Developments in soil classification have accompanied parallel progress in our understanding of the soil system. However the theories behind the classifications and the purposes for which they were created have changed over time. In this groundbreaking reference, eminent soil scientists, many of whom were involved in the design of their respective national or international systems, evaluate developments in soil classification during the last century. They review the concepts, practices, and goals that led to the creation of individual classification systems and recommend modifications to national and international classification systems to meet new demands.

CONCEPTS AND INNOVATIONS IN SOIL CLASSIFICATION. Philosophies of Soil Classification: From Is to Does. How Good is Our Classification? Soil Classifications: Past and Present. Conceptual Basis for Soil Classification: Lessons from the Past. Soil Classification and Soil Research. Back to the Old Paradigms of Soil Classification. Incorporating Anthropogenic Processes in Soil Classification. Developments in Soil Chemistry and Soil Classification. DEVELOPMENTS IN CLASSIFICATION SYSTEMS. Demands on Soil Classification in Australia. Development of Soil Classification in China. The Brazilian Soil Classification System. The Future of the FAO Legend and the FAO/UNESCO Soil Map of the World. The Current French Approach to a Soilscapes Typology. New Zealand Soil Classification - Purposes and Principles. Changing Concepts of Soil and Soil Classification in Russia. Advances in South African Soil Classification System. Soil Taxonomy and Soil Survey. Classification of Soils of the Tropics: A Reassessment of Soil Taxonomy. Anticipated Developments of the World Reference Base for Soil Resources.