Abstract: American soil scientist Curtis Marbut (F. C. Marbut) stands as a pioneer of modern soil science. Through comprehensive surveys of U.S. soils, he established the first formal soil classification scheme for the nation—known as the Marbut Classification System. China adopted this system to conduct its early soil surveys. During its application to Chinese soils, this classification framework not only facilitated the completion of China's first specialized monograph on soil science, which reflected the general characteristics of Chinese soils, but also cultivated the first generation of modern soil scientists in China. This article evaluated Marbut’s impact on Chinese soil science through four dimensions: The influence of Vasily V. Dokuchaev on Marbut’s work; Marbut’s biography and principal academic contributions; Early soil surveys in China and the role of the Marbut Classification; Marbut’s enduring legacy for the development of soil science in China.