<![CDATA[Intensive agricultural practices accompanied by continuous application of fertilizers and pesticides may alter soil nutrient balance and affect soil quality. This study aimed to evaluate the availability of essential micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn), Pb and Cd content in agricultural soils of Brebes Regency, Central Java. Soil samples were collected from 39 locations representing contrasting agroecological conditions in the northern and southern regions. Soil chemical properties were analyzed, while micronutrients, Pb, and Cd availability were determined using diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) extraction, and total Pb and Cd was measured by wet digestion using HNO3-HClO4. The results showed that essential micronutrients availability (Fe ranging from 63.7-152 ppm, Cu 6.62-10.6 ppm, Zn 2.12-3.39 ppm, and Mn 62.1-86.2 ppm) were generally in the sufficient category. The availability of Fe, Cu, and Zn in the northern region was significantly lower than in the southern region, while Mn did not differ significantly. Total Pb and Cd concentrations (ranged from 6.10-6.55 ppm and 0.21-0.44 ppm, respectively) in both regions were within normal threshold limits. However, Pb and Cd bioavailability was higher in the northern region (reaching 10.9% and 35.5%, respectively) compared to 5.07% and 30.5% in the southern region, with Cd showing greater bioavailability than Pb. These findings indicate that intensive land management affects micronutrient distribution and heavy metal behavior in soils. The results provide important information for soil quality evaluation and balanced nutrient management to support sustainable agricultural practices in Brebes Regency.]]>
