A laboratory column study was conducted to determine the influence of eluent ionic strength on Fe transport and DPTA‐Fe levels in a coarse‐textured soil. Leaching solutions consisted of either 10‐2, 10‐4mol L‐1KC1 or distilled H2O, adjusted to pH 4.8. Approximately, two pore volumes, 750 ml of solution, were applied to the soil columns., after which the columns were analyzed for pH and DPTA‐Fe with depth. Soil leached with 10‐2mol L‐1KC1 exhibited lower DPTA‐Fe levels compared to the 10‐4mol L‐1KC1 and H2O treatment. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC), inositol hexaphosphate and Fe in collected leachates increased with low ionic strength treatments. Changes in the distribution pattern of DPTA‐Fe in the soil columns and in leachate Fe were attributed to increased dissolution of Fe oxides by soluble organic acids and inositol hexaphosphate.