September

International Year of Soils

In recognition of this year being the International Year of Soils, this month we're sharing some photos from the Charles E. Kellogg Papers. The captions are as written by Kellogg or his assistant on the envelopes holding the original prints and negatives.

Charles Edwin Kellogg (1902-1980) was head of the Soil Survey in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for 37 years (1934-1971). He emphasized the interpretations, or assessment for particular uses, of soil survey data to assist people. Kellogg wrote and spoke widely on world soil resources, and he advised domestic and international research and agricultural organizations to promote improved farming systems for efficient production, soil conservation, and high standards of rural living.

Kellogg wrote the first edition of the USDA Soil Survey Manual, published in 1937, and directed the expanded 1951 edition, which was adopted by soil survey organizations worldwide. He oversaw the expansion of soil survey interpretations for farming and non-farming uses, initiated an internationally renowned soil geomorphology research program, and directed the development of a new soil classification system, published in 1975 as Soil Taxonomy: A Basic System of Soil Classification for Making and Interpreting Soil Surveys. Kellogg authored 7 books and published over 200 articles, bulletins, and reviews on soil science and geography, soil conservation, agricultural research, land classification, town-and-country planning, and agricultural development.