This review summarizes the sources, influencing factors, and remediation strategies for heavy metal contamination in agricultural soils. Heavy metals, such as Cd, Pb, As, and Hg, enter agricultural soils through natural and anthropogenic sources, including atmospheric deposition, animal manure, mineral fertilizers, and pesticides. These metals can accumulate in crops, posing risks to human health and the environment. Factors such as soil pH, redox potential, organic matter, and clay content influence metal availability and uptake by plants. To reduce heavy metal accumulation in crops, strategies such as low-metal cultivar selection, physiological blocking, water management, soil amendment, and phytoremediation are evaluated. Low-metal cultivars are recommended for reducing heavy metal entry into the food chain. Physiological blocking involves using mineral nutrients to reduce metal toxicity and uptake. Water management, such as alternating wetting and drying, can reduce Cd and As accumulation in rice. Soil amendments like lime, phosphate minerals, and biochar can immobilize heavy metals, reducing their bioavailability. Phytoremediation, including the use of hyperaccumulators, is an effective method for removing heavy metals from soil. The review highlights the importance of developing targeted strategies based on local soil conditions and pollution sources. It emphasizes the need for strict regulations on heavy metal inputs and the integration of various remediation techniques to ensure effective and sustainable management of heavy metal-contaminated agricultural soils.This review summarizes the sources, influencing factors, and remediation strategies for heavy metal contamination in agricultural soils. Heavy metals, such as Cd, Pb, As, and Hg, enter agricultural soils through natural and anthropogenic sources, including atmospheric deposition, animal manure, mineral fertilizers, and pesticides. These metals can accumulate in crops, posing risks to human health and the environment. Factors such as soil pH, redox potential, organic matter, and clay content influence metal availability and uptake by plants. To reduce heavy metal accumulation in crops, strategies such as low-metal cultivar selection, physiological blocking, water management, soil amendment, and phytoremediation are evaluated. Low-metal cultivars are recommended for reducing heavy metal entry into the food chain. Physiological blocking involves using mineral nutrients to reduce metal toxicity and uptake. Water management, such as alternating wetting and drying, can reduce Cd and As accumulation in rice. Soil amendments like lime, phosphate minerals, and biochar can immobilize heavy metals, reducing their bioavailability. Phytoremediation, including the use of hyperaccumulators, is an effective method for removing heavy metals from soil. The review highlights the importance of developing targeted strategies based on local soil conditions and pollution sources. It emphasizes the need for strict regulations on heavy metal inputs and the integration of various remediation techniques to ensure effective and sustainable management of heavy metal-contaminated agricultural soils.