ҐРУНТОВО-КАРТОГРАФІЧНІ ДОСЛІДЖЕННЯ ТЕРИТОРІЇ ХМЕЛЬНИЦЬКОЇ ОБЛАСТІ В ДРУГІЙ ПОЛОВИНІ ХХ СТОЛІТТЯ

The relevance of soil and cartographic research is defined by its critical role in ensuring the rational use of land resources, maintaining ecological balance, and effectively managing agricultural lands amidst contemporary challenges. Understanding changes in soil cover and its characteristics is essential for developing strategies for sustainable land use adapted to climate change and anthropogenic impacts. The historical development of these studies in the Khmelnytskyi region during the second half of the 20th century illustrates a complex process of integrating advancements in soil science, thematic mapping, and practical agricultural needs. An analysis of the materials identified key trends of this period, proposed their periodization, and assessed methodological approaches that remain significant today. The study highlights the importance of large-scale soil surveys, characterized by differences in information content, survey methodologies, and the level of detail. These efforts enabled the creation of medium-scale maps, which marked a breakthrough in systematizing knowledge about the region's soil cover. These maps served as a foundation for further land use planning and the development of agricultural practices. They also contributed to the identification of soil degradation trends and informed strategies for their mitigation, which remain relevant in addressing present-day environmental concerns. Special attention is given to the methodology of soil and cartographic works, which included standard analytical approaches, source systematization, retrospective analysis, and mapping methods. The application of these methods ensured the accuracy and reliability of the results. For instance, large-scale soil surveys conducted between 1957 and 1961 provided the basis for creating soil maps used for land resource assessment and decision-making in agricultural enterprises. The article elaborates on the process of map creation, from data collection in field conditions to their subsequent processing. This meticulous approach laid the groundwork for the detailed evaluation of soil fertility and land-use potential. The paper also examines innovations introduced in detailed sectoral soil and cartographic surveys conducted from the 1970s to the mid-1990s. These works involved meticulous planning, the application of then-modern analytical methods such as laboratory studies of soil mechanical composition and chemical properties, and the integration of results into agro-industrial activities. Particular emphasis is placed on the refinement of methods for agricultural soil grouping, which ensured the rational use and conservation of land resources. The implementation of new approaches contributed to the development of more detailed soil maps and recommendations tailored to the region's natural and climatic characteristics. Moreover, these surveys emphasized the importance of addressing erosion control, nutrient management, and sustainable agricultural practices, which remain critical in modern soil management. Additionally, the article emphasizes the need to adapt methodologies to contemporary conditions. In particular, it highlights the importance of integrating geoinformation technologies to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of data analysis. Geospatial tools, including satellite imagery and GIS-based applications, have transformed traditional mapping processes, offering new insights into soil variability and land-use dynamics. Attention is also given to issues related to the accessibility of archival materials, which are crucial sources for retrospective analysis and forecasting changes in soil cover. Preserving and digitizing these materials are key steps in ensuring the continuity of future research. Furthermore, the study explores the broader implications of these findings for regional and national agricultural policies. By leveraging historical data and modern analytical tools, policymakers and land managers can make informed decisions that align with sustainable development goals. The integration of legacy data with advanced technologies has the potential to enhance predictive modeling, enabling more effective responses to environmental and economic challenges. In conclusion, the study underscores the importance of historical experience in addressing current land-use challenges. The integration of traditional methodologies with modern technologies will enable the sustainable development of agriculture and the preservation of natural resources for future generations. This comprehensive approach not only bridges the gap between past and present practices but also provides a robust framework for advancing soil science and its applications in a rapidly changing world. Keywords: soil and cartographic studies, planning and mapping materials, soil surveying of territories, land resources.