The dissertation is devoted to the study of the problem of initial soil formation in the Ukrainian Carpathians. The dominant factors in the formation of initial organogenic soils are biotic and climatic, it is the successive changes in vegetation that determine the evolution of the initial soil. Each stage of initial soil formation is characterized by its cenozoic form, so embryonic formations are represented mainly by calcareous lichens (Lepraria incana (L.Ach), Cladonia ochrochlora), Lecanochi llaricaricia. (L. (Delise); soil-like bodies are formed mainly under leaf lichens (Parmelia saxatilis). Primary soils are characterized by domination in the mountain-forest zone of mosses of Leucobryum glaucum (Hedw.) Angsts.) With the gradual evolution of the initial soil, higher groups settle, namely meadow grasses (Phleum pretense), turfgrass (Nardusstricta), shrubs (blueberry (Vaccinium myrtinius)) ideea)), juniper (Juniperus communis)). A characteristic feature of the morphological structure of the initial soils is the insignificant thickness of the soil profile, which consists of one or two genetic horizons. The thickness of the horizon of peat turf (Td) varies between 3–21 cm depending on the stage of soil formation and productivity of the plant biocenosis. The peat horizon lies directly at the outlets of dense sandstone, with increasing soil formation time a transitional horizon is formed. The thickness of the peat horizon varies between 5–21 cm. Slightly mineralized peat horizon of dark gray color with a brown tinge, organic matter is poorly decomposed, permeated with small roots, the amount of which decreases towards the rock. Studies of the morphological structure of initial soils (profile thickness, possibility of division into genetic horizons, ability to separate from the breed) and successions of plant groups allowed to identify a number of genetic soils: embryonic formations, soil-like bodies, primary soils (young soils, primitive). The genesis of initial organogenic soils is mainly due to local factors of soil formation, namely climatic and biotic. Thus, the initial soils go through a series of successive evolutionary stages, each of which has its own characteristics and is the basis for further evolution. The main proces involved in the evolutionary development and formation of initial soils at different stages of development are: decarbonization of the soilforming rock is a prerequisite for the beginning of embryonic soil formation and the formation of embryonic soil; fersialitization – the process of accumulation of mobile forms of iron, due to decarbonization, which is most characteristic of the soil-like body; humus socialization – the transformation of mineral mass, under the action of neutral and weakly acidic humic substances, which contributes to the partial removal of bases and the formation of sod-humus (peat) horizon; peat formation, which is characteristic of all stages (except embryonic) and is due mainly to the climatic conditions of the study area. A number of initial soils are characterized by a strongly acidic reaction of the soil solution (pHKCl (2.0–4.2) pHH2O (2.9–5.0), which is caused mainly by aluminum compounds. Based on the research results, additions to the classification of soils of Ukraine were proposed, and information on initial soils and initial soil formation in the Ukrainian Carpathians was systematized and supplemented.
