Kurok O. Evolution of the scientific thought in soil study (1880s – 2000s).

The dissertation is devoted to the study of evolution of the scientific thought in soil study in the second half of ХІХ – early ХХІ century. Analysis of archive materials, periodicals and literature allowed to determine basic historiographical periods in the study of this problem, and to show peculiarities in its representations in the following periods: the second half of ХІХ century to 1920s, 1930s to 1980s, and today. The paper reveals the main stages in formation and development of the scientific thought on soil formation, factors influencing these processes; it also determines the contribution made by V.V. Dokuchayev and other outstanding scientists to the domestic and global science and analyses contemporary views on the issue by modern researchers working in the field of soil study. An integral part of the research paper is revelation of the evolution of the scientific thought on soil classification and mapping. The author traced main stages in improving methodology of soil mapping and its present-day achievements. A separate chapter is given to the history of formation and development of the scientific basis for soil cultivation in the agriculture; it follows the most important tendencies in agronomic approaches to increasing soil productivity and mechanized cultivation.