The contents and potential pollution risks of Cd,Cu,Zn and Pb were studied in vegetable soil around Dongting Lake in Hu′nan Province.The results showed that the contents of Cd,Cu and Zn in top soil were higher than the background values,while Pb contents were lower.With single pollution index and comprehensive pollution index,the ascending order of the risks of heavy mental pollution was CdZnCu in vegetable soils.Pollution of Pb was not found in the whole study area.Based on the pollution index and comprehensive pollution index of soil heavy metals,the vegetable soil of Xiangyin County,Yuanjiang District,Ziyang District and Haoshan District belonged to polluted soil,and the soil of Huarong County exhibited warning pollution level,requiring immediate remediation or change in the pattern of land use.By contrast,the soils collected from Junshan District and Nanxian County were almost free to pollution,suitable for the cultivation of green vegetables.The relationship of soil Cd,Cu and Zn content was significantly positive,while the coefficients were low.