The occurrence of elements (total concentration) in arable soils of Poland was examined using R-mode factor analysis. Eight major elements (Al, Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Na, P and Ti) and eighteen trace elements (As, Ba, Cd, Ce, Co, Cr, Cu, La, Li, Mn, Nd, Ni, Pb, Sc, Sr, V, Y and Zn) as well as some soils properties (pH, organic matter (OM), particle size distribution (PSD) and cation exchange capacity (CEC)) were determined in soil samples collected throughout the territory of Poland. The data were factor analyzed for geochemical associations. Four varimax factors accounted for 86% of the total variance of 30 variables studied. Varimax factor 1 describes most of the variation in the concentrations of 18 elements: Al, Ba, Ce, Co, Cr, Cu, Ga, La, Li, Mn, Nd, Ni, V and Y. The high loadings of PSD (particles of < 0.02 mm and < 0.002 mm diameter) and Al on this factor indicate that these elements constitute association related to the soil parent rocks. Varimax factor 2 describes most variation in concentrations of Cd, Pb and Zn and a part in concentration of As. These associations constitute a suite of antropogenically induced elements. The remaining factors (3 and 4) are of minor importance and mainly explain variability in some soil properties (pH, OM, CEC) and concentration of P. The paper also presents baseline concentrations of the elements studied in the surface soils of Poland.