FORMATION OF THE MODERN UKRAINIAN SCHOOL OF SOIL SCIENCE: STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Klapchuk Volodymyr , Barannyk Andrii , Harbar Vladyslav , Lisovskyj Andrii 
Published: December 2024

The relevance of forming a distinct scientific identity for the Ukrainian soil science school is increasingly important. Ukrainian soil science must achieve autonomy, separating itself from soviet legacies. The aim of this study is a historical analysis of the development of the modern Ukrainian soil science school, based on the examination of historical-geographical descriptions, scientific works, reports of soil surveys, and cartographic materials. The article addresses the key issue of soil science development, its main stages of evolution, and the historical context of the formation of this science. Scientific views on the periodization of soil science from the perspectives of both Ukrainian and foreign researchers are analyzed. Based on the obtained data, a new periodization of the Ukrainian soil science school’s development is presented. Understanding the historical features of this periodization is a crucial part of soil science historiography. The analysis of scientific works, historical-geographical descriptions, archival and cartographic materials shows that the development of soil science is closely related to practical issues in agriculture and soil management. The modern Ukrainian soil science school has undergone a long and complex process of formation: from empiricism, the era of feudalism (where it developed in global trends), through the genetic paradigm that dominated in the 19th century to the present day. The genetic paradigm became the foundation of modern soil science and made a significant contribution to the development of the Ukrainian school, as it had substantial input from domestic scientists. The genetic period of development of the Ukrainian soil science school, which laid the foundation for further scientific thought, is not entirely dependent on the research of “imperial” scientists alone, but also includes significant contributions from domestic soil scientists, a fact that is often overlooked. The modern Ukrainian soil science school, represented by various regional institutions, is based on the principles of genetic soil science, focusing on theoretical directions that are relevant (ecological, informational, social soil science, etc.).
The formation of the modern Ukrainian school of soil science went through a long and complex stage of formation: from empiricism, the era of feudalism (where it developed in global trends), through the genetic paradigm that dominated in the 19th century. to the present day. It was the genetic paradigm that became the basis for modern soil science and left a significant contribution to its further development. The Ukrainian school is no exception, because its future scientific foundations were also formed during this period: the development of fundamental concepts and approaches to the study of soils (genesis, properties, geography and classification of soils) took place. The genetic period of the development of the Ukrainian school of soil science became fundamental for the formation of further scientific thought. It is important to note that this stage does not depend entirely on the achievements of only "imperial" scientists, and domestic soil scientists also made a significant contribution to this period, which is not paid enough attention to in the modern world. The modern Ukrainian school of soil science in global trends has evolved from genetic to ecological and anthropogenic soil science. This is a natural development, because in the modern world the ecological functions of soils are gaining special importance due to the increased anthropogenic impact on the natural environment, as well as the need to develop sustainable approaches to managing soil resources, preserving their fertility and preventing soil erosion and degradation. According to the authors, the modern Ukrainian soil science school is represented by various regional institutions engaged in research in relevant areas (agronomic, ecological, information, social soil science, etc.). The limited material and technical base encourages modern science to deepen theoretical foundations and principles. That is why Ukrainian soil science is at a crossroads in its further development: theorization or development of practical areas, which is difficult in today's conditions. But historical analysis shows that, having a solid scientific foundation and connections with other European centers of soil science, the Ukrainian school of soil science has a chance to become a regional leader of scientific thought.
Keywords: Ukrainian soil science school, genetic soil science, historical analysis, periodization, soil science evolution, scientific identity, soil science research.