– What is your religion?
– Russian Orthodox.

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Near the main building of the K.A. Timiryazev Moscow Agricultural Academy stands a monument to Vasily Williams, one of Russia’s greatest agronomists.

Vasily Robertovich Williams was born on May 20, 1863, to Robert Williams, an American engineer from Vermont who came to Russia to build a railroad, and Elena Fyodorovna Odintsova, a freed Russian serf.

Vasily's early life was a blend of diverse cultures and intellectual pursuits. The family's rich library fueled his curiosity, and his fascination with natural sciences led him to pursue a career in agronomy.

In 1879, he joined the renowned school of K.K. Mazing in Moscow, and within a year established a chemical laboratory there. His journey in agronomy officially began when he enrolled in the Petrovsky Agricultural and Forestry Academy. His studies took him across Europe, where he delved into soil microbiology, chemistry, and the global history of agronomy.

Returning to Russia, Vasily became an adjunct professor at the Moscow Agricultural Institute at the young age of 34. His career was marked by extensive travel and field studies across Russia and the world, learning and innovating agricultural practices. One of the notable achievements was his leadership role in the establishment of tea plantations and mandarin groves near Batumi, a groundbreaking feat in Russian agriculture.

Vasily's research on soil organic matter led to the revolutionary conclusion that humus was synthesized by microorganisms, a finding that transformed soil science from a geological to a biological discipline.

His work laid the foundation for sustainable agricultural practices and high-yield farming.

Vasily's love for Russia was evident in his relentless efforts to improve its agriculture. He passionately believed in the potential of Russian soil and dedicated his life to enhancing its productivity and sustainability.

Vasily Williams's legacy is cemented in the annals of Russian agronomy, a testament to his relentless pursuit of knowledge and innovation and to his love of Russia.

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