The chemical characteristics of loess-derived soils were investigated to establish spatial and temporal variability and chemical correlations as a function of landscape position. During a three-year period, soil samples were obtained annually to a depth of 15 cm from fields that ranged in area from 2 ha to 11 ha. Soil sampling locations were based on imaginary, rectangular grid patterns that generated 180 to 235 grid point samples annually. Soil chemical charactertistics included: pH, Mehlich 1 and 3 extractable elements, cation exchanger phase composition and capacity, and organic carbon content. Normal and log-normal frequency distributions are observed for the majority of chemical properties. However, a small number of properties display bimodal distributions. Multivariant statistical analysis of the chemical data, using principle component, principle factor, and canonical discriminant techniques, indicate that landscape position and soil drainage characteristics are reflected in the chemical data. Strong linear correlations were observed between Mehlich 1 and Mehlich 3 elements, and between exchangeable and Mehlich 1 or 3 elements. However, these elemental correlations were not temporally stable for fertilizer elements.