The effects of added P and lime on Douglas fir and Scots pine seedlings, and poplar and willow cuttings growing in a podzolic soil (pH 3.8, 90 ppm total P) were studied in pot experiments. Conifer dry weights responded best to P applied in the absence of lime, whereas liming to pH 4.3 promoted the P response of tile broadleaved species. Normal rates of P, and of lime (broadleaved species), by promoting growth, also raised total contents of P and metals (Zn, Mn, Cu, Fe) in the various plant parts (stems, foliage, roots), but generally lowered the metal concentrations. The results strongly suggest that P interfered with the root to shoot translocation of Cu, Fe and A1 (A1 only estimated in Scots pine), but not with tlaat of Zn and Mn. It is postulated that internal plant tolerance (promoted by P) plays a more important part in neutralizing toxic metal concentrations (Zn, and possibly also Fe) in the soil than do exclusion mechanisms. High applications of P without Cu may depress growth, as demonstrated for willow. Water-soluble soil P data may be misinterpreted if other limiting soil factors (pH, Cu status) have not been eliminated.