The goal of the work was to assess the extent of soil depletion of microelements (Cu, Zn, Mn), observed in the long-term fertilizer experiment carried out on a mountain meadow at Czarny Potok near Krynica. The experiment was set up in 1968 on an acid brown soil and the results presented refer to the year 2003. It comprised eight fertilizer combinations in two series (limed and unlimed). Modifications introduced during the experiment (two-year breaks in fertilization or treatment with copper and magnesium) provided a background for analysis concerning the conservative system of grassland management. The contents of copper, zinc, manganese were assessed in the meadow sward and soil. Liming conducted twice did not cause any increase in the meadow sward yield, but through a change of reaction led to a blocked uptake of a majority of heavy metals. At a higher soil reaction, diversified meadow sward removed smaller amounts of microelements with yield allowing a longer time of utilization. The results of selected heavy metal concentrations in the meadow sward and soil of individual fertilizer combinations allow a conclusion that conservative management of nutrients on grasslands should be systematic. Liming and supplement of microelements for an even expenditure-gain balance are the basic elements of such management.