Dokuchaev V.V., (1846-1903), soil scientist

Categories / Science. Education/Personalia
DOKUCHAEV Vasily Vasilievich (1846-1903), naturalist, soil scientist. In 1871, graduated from the Science Department of the Physics and Mathematics Faculty of Petersburg University, where he held a professorship from 1883 (2 Mendeleevskaya Line; memorial plaque installed). Dokuchaev's published study, titled Russian Black Earth (thesis for his doctorate degree, defended in 1883), was highly acclaimed around the world. In it, he outlined for the first time on the fundamentals of genetic soil science. Dokuchaev organized and headed expeditions for integrated nature study, including that of soils, the Russian landscape (1877-95), and research work for a drought control strategy in the steppe regions. Buried at the Smolenskoe Lutheran Cemetery. The Central Museum of Soil Science (see Museum of Soil Science) was named after Dokuchaev. In 1946, the Academy of Sciences of the USSR instituted a Dokuchaev Golden Medal and a Dokuchaev prize. There is a monument to Dokuchaev (1962; sculptor I V. Krestovsky, architect M.B. Serebrovsky) on Akademichesky Avenue in the town of Pushkin, in front of the building of the Agrarian University.

References: Зонн С. В. Василий Васильевич Докучаев, 1846-1903. М., 1991.

O. N. Ansberg. Dokuchaev Vasily Vasilievich
Krestovsky Igor Vsevolodovich
Serebrovsky Mark Borisovich
Akademichesky Avenue/Pushkin, town
Зонн С. В. Василий Васильевич Докучаев, 1846–1903. М., 1991 State University, St. Petersburg
Dokuchaev Central Museum of Soil Science
Agricultural University