Barley plants grown in a soil very low in organic matter had higher concentrations of Mn, Cu, Zn, and Mo than when the plants were grown in soil considerably higher in soil organic matter. Application of some heavy metals (Co, W, Ag) resulted in much more severe phytotoxicity on low organic matter soil than on high organic matter soil. FeDTPA (ferric diethylene triamine pentaacetate acid) increased Fe levels in plants much more on low organic matter soil than on high organic matter soil. Low organic matter soil resulted in a lower Cs level from the applied Cs than from the high organic matter soil. Sulfur increased Mn concentration of plants even though all the soil was not neutralized.