Abstract: The background values of Cu, Zn, Mn, Co and As content of the major soiltypes (Permeable paddy soil, Stagnating soil, Fluiroaquic sandy soil, Stagnating paddy soil, Peratating paddy soil, Waterlogged paddy soil, Dystric fluiroaquic soil, Sandy loam, Coasted saline soil and salinized soil) in Shanghai are studied for the first time. The contents of Cu, Mn, Co and As are highest in the coasted saline soil, followed by the salinized soil, and is lowest in the Sandy loam. Through variance analysis, it is verified that there are differences at different degrees in some elements among the soil types. And its relationship with the organic matter, pH value and lime reaction is also discussed.