The physical, chemical and mineralogical characteristics of soils in the western region of the State of Sao Paulo (Paulista Upland), where the largest number of rubber plantations in Brazil is concentrated, are described. Rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis Muell Arg.) are planted in dystrophic and alic Dark Red Latosol, medium texture (Haplustox) and in dystrophic and eutrophic abrupt Podzolic Red-Yellow, Tb, soil, sand/medium texture. The high effective depth, which permits good water retention, is favourable for rubber culture. The major limitations of these soils are the low nutrient content of Latosols (Haplustox) and the high susceptability to erosion of Podzolic soils (Karthaplustalf). These limitations may be compensated for by for by fertilizing and limiting and by using conservation measures.