On the basis of elucidation of genetic properties of the soils, organic matter, humie acids and humin in chestnut soils on basalt platforms were dated by ¹⁴C method. Results of radiocarbon dating showed that the chestnut soils of China and the mollisols in other countries of the world were the product of the same period, formed about 6000 years apo. The age of organic matter fractions from the chestnut soils was in the following. homic acids > humia > total soil organic matter.