In order to study the adsorption of rations and anions by red soils in relation to the electric charge of the soil, electrolyte solutions of KCl, NH₄Cl and K₂SO₄ in concentrations of 0.001, 0.01 and 0.1 N were equilibrated with soil samples at different pH. Two soil samples were used for the study, one was red earth with a permanent negative charge of 7.4 m.e. per 100 gms. and a positive charge of 2.8 m.e. per 100 gms. at pH 2 and the other was a lateritic soil with a permanent negative charge of 3.3 m.e. per 100 gms. and a positive charge of 5.8 m.e. per 100 gms. (iso-electric point at about pH 4.7).