Seleted Benchmark Soils Classified in the WRB.

The WRB is currently the official scheme of  the IUSS for international classification, correlation and communication for soil scientists. It is also the tool for common soil data bases and intergrated maps in the EU. The paper will provide a basic introduction of the system. The 32 Reference Soil Groups comprising the first level hierarchical level of classification will be introduced and the second level (qualifier levels) will be explained. Selected benchmark soils from the US will be used as examples for correlation of WRB with US Soil Taxonomy. The commonanlities, differences and possible harmonization between the two systems will be discussed.