PROBLEMS OF GENESIS AND EVOLUTION OF STEPPE SOILS - HISTORY AND STATE-OF-THE-ART

The following stages of studying genesis and evolution of soils are pr oposed: 1880-1920-development of basic statements; 1920-1960-extension of conceptual knowledge, elaboration of specific evolutionary schemes ; since the 1960s-wide application of comparative chronological method s (especially of soil-archeological) and use of C-14 dating to determi ne the age of soil humus. The development of concept's on evolution of chernozems and chestnut soils is analyzed. Modern views on their gene sis and evolution driven by climatic changes in the Holocene epoch und er different drainage and lithological conditions are formulated. The stages in the evolution of steppe soils are specified: Late Pleistocen e-Early Holocene periglacial; Atlantic hydromesomorphic; Subatlantic m esomorphic; contemporary anthropogenic. Regional peculiarities of thes e stages are shown.