This document contains the proceedings of a technical consultation on the soil resources information systems developed in the various countries in the European region and their incorporation into the European Soil Information System (EUSIS). The consultation was held in Rome 2-3 September 1999. It was convened by the European Commission and the FAO with support from the International Union of Soil Science. The purpose of the meeting was to promote the establishment of the EUSIS to enable easy inter-European exchange of data and experience and to facilitate problem solving. A summary report of the technical discussions, conclusions and recommendations are included. Detailed country reports are also included.

This publication is a revised and updated version of World Soil Resources Reports No. 84, a technical manual for soil scientists and correlators, designed to facilitate the exchange of information and experience related to soil resources, their use and management. The document provides a framework for international soil classification and an agreed common scientific language to enhance communication across disciplines using soil information. It contains definitions and diagnostic criteria to recognize soil horizons, properties and materials and gives rules and guidelines for classifying and subdividing soil reference groups. Published also in Spanish and Arabic.