Coupling use-dependent and use-invariant data for soil quality evaluation in the United States

R. B. Grossman; D. S. Harms; C. A. Seybold; J. E. Herrick

ABSTRACT:

The estimated properties for soil survey map units typically are only for major soil use. Users are provided only one set of soil properties. We consider the combination of use-invariant and use-dependent databases to produce composite recorh. The use-invariant data is determined by soil origin and genesis and is at most only slightly subject to change with use. The use-dependent data is readily subject to change by use. Near-surface properties are particularly subject to change with use. Each use-invariant property is assigned a surficial exclusion zone within which the property is considered use-dependent and hence the standard interpretive record is not applicable. Both use-dependent and use-invariant properties are placed in one of five classes. Numerical rankings for quality evaluation are obtained by combining the placements for the several properties concerned.

Footnotes

J. Robert B. Grossman and Deborah S. Harms are soil scientists with the NRCS at the National Soil Survey Center in Lincoln, Nebraska. Cathy A. Seybold is a soil scientist with the Soil Quality Institute, NRCS, at Oregon State University. Jeffrey E. Herrick is a soil scientist with the ARS Jornada Experimental Range in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
Copyright 2001 by the Soil and Water Conservation Society

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