead compounds. This specificity of the regional microelement composition is due to the high carbonate content in the soil profiles, the natural enrichment of littoral geochemical landscapes and the effect of the significant sources of microelement emission (Mariupol metallurgical enterprises, Novocherkassk regional power station, etc.). The high buffer capacity of soils in the Azov region significantly mitigates the negative effects of pollution.