A laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) system is developed for the determination of heavy metals in cultivated land around the city of Baoding, China. The element composition of the soil is determined by a quantitative spectrum analysis. The results show that the concentrations of Cd and Hg in three base soil samples do not exceed the limits specified by the second- class soil standard“Environmental quality standard for soils”(GB 15618-1995) issued by the state.