Broadening the International Access and Applicability of Soil Taxonomy.

Soil Taxonomy has been the soil classification system in use in the US since 1975.  In order to continue improvement in Soil Taxonomy and broaden interests and global application, an International Committee on Soil Taxonomy (ICOMTAX) is proposed to actively promote participation from the international community. ICOMTAX will review proposed amendments to Soil Taxonomy referred by the National Leader for Soil Survey Classification and Standards that have international application and impact. It will recommend acceptance, suggest modification, or rejection of the proposed amendments, and provide analysis of global scope and impact of proposed amendments.  ICOMTAX will serve as a permanent standing committee for the Director of the Soil Science Division. It will consist of NCSS (US) and International Soil Scientists, including the recognized international leaders and experts in soil classification systems and represent the broad diversity of soil landscapes, climates, land uses, and cultures of the six inhabited continents. In addition to ICOMTAX, the NRCS has opening its processes for amending Soil Taxonomy for broader, more inclusive input, and more transparent review.  Processes are being codified in the National Soil Survey Handbook for proposing, review, deliberation, and integration of amendments to Soil Taxonomy and other NCSS program standards and procedures.