Labile pools of Cu and Zn were measured on two calcareous soils from Saudi Arabia, using successive extraction with DTPA, and successive cropping followed by extraction with DTPA after cropping. The examined soils differed in their ability to supply Cu and Zn. The first DTPA extraction removed a major proportion of the labile pool, particularly in the sandy soil. The two soils showed a general decrease in extractable Cu and Zn with progressive extractions, with DTPA extractable Cu declining more rapidly than Zn. DTPA extractable Cu and Zn determined after cropping were highly correlated with DTPA extractable Cu and Zn values obtained after successive extractions. The results gave evidence on both the contribution of element dissolution from insoluble forms with progressive extraction or cropping, and the usefulness of the DTPA extractant for monitoring the availability of Cu and Zn in these calcareous soils.