Data on the distribution of long-living radionuclides in a 0 - 30-cm l
ayer of different types of soils, contaminated as a result of the acci
dent in 1957, are given. Forms of the state and existence of radionucl
ides in soils are considered in detail. It was determined that distrib
ution of radionuclides and forms of their state and whereabouts in soi
ls depend both on the properties of radionuclides and on soil type.