The research was undertaken to provide basic information on Mn in Virginia soils and to evaluate rates and methods of Mn application to correct Mn deficiency in soybeans. Soil profile samples were analyzed from catenas representing the Appalachian, Piedmont, and Coastal Plain regions. The exchangeable, easily reducible, and total Mn contents were higher in the Appalachian soils than in the Piedmont or Coastal Plain soils. The total Mn content of the well-drained soil was higher than the poorly-drained soil in the Appalachian catena. No other differences were found between soils varying in drainage. Parent material and time appear to be the soil forming factors that exert the largest influence on total soil Mn. Further research is necessary to fully characterize soil Mn in these broad physiographic regions. / Ph. D.