A historical retrospect of major achievements in the research of soil chemistry provides theoretical bases of some basic disciplines for sustainable development of soil science in the 21st century. Based on a brief retrospect of the development of the soil chemistry of China,a summary is presented on characteristics,status quo and advancement of soil the chemistry science in China in the past few decades,and a general prospect of this academic field is put on the table as well. After comprehensive analysis,it is concluded that macroscopic regulation of soil should be based on knowledge of soil microscopic properties. Recent development of the in-site observation of soil microscopic properties based on the technology ofmicroscopic spectrumin molecular level, and the giant step forward in the knowledge are the basis of the rapid developmentin the field of soil chemistry in China in past few years. Intercrossing and mutual infiltration between disciplines,such as modern pedology,environmental science,ecology,biogeochemistry,chemistry,biology,and geologic medicine has further developed and expanded the academic field of traditional soil chemistry,and stimulated formation and development of new sub-d isciplines of soil chemistry. It is the major direction of the soil chemistry of China in future development to establish a China-specific theoretic and practical system of variable charge soil chemistry and consummate modern pedological theory from the angle of agricultural production and changes in human habitat and environment.