EVOLUTION OF APPROACHES TO SOIL CLASSIFICATION IN RUSSIA AND THE UNITED-STATES - STAGES OF DIVERGENCE AND CONVERGENCE

The history and development of soil classification in Russia and the U nited States are examined. The essence of the changes in soil-classifi cation systems and the role of the exchange of scientific ideas betwee n the soil scientists of both countries are analyzed. The various fact ors determining the convergence and divergence of approaches to soil c lassification by Russian and American specialists during the last cent ury are described.