Coarse textured soils were analysed for extractable boron, cobalt, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum and zinc contents. Correlation studies showed significant differences between (i) pH values and extractable copper, manganese, iron and cobalt; (ii) organic matter and zinc, cobalt and boron and (iii) clay content and manganese, iron, zinc, cobalt, boron and molybdenum. Comparison of the extractable trace element contents of coarse and fine textured soils indicated different extraction correlations between these two soil types. Generally the quantities of trace elements extracted were higher in the 0–15 cm horizon.