A new classification system of soils of Russia: Preliminary results of discussion

The first version of the profile-genetic classification system of the soils of Russia published in 1997 was discussed by soil scientists and verified in different ways. As a result, a number of changes and additions were made in the new version of 2004. Many comments concerning this version were obtained from the regional divisions of the Dokuchaev Society of Soil Scientists, as well as from specialists (papers in Eurasian Soil Science and discussion on the Internet). The authors of the classification system consider it reasonable to analyze the results of the discussion concerning both the principles and nomenclature and some groups of soils.