Progress in the U.S. soil survey

Excerpt

SOIL scientists in the United States have been making soil surveys since the late 1800s. Many maps from the early published soil surveys are still quite useful, and the soil scientists who made them contributed greatly to the concepts and procedures used in current soil survey work.

The “modern” soil survey—one that meets current needs—dates from about 1956. R reflects improved mapping and interpretive techniques and the use of standard procedures. The modern soil survey—by describing, mapping, and interpreting soils—provides a wealth of information tor those people who plan land use and management.

The demand for soil surveys produced by the National Cooperative Soil Survey (NCSS) is at an all-time high. There also are increasing demands for more soil interpretations and for faster availability of soil survey information. People of many occupations and interests want to locate soils best suited for specific uses as well as the major soil features that may limit these uses.

The status of modern soil surveys as of January 1, 1983, is shown …