Phytostabilization is a possible remediation strategy for metal polluted soils. In this paper, we present an overview of soil-related results from a large lysimeter study designed to evaluate phytostabilization of a metal contaminated agricultural topsoil by afforestation. We report on changes in solid phase metal speciation and availability, water household measurements (e.g. evapotranspiration), root distribution, microbial biomass and activity, and soil solution compo-sition (metals, DOC and nutrients). Elevated metal concentrations in the soil solution mainly affected the community structure of microorganisms and lead to a reduction in root growth. This not only influenced the degradation of soil organic matter and the formation of DOC, but, as a consequence, also the speciation and solubility of metals.