Romanian System of Soil Taxonomy (RSST) - Uniqueness in a Crowded Taxonomic World.

In the world soil classification varies, from the structure of the system itself, to the definitions of taxonomy units, and finally in field applications.  Internationally, no single soil classification system has been universally adopted due to regional particularities of soil cover which reflect a wide variety of soil taxonomic systems. In Romania, soil scientists have sought to develop a soil classification system dualistically reflective of both the soils’ distinguishing characteristics but also their relation with environmental conditions. This presentation reflects the evolution of Romanian soil classification from the first system developed in 1909 until today, whilst specifying the principles and criteria underlying the system. Historically, soil classification in Romania was framed from the Russian genetic concepts of soil as a natural body (system) integrating some specific soil names. American influences include the diagnostic criteria for soil identification and hierarchical structure. Finally, the World Reference Base (WRB) for Soil Resources has influenced some soil terminology contemporarily used in the RSST. As with many systems, the RSST has continually evolved, together with soil survey, and methodologies of soil survey and soil data interpretation with clearly defined indicators. Soil–land concepts were developed via synthesis of soil and environmental characteristics, which have proven useful in responding to unique practical applications in Romania. Whilst soil classification takes into account soils as individual entities, soil maps are reflective of a much more diverse set of variables which govern soil function as a whole (e.g., soil associations, elementary soil landscapes, complex soil landscapes, soil ecology). In the RSST, such variables have been systematically organized into a unique hierarchy which substantively differs from other internationally recognized systems. Summarily, the Romanian System of Soil Taxonomy has developed as a unique national system influenced to some extent by the confluence of other systems, but also in response to unique landscapes and ecological systems present in Romania.