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The objective of the study was to assess the effects of different long-term land uses on the basic chemical properties and contamination of Humofluvisols by potentially toxic elements (PTE). A total of 20 top soil samples (0-30 cm) were collected in the peri-urban area of Zagreb within cropland (CROP), orchard (ORCH), vegetable garden (VEGA), and urban park (UP). A significantly lower pH value was determined in ORCH compared to the other land use types. The UP had a significantly higher soil organic carbon (SOC) content than agricultural soils. The P2O5 and K2O concentrations were significantly lower in UP compared to agricultural soils. The As, Cu, Pb, and Zn concentrations were the lowest in UP. Significantly higher Cu concentrations were determined in ORCH compared to other agricultural soils. The soils of UP, CROP, and VEGA had PTE concentrations below the maximum permissible concentrations. Only three soil samples from ORCH were contaminated by As and Zn. Tillage, fertilization, and the application of pesticides were presumably the reasons for altered soil chemical properties and reduced soil quality of agricultural soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]