In 49 soil samples, total zinc was distributed mainly among and residual Zn (55.2%) fractions. Water-soluble Zn and nonspecifically ad sorbed, exchangeable Zn, specifically adsorbed, exchangeable Zn, and organicall bound zinc fractions contained on average 1. 1, 2.4, 7.4, and 12.8%, respectively, of this microelement. Correlations were sought between soil factors such as pH, sorptiv capacity, fines and colloidal particles, organic matter, and concentrations of Zn in th various fractions. Acid soils contained a greater share of water-soluble and nonspecifically adsorbed, exchangeable Zn, while those with neutral pH contained a greater share of specifically adsorbed Zn, Mn-and Fe-bound Zn, and residual Zn. Higher amounts af fines and colloidal particles correlated with lower amounts of non specifically and specifically adsorbed, exchangeable Zn and at the same time with higher amounts of Zn bound to manganese and iron oxides and immobilized Zn. The toxicity of Zn in soil, which may be taken up by plants and enter waters, represents a real danger in the case of acid soils low in fines and colloidal particles. This pertains particularly to soils near potential sources ofZn contamination.