Time for a universal soil classification system.

Soil science, unlike many other scientific disciplines, does not have a universally accepted classification system. Many countries have developed systems to classify their soils, but the results often do not translate well between taxonomic systems. Attempts have been made through efforts such as the FAO Legend for the Soil Map of the World , the World Reference Base for Soil Resources , and Soil Taxonomy to address the need for a globally accepted soil classification system. But so far, this goal has not been achieved. We believe the time is right to form a working group under the auspices of the International Union of Soil Sciences to explore the development of a universal soil classification system. Background Most natural sciences struggle for a common classification system such as botany, anthropology and astronomy. Natural classification systems should be accepted and used globally. Soil science and soil classification are viewed as National Systems yet none have received full international acceptance. Common reasons given for universal systems are pleas from a discipline to work together towards a common understanding and to provide a common language for communication.