Abstract: Laterite is one kind of loose sediments distributed widely in the tropic and subtropic areas. Its study has great theoretical and practical significance as it involves information of climatic and environmental changes and nutrient conditions. This paper discusses in detail the distribution characteristics and controlling factors of elements in laterite of the Dongting Lake area on the basis of the chronological study of laterite strata. It is concluded that the geochemical characteristics of Quaternary laterite reflect the regional climatic conditions, material source characteristics of the drainage area and change in intensity of lateritization. All the above information is of great scientific significance for the rehabilitation of the ecogeochemical environment.