Abstract:
The World Reference Base (WRB) is the international standard for the soil classification system approved by the
International Union of Soil Sciences. As far as possible, diagnostic criteria are matched with those of existing systems
so that correlation with national and previous international systems is as simple as possible. The WRB is not intended to
replace national soil classification systems, but to be a tool for better correlation between national systems. The aim of
this work is to identify and highlight the divergence of the system of notation of the association horizons of soils with
similar properties or attributes spread over the territory of the Republic of Moldova. Some of which, characterized by a
combination of attributes reflecting common, widespread results of soil formation processes, are thus, identified and
found in the fourth edition of the WRB which was launched in 2022. Ambiguities in the notation of association
horizons for soils of the Republic of Moldova, need to be correlated in a more concise way and closer to the WRB being
officially recognized also by the public authorities of the country. As diagnostic materials will serve the factors that
significantly influence soil formation processes based on their distinctive characteristics. This paper provides an
overview of the nationally diagnosed association horizons compared to those in the world, which could be useful for
students of agriculture, forestry and engineering. In this case, the proper identification and linking of diagnostic
association horizons to the new World Reference Base will facilitate the national soil classification system in naming
and describing soils, as well as the creation of legends for specific land use soil maps. It is hoped, that this publication
will contribute to the awareness and understanding of the role of the universal soil science system for the general public
and the scientific community.
