![](media/image1.png){width="6.719444444444444in"
height="0.8833333333333333in"}

December 9, 2003

**MLRA OFFICE 6 INSTRUCTION NO. 430-381**

**SUBJECT:** SOI -Official Soil Series Descriptions

[Purpose:]{.underline} To transmit an updated MO6 set of OSD guidelines
and OSD Template for Official Soil Series Descriptions (OSD).

[Effective Date:]{.underline} The updated documents are effective when
received. An electronic copy of the updated OSD guidelines and template
will be forwarded to all project offices. All other offices will receive
a copy on request.

[Background:]{.underline} This is a reissue of the OSD Guidelines and
OSD template last issued in MO6 instruction No. 430-381 June 1996.

[Filing Instructions:]{.underline} Discard the previous OSD Guidelines
and OSD Template contained in instruction No. 430-381 issued June 1996
and replace with these update versions. An updated tabulation sheet is
enclosed. All MO6 instruction series and technical notes are to be
maintained in one 3-ring binder.

**J. Cameron Loerch**

MLRA Office Team Leader

Attachments

DIST:

All MO6 Soil Survey Project Offices

Cortez Soil Survey Office, Cortez, CO

Trinidad Soil Survey Office, Trinidad, CO

Ken Scheffe, NRCS, Asst. State Con., RI&A, Albuquerque, NM

William Broderson, NRCS, State Soil Scientist, Salt Lake City, UT

Darrell Schroeder, NRCS, State Soil Scientist, Casper, WY

William Dollarhide, NRCS, MLRA Leader, Reno, NV

Chuck Gordon, NRCS, MLRA Leader, Bozeman, MT

Cleveland Watts, NRCS, MLRA Leader, Salina, KS

Hayes Dye, NRCS, MLRA Leader, Phoenix, AZ

**MLRA OFFICE 6 INSTRUCTION SERIES**

###### TABULATION SHEET

+---------+--------+------------------------------------+-------------+
| *       | #      | #                                  | ##          |
| *INSTRU |  ISSUE |                                    |             |
| CTION** |        | # TITLE                            | ## COMMENTS |
|         | **     |                                    |             |
| **NO.** | DATE** |                                    |             |
+---------+--------+------------------------------------+-------------+
|         |        |                                    |             |
+---------+--------+------------------------------------+-------------+
| 430-380 | 11-    | Establishment of the MLRA Office 6 |             |
|         | Jul-96 | Instruction series                 |             |
+---------+--------+------------------------------------+-------------+
|         |        |                                    |             |
+---------+--------+------------------------------------+-------------+
| 430-381 | 28-    | NSSH Amendment MO6-1 (OSD          | ###         |
|         | Jun-96 | instructions, template, and        |             |
|         |        | policy)                            |             |
+---------+--------+------------------------------------+-------------+
|         | 15-    | Official Soil Series Descriptions  | *Reissued   |
|         | Dec-97 | (policy, guidelines, and template) | I           |
|         |        |                                    | nstruction* |
+---------+--------+------------------------------------+-------------+
|         | 9-     | Official Soil Series Descriptions  | *Reissue    |
|         | Dec-03 | (updated guidelines, and template) | of*         |
|         |        |                                    |             |
|         |        |                                    | *updated    |
|         |        |                                    | OSD         |
|         |        |                                    | guidelines  |
|         |        |                                    | and         |
|         |        |                                    | template*   |
+---------+--------+------------------------------------+-------------+
|         |        |                                    |             |
+---------+--------+------------------------------------+-------------+
| 430-382 | 11-    | Soil Survey Field Review           |             |
|         | Jul-96 | Procedures                         |             |
+---------+--------+------------------------------------+-------------+
|         |        |                                    |             |
+---------+--------+------------------------------------+-------------+
| 430-383 | 26-    | Soil Survey Manuscript Procedures  |             |
|         | Sep-97 |                                    |             |
+---------+--------+------------------------------------+-------------+
|         |        |                                    |             |
+---------+--------+------------------------------------+-------------+
| 430-384 | 22-    | Procedures for Submitting SSURGO   |             |
|         | Dec-98 | Materials                          |             |
|         |        |                                    |             |
|         |        | For Quality Review                 |             |
+---------+--------+------------------------------------+-------------+
|         |        |                                    |             |
+---------+--------+------------------------------------+-------------+
| 430-385 | 16-    | Process to Approve Map Units       |             |
|         | Oct-01 |                                    |             |
+---------+--------+------------------------------------+-------------+
|         |        |                                    |             |
+---------+--------+------------------------------------+-------------+
| 430-386 | 24-    | NASIS Data Entry Guidelines        |             |
|         | Jan-03 |                                    |             |
+---------+--------+------------------------------------+-------------+
|         |        |                                    |             |
+---------+--------+------------------------------------+-------------+
| 430-387 | 18-    | Guidelines for Using Family Level  |             |
|         | Jun-03 | Taxons                             |             |
+---------+--------+------------------------------------+-------------+
|         |        |                                    |             |
+---------+--------+------------------------------------+-------------+
| 430-388 |        |                                    |             |
+---------+--------+------------------------------------+-------------+
|         |        |                                    |             |
+---------+--------+------------------------------------+-------------+
| 430-389 |        |                                    |             |
+---------+--------+------------------------------------+-------------+
|         |        |                                    |             |
+---------+--------+------------------------------------+-------------+
| 430-390 |        |                                    |             |
+---------+--------+------------------------------------+-------------+

**SOUTHERN ROCKY MOUNTAINS**

**MLRA SOIL SURVEY REGION**

**(MLRA REGION 6)**

**LAKEWOOD, COLORADO**

**POLICY, GUIDELINES, AND INFORMATION**

**FOR COMPLETING**

**OFFICIAL SOIL SERIES DESCRIPTIONS**

**Prepared December 1997**

**(Revised December 2003)**

**IMPLEMENTATION POLICY FOR MO6 INSTRUCTION NO. 430-381**

**OFFICIAL SOIL SERIES DESCRIPTIONS**

This policy is intended only for OSDs that are the responsibility of the
Lakewood MLRA office. The implementation policy for instruction no.
430-381, Official Soil Series Descriptions, is as follows:

1.  All [new OSDs]{.underline} submitted to the Lakewood MLRA office
    must use the new guidelines and template.

2.  OSDs developed using the template released with the [June 1996
    version of instruction no. 430-381]{.underline} will be accepted as
    long as they pass spell checking and the OSD Check Program.

3.  Prior to the Final Field Review, all OSDs used in a survey area,
    should be reformatted using the new guidelines and template.

4.  Responsibility for reformatting all other OSDs (those not covered in
    items 1 or 2) will be handled on a case-by-case basis between the MO
    and the project office.

5.  Upon receiving an OSD, the MO will run the OSD through spell check
    and the OSD Check Program. [Any OSDs not passing spell check and/or
    the OSD Check Program will be returned to the originating office for
    correction.]{.underline}

**SUPPLEMENTAL GUIDELINES FOR COMPLETING**

**OFFICIAL SOIL SERIES DESCRIPTIONS**

**Author's Initials:** A maximum of 3 sets of initials will be allowed.
The initials will be those of the original author and the 2 most recent
people to edit the series. The most recent individual will be listed
last. The original author should only put their initials on the original
draft. The soil data quality specialist who edits the OSD at the MLRA
office is responsible for adding their initials. It is recommended that
the initials not be changed, by the soil data quality specialist, if the
edit is minor and inconsequential. Correcting a "typo" or a misspelled
word would be a minor and inconsequential edit.

**Introductory Paragraph:** The following format for the introductory
paragraph should be used:

The Alpha series consists of ? (depth), ? drained soils that formed in ?
(parent material\--modifier, kind and origin). Alpha soils are on ?
(landform(s)). Slopes range from ? to ? percent. Mean annual
precipitation is about ? inches and the mean annual temperature is about
? degrees F.

**[NOTE\--USE ONLY TERMS RECOGNIZED IN PART 629 OF THE NSSH, GLOSSARY OF
LANDFORM AND GEOLOGIC TERMS.]{.underline}**

Example:

> The Alpha series consists of moderately deep to shale, well drained
> soils that formed in loamy slope alluvium derived from sandstone
> overlying clayey residuum derived from shale. Alpha soils are on
> backslopes of hills. Slopes range from 15 to 40 percent. Mean annual
> precipitation is about 18 inches and the mean annual temperature is
> about 44 degrees F.

**TYPICAL PEDON:** The following format for the typical pedon should be
used:

Alpha ? (surface texture), on a ? (aspect), ? (slope shape), ? percent
slope in ? (land cover) at an elevation of ? feet. (Colors are for dry
soil unless otherwise noted.) When described on ? (description date),
the soil was ? from ? to ? inches (soil moisture zone).

Example:

> Alpha loam, on a north-facing, convex, 4 percent slope in rangeland at
> an elevation of 7,000 feet. (Colors are for dry soil unless otherwise
> noted.) When described on March 13, 1991 the soil was moist from 5 to
> 30 inches and dry below.

**Pedon Description:** Refer to part 614 of the NSSH for more detailed
guidance on the content of pedon descriptions. Below are a few
additional guidelines.

Surface fragments (rock or pararock) and surface litter are described
just above the first horizon. For example:

> The surface is covered by about 15 percent channers, 30 percent
> cobbles, 5 percent stones, and 3 percent boulders. The fragments are
> sandstone. The average distance between stones is 5 feet and between
> boulders is 10 feet. About 10 percent is bare ground and 5 percent is
> covered by litter.

In accordance with NSSC Soil Technical Note No. 2, dated May 1992, "The
soil surface is the top of the mineral surface, or for soils with an O
horizon, the soil surface is the top of the part of the O

horizon that is at least partially decomposed. [The top of any surface
horizon identified as an O horizon, whether Oi, Oe, Oa is considered the
soil surface.]{.underline} The proper way to record the depth of an O
horizon is as follows:

Example:

> Oi\--0 to 2 inches;

Below is the sequence of features described for a horizon as outlined in
part 614 of the NSSH.

-   color (dry or moist, the most common condition),

-   texture,

-   color (dry or moist, opposite of the condition initially given),

-   mottles (dry or moist, non-wetness related; these are sometimes
    referred to as "lithochromic"),

-   structure (Commas are not used to separate terms in the phrase that
    describes structure. The word "structure" is used only once in
    describing compound structure, for example, "weak coarse prismatic
    structure parting to moderate medium subangular blocky."),

-   consistence (dry, moist, stickiness, plasticity),

-   roots,

-   pores,

-   additional features as follows:

-   slickensides,

-   durinodes,

-   plinthite,

-   clay films,

-   concretions,

-   carbonates, [(effervescence, % volume, size, kind, calcium carbonate
    equivalent)]{.underline}

-   gypsum (% volume, size, whether pedogenic or geogenic, kind, and
    percent by weight),

-   salts, (% volume, size, kind, electrical conductivity)

-   sodium, (SAR value)

-   smeariness,

-   pebbles, stones, and other fragments,

-   brittleness,

-   redoximorphic features.

-   reaction,

-   lower boundary, and

-   range in thickness.

**TYPE LOCATION:** The following format should be used:

? County, ? (state); about ? miles ? of ? (general location); located
about ? feet ? and ? feet ? of the ? corner of sec. ?, T. ?., R. ?.
(Public Land Survey location); ? USGS quad; lat. ? degrees ? minutes ?
seconds N. and long. ? degrees ? minutes ? seconds W., NAD ?. (North
American Datum and year)

Example:

> Any County, Anystate; about 10 miles southwest of Anyplace; located
> about 1000 feet south and 300 feet east of the northwest corner of
> sec. 6, T. 5 N., R. 8 W.; Anywhere USGS quad; lat. 35 degrees 40
> minutes 20 seconds N. and long. 108 degrees 30 minutes 20 seconds W.,
> NAD 83

**[NOTE\--GIVE AS COMPLETE AND COMPREHENSIVE A LOCATION AS POSSIBLE.
DOUBLE CHECK TO MAKE SURE YOUR LOCATIONS AGREE WITH EACH
OTHER.]{.underline}**

**RANGE IN CHARACTERISTICS:** Refer to part 614.06 of the NSSH for
detailed guidelines on this section. It is imperative that only
representative pedon descriptions be used to develop the range of
characteristics. The range of characteristics for a series should not be
expanded to cover properties from taxadjuncts or soils with correlation
notes. The use of unusual, or questionable descriptions when developing
the range of characteristics magnify the problems when competing
different soil series. In addition, ranges should be limited to those
ranges that have been observed in the field, or are supported by lab
data. For example, the observed range of the percent clay in the
particle-size control section for a pedon is 35 to 45 percent. This
range, 35 to 45 percent clay, should be listed in the range of
characteristics, and not the default range of 35 to 60 percent clay for
the fine particle-size class.

In the OSD template, the statement "Depths are measured from the top of
the mineral soil surface." is listed after the Range In Characteristic
heading. This statement applies to soils that have "O" horizons. This
statement should be deleted for soils that do not have "O" horizons.

The range in characteristics section is divided into two parts. The
first part addresses the whole soil and the second part addresses the
individual horizons.

**[NOTE\--THE FOLLOWING EXAMPLES, FOR THE RANGE OF CHARACTERISTICS
SECTION, ARE NOT TOTALLY INCLUSIVE OR APPLICABLE TO EVERY PEDON. SOME
ITEMS CAN BE ADDED, OR DELETED, AS NEEDED AND JUSTIFIED. HOWEVER, THE
ORDER, CONTENT, AND FORMAT SHOULD BE FOLLOWED.]{.underline}**

**Soil moisture:** The moisture pattern of the soil moisture control
section (smcs) is defined here. Ideally, data on the actual number of
days dry or moist would be known and listed here. The time of the year
that the smcs is wettest and driest needs to be identified. Describing
how snowmelt influences the smcs is also very useful. Such information
is important for differentiating series that are morphologically similar
but occur in different climatic patterns.

Some soils have smcs that do not correlate to the "climatic"
precipitation amount for the area. Some examples would be soils that
occur at the highest elevations of steep canyon sides on north-facing
slopes, or those soils occupying the lowest positions on a landform that
receive additional run-on water. These soils have a higher "effective"
precipitation. For those soils that this situation applies, explanations
for the difference between the "climatic" precipitation and the
"effective" precipitation should be given. [Keep in mind that any
precipitation amounts listed in the OSD are "climatic" precipitation
amounts, and not "effective" precipitation amounts.]{.underline}

Following are some examples of soil moisture statements:

Example 1:

> The soil moisture control section is usually dry, in all parts, 105 to
> 160 cumulative days from April through October. It is usually moist,
> in some part, 50 to 105 cumulative days during the same period. It is
> intermittently moist in some part from November through April; driest
> during May and June; ustic moisture regime bordering on aridic.

Example 2:

> The soil moisture control section is moist in some part from December
> to March; intermittently moist from July to September; driest in May
> and June; ustic moisture regime bordering on aridic.

Example 3:

> The soil moisture control section is moist in some part from December
> to April; intermittently moist from July to December; driest in May
> and June; typic ustic moisture regime. This soil occurs in an area
> that is considered to be aridic bordering on ustic. However, because
> it occurs at the highest elevations on north-facing slopes of steep
> canyon sides it has higher "effective" precipitation.

**Mean annual soil temperature:** If field measurements of soil
temperature are not available, the standard of adding 2 degrees F to the
mean annual air temperature to arrive at the range for soil temperature
can be used.

**Mean summer soil temperature:** Mean summer soil temperature is only
listed when the summer soil temperature is relevant to the taxonomic
classification or is used as series criteria when competing series.

**Particle-size control section (weighted average):** It is important
that the particle-size control section be clearly defined. As a minimum
the clay content must be listed. For many soils the sand content and
size fraction is very important and is listed. The amount, lithology,
and size of rock fragments is also listed. [List only the observed
ranges and not "default" ranges.]{.underline} For example, if a soil has
a fine-loamy particle-size class do not automatically default to 18 to
35 percent clay when the observed range is only 18 to 25 percent clay.

Example:

> Clay content: 18 to 25 percent
>
> Sand content: 15 to 50 percent fine sand and coarser
>
> Rock fragments: 15 to 30 percent basalt gravel and cobbles

**Endosaturation and Episaturation:** These terms are used to describe
the water table, or zones of saturation. Give the depth range to the
zone of saturation and the months that zone is saturated. In addition,
the source of any artificial water should be identified. Seepage from
irrigation canals would be one such example.

Example:

> Depth to episaturation: 20 to 40 inches from May to September. Seepage
> from nearby irrigation canals is the source of water.

**Individual horizon(s):** The following format for the ranges for
individual horizons should be used. The properties in the format below
are not inclusive or applicable to all pedons. Properties may be added
or deleted as needed and justified.

? horizon:

Hue: ?

Value: ?

Chroma: ?

Texture: ?

Clay content: ? to ? percent

Rock fragments: ?

Pararock fragments: ?

Acid oxalate extractable Al + 1/2 Fe: ? to ? percent

Base saturation: ? to ? percent

Calcium carbonate equivalent: ? to ? percent

EC (mmhos/cm): ? to ?

Gypsum: ? to ? percent

SAR: ? to ?

Reaction: ?

**Hue/Value/Chroma:** The range for hues should read red to yellow, not
yellow to red. For example, the range for hue should read "5YR or 7.5YR"
and not "7.5YR or 5YR". Use the term "to" in place of "through" when
listing a range of 2 or more hues, values, or chromas. The term "to" is
understood to include the end value. If the range is the same for both
dry and moist colors (value and chroma), then this should be stated by
adding the phrase "dry or moist"

Example:

> Hue: 7.5YR to 2.5Y
>
> Value: 3 to 5 dry, 3 or 4 moist
>
> Chroma: 2 or 3 dry or moist

**Texture:** Textures may be written out or abbreviated. Abbreviations
used must match those listed in part 618 of the 1996 NSSH. For surface
horizons, it is suggested that only the surface textures used in
approved map units be listed even though other surface textures may have
been observed in the field.

**Rock and pararock fragments:** List only ranges for volume (percent),
lithology (kind), and size class. Do not list ranges for roundness,
rupture resistance classes, or shape. Roundness, rupture resistance, and
shape should be described in the pedon description.

Example:

> Rock fragments are basalt or mostly basalt with some sandstone
> fragments; 35 to 70 percent total rock fragments; 35 to 50 percent
> gravel; 10 to 30 percent cobbles; 0 to 10 percent stones.

**COMPETING SERIES:** Competitors are listed alphabetically. Tentative
series are listed if the series being described is also tentative. If
the series being described is established, tentative series may be
listed if they are identified as tentative by placing "(T)" after the
series name. State abbreviations are not needed. Competing statements
are written individually in the order of listing, except for those soils
with the same competing characteristics that can be grouped together. As
a general rule concerning format, if there are less than 3 competing
series a narrative format can be used. The semi-tab format should be
used if there are more than 3 competing series.

If a competing series does not exist, select a closely similar soil from
the same geographic area to compete against. Following is an example of
such a statement:

> There are no competing series. A closely similar series is the Alpha
> series. Alpha soils have mollic epipedons greater than 20 inches
> thick.

Before writing competing statements, it is critical that the soil series
being described has a complete and concise range of characteristics and
other properties identified. Poorly written OSDs make it much more
difficult to differentiate series. Competing statements should only
identify the "major" differences in properties. Differences in every
property need not be described. [When writing competing statements
address only those properties that are distinctly different between the
competitors. Properties that overlap can not be used to differentiate
series. Only properties in the series control section can be used to
separate series.]{.underline}

Do not use different horizonation symbols as a reason to compete series.
However, the pedogenic process represented by the symbol may be used if
it is diagnostic. Following are some examples:

> "Alpha soils have BA horizons" should not be used because the BA
> horizon is not diagnostic.
>
> "Alpha soils have a Bt horizon" is not correct. "Alpha soils have an
> argillic horizon" or "Alpha soils have accumulations of illuviated
> clay" is correct.
>
> "Alpha soils have Bk horizons" is not correct. "Alpha soils have
> accumulations of secondary calcium carbonate" or "have a calcic
> horizon" is correct.
>
> "Alpha soils have Bg horizons" is not correct. "Alpha soils have
> gleyed horizons" is correct.

The particular property, or feature, that is used as the basis for
competing, must be clearly described in the series being described and
in the competitors. In the following example the Alpha soil is being
competed against the Beta soil.

> The statement "Beta soils have a soil moisture control section that is
> driest during May and June." is correct only if the soil moisture
> control section for the Alpha soil is described as not being driest
> during May and June. If no description for the soil moisture control
> section exists for the Alpha soil, then the statement about Beta soils
> being driest in May and June can not be used. This would apply to any
> property or feature used as a basis for competing series.

The following is list of features used to differentiate soils. It is
suggested that this list be used as key for writing competing
statements. For example, if item 1 (soil depth) can not be used as a
property to compete on, then go to item 2 (soil color), and so on until
a property is found that can be used as a basis for competing. This list
is not inclusive for all pedons but will work for most soils.

1.  soil depth,

2.  soil color (Hue),

3.  presence or absence of a diagnostic horizon or feature,

4.  soil chemistry (base saturation, salinity, sodicity, percent gypsum,
    pH, etc.),

5.  content and/or type of rock or pararock fragments,

6.  thickness of the epipedon,

7.  thickness of a diagnostic horizon,

8.  soil temperature,

9.  soil moisture,

10. other.

Due to many recent revisions to [Soil Taxonomy]{.underline}, and limited
staff, many series do not have updated classifications. This has created
the dilemma of how to write competing series sections for the current
competitors and previous competitors. It is suggested that the previous
competitors be competed. To handle this situation use the following
wording:

> Competing Series: Current competitors are the Alpha and Beta series.
> Competitors prior to the Seventh Edition, 1996 (*or whatever the
> latest version is)* of [Keys to Soil Taxonomy]{.underline} are the
> Delta and Gamma series.
>
> Alpha and Delta soils have a lithic contact with sandstone between 20
> and 40 inches deep.
>
> Beta and Gamma soils have calcic horizons.

**GEOGRAPHIC SETTING:** The following semi-tab format should be used.
Others items can be added as needed to help describe the setting.

Parent material: ?

Landform: ?

Slopes: ? to ? percent

Elevation: ? to ? feet

Mean annual temperature: ? to ? degrees F.

Mean annual precipitation: ? to ? inches

Precipitation pattern: ?

Frost-free period: ? days

**[NOTE\--ANY CLIMATIC ENTRIES SHOULD BE FROM DATA FROM THE STANDARD
"NORMAL" PERIOD WHICH COVERS THE YEARS 1971-2000. IN ADDITION,
PRECIPITATION AMOUNTS MUST REPRESENT THE PRECIPITATION THAT ACTUALLY
FALLS AND NOT AN "EFFECTIVE" PRECIPITATION AMOUNT.]{.underline}**

**Parent material:** Describe the modifier, kind, and origin of the
parent material. Use only terms recognized in part 629, Glossary of
Landforms and Geologic Terms in the NSSH. The name of the geologic
formation can also be identified. Naming the geologic formation does not
necessarily limit the use of the series to that particular formation.

Example:

> Parent material: Loamy slope alluvium derived from sandstone overlying
> clayey residuum derived from shale of the Mancos formation.

**Landform:** List the landform(s) and position(s) on the landform(s)
(if significant). Use only terms recognized in part 629, Glossary of
Landforms and Geologic Terms in the NSSH. If the soil only occurs on the
toeslopes of hills, then identifying the toeslope position is
significant. If a soil occurs throughout a flood plain, or on dunes,
identifying a position is not significant.

Example:

> Landform: summits of mesas and dipslopes of cuestas

**Precipitation pattern:** Briefly describe the timing and form of
precipitation. Make sure to include the wettest and driest months for
those settings that do not have even precipitation throughout the year.
If the precipitation is truly even throughout the year this needs to be
stated. The effects of snowpack and snowmelt can also be discussed.

Example 1 (Even throughout the year):

> Precipitation falls evenly throughout the year. Total snowfall
> averages about 1 to 2 feet with snowmelt lasting through about mid
> April.

Example 2 (One precipitation peak):

> Precipitation is mostly even throughout the year with the exception of
> May and June being the driest months and July and August being the
> wettest months. Summer precipitation occurs during intense summer
> thunderstorms. Total snowfall averages about 2 to 3 feet with snowmelt
> lasting through May.

Example 3 (Two precipitation peaks):

> Precipitation falls mostly during the months of January through March
> and August through October. June and July are the driest months. Total
> snowfall averages about 6 to 8 feet with snow melt lasting through
> June.

**Frost-free period:** In part 618.10 (a) of the 1996 NSSH
[frost-free]{.underline} period is defined as the expected number of
days between the last [freezing]{.underline} temperature in spring and
the first [freezing]{.underline} temperature in fall. The term
"[freeze-free period]{.underline}" would be better suited for this
definition. Sub-freezing temperatures can occur without a frost
occurring. Most climate data records give days between freezing
temperatures and not days between frosts. For the purpose of continuity,
the term "frost-free period" will be used. However, consider it
synonymous with "freeze-free period".

**GEOGRAPHICALLY ASSOCIATED SOILS:** A narrative or semi-tabular format
may be used. As a general guideline list one soil that occurs lower on
the landform, one that occurs on the same position, and one that occurs
higher on the landform. Do not list more than 4 soils. [Identify the
landform position and how the soils differs from the named
series.]{.underline} Do not list all the differences. List only the most
obvious difference. Do not repeat the difference for a soil that has
been listed in the competing series section. This section applies to
only those soils associated at the original type location or soil survey
area. This section should only be updated when the type location has
been moved to an area with different associated soils or the names of
the associated soils have changed.

Example:

> **GEOGRAPHICALLY ASSOCIATED SOILS:** These are the Alpha, Beta, and
> Delta soils. The Alpha soils are less than 20 inches to sandstone
> bedrock and occur on summits of ridges. The Beta soils do not have
> calcic horizons and are on similar positions. The Delta soils have
> mollic epipedons and are on toeslopes of hills.

**DRAINAGE AND PERMEABILITY:** List drainage, runoff, permeability, and
a flooding (or ponding) statement if flooded (or ponded). Use the
current runoff terms listed in part 618.50 of the NSSH. The runoff terms
"slow" and "rapid" have been replaced by "low" and "high".

Example:

> Drainage and permeability: poorly drained, very low runoff, slow
> permeability, frequent brief flooding during the months of April and
> May from snowmelt.

**USE AND VEGETATION:** List the major use or uses. Do not confuse cover
type terms, such as rangeland, with land use terms, such as livestock
grazing. List key species of the native plant community, or the present
community, if the native community is not known. An additional option is
to list the correlated ecological site name, and number, for the series
at its type location. The purpose for listing the ecological site is to
provide a baseline concept of the potential vegetative community at the
original type location for the series.

Example 1:

> The major uses are wood products and livestock grazing. The native
> plant community is ponderosa pine with an understory of Gambel's oak,
> antelope bitterbrush, muttongrass, mountain muhly, and Arizona fescue.

Example 2:

> The major use is livestock grazing. The native plant community is
> Wyoming big sagebrush, winterfat, blue grama and western wheatgrass.
> The rangeland ecological site, or habitat site, is Loamy
> (R036AY007NM).

**DISTRIBUTION AND EXTENT:** List the geographic distribution and extent
by referencing a general state or MLRA location. Give the Land Resource
Region (LRR) and the MLRA that the series occurs in. List the Land
Resource Unit (LRU) if applicable. Give the extent of the series using
the following guidelines:

1.  Small extent or not extensive\--less than 10,000 acres,

2.  Moderate extent or moderately extensive\--10,000 to 100,000 acres,

3.  Large extent or extensive\--more than 100,000 acres.

Example:

> Northwest Anystate; LRR E, MLRA 48A; moderate extent.

**MLRA OFFICE RESPONSIBLE:** List the MLRA office that is responsible
for the series. The format of the entry is city, state. For example,
Lakewood, Colorado.

**SERIES PROPOSED OR ESTABLISHED:** One of these headings is used,
depending on the current status of the series. List the year, county and
state where the series was first proposed or established. The name of
the soil survey area is included if it includes more that one county or
parts of a county. List the source of the name for the series. If the
name is coined, state so. The format that should be used is :

? county, ? state, ? soil survey area, ? year. The name ? .

Example:

> Larimer County, Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park Soil Survey,
> 1998. The name "Rollins" comes from a nearby mountain pass.

**REMARKS:** There are two parts to this section. The first part
identifies the diagnostic horizons and features recognized in the pedon.
The second part is for listing pertinent remarks about the series.

**Diagnostic horizons and features recognized in this pedon are:** The
purpose of the section is to list the diagnostic horizons and features
that define the series. The zone and horizons representing the
diagnostic horizons and features are identified. It is not necessary to
repeat criteria from [Soil Taxonomy]{.underline}. For example, do not
repeat the requirements for a mollic epipedon for a soil that has a
mollic epipedon that occurs from 0 to 15 inches and includes the A and
Bt1 horizons. All that is needed is to identify the zone and horizons
that are included in the mollic epipedon. The following format should be
used. This format is not inclusive for all pedons and can be modified as
needed and justified.

Particle-size control section: The zone from ? to ? inches. (? horizons)

? epipedon: The zone from ? to ? inches. (? horizons)

? horizon: The zone from ? to ? inches. (? horizons)

? horizon: The zone from ? to ? inches. (? horizons)

Lithic contact: The contact with ? at ? inches. (? horizons)

Paralithic contact: The contact with ? at ? inches. (? horizons)

Redoximorphic concentrations: In the zone from ? to ? inches. (?
horizons)

Redoximorphic depletions: In the zone from ? to ? inches. (? horizons)

Vertic features: The presence of ? at ? to ? inches. (? horizons)

Endosaturation: The zone of saturation at ? to ? inches. (? horizons)

Episaturation: The zone of saturation at ? to ? inches. (? horizons)

Abrupt textural change: At the upper boundary of the ? horizon.

Lithologic discontinuity: At the upper boundary of the ? horizon.

Other features: ?

**Remarks:** Any remarks that would help to better define the series or
address unresolved problems are recorded here. Also stated is whether or
not the assigned cation-exchange activity class is supported by lab
data, or is inferred from lab data from similar soils in the area. Give
the lab sample numbers that are used to support the cation-exchange
activity class. The taxonomic version of the [Keys to Soil
Taxonomy]{.underline} is given as way to help keep track of the vintage
of the classification represented by the current description. If the
classification has changed, with this version, give the old
classification here.

The assignment of the cation-exchange activity class is supported by lab
sample(s) numbers ?.

or,

The assignment of the cation-exchange activity class is inferred from
lab data from similar soils in the surrounding area.

Taxonomic Version: ?

Example:

> Taxonomic Version: Seventh Edition, 1996. The previous classification
> was Fine, montmorillonitic, Typic Eutroboralfs.

**ADDITIONAL DATA:** List any supporting laboratory, or other, data
collected for this pedon. Give the name of the lab and the soil survey
sample number, If lab tests such as particle-size analysis, calcium
carbonate equivalent, salinity, etc., were done at the project office,
this needs to be stated.

**PROCESSING OFFICIAL SOIL SERIES DESCRIPTIONS**

There are multiple steps that an official soil series description (OSD)
must go through before it is stored in the Official Soil Series
Description database (http://ortho.ftw.nrcs.usda.gov/osd/osd.html)

in Fort Worth, Texas. Following is a listing of the general steps
involved in processing an OSD.

1.  A new series is deemed necessary by the soil survey project leader
    and/or the soil data quality specialist.

2.  A series name is chosen and checked against existing series names
    for any possible conflict or similarity.

3.  The soil data quality specialist "reserves" the series name by
    entering the series in the Soil Classification (SC) database
    (http://ortho.ftw.nrcs.usda.gov/osd/sc.html) in Fort Worth. The SC
    record for that series must be populated before the OSD can be
    stored in the OSD database.

4.  Using the OSD template, a first draft version of the OSD is created
    at the soil survey project office.

5.  The OSD is spell checked and then run through the OSD Check Program.
    Any errors found with the check program are corrected. Contact your
    MLRA office (MO) for details on the OSD Check Program. Refer to
    exhibit 614-2 of the NSSH for items checked during the checking
    program.

6.  The OSD is electronically forwarded to the MO responsible for the
    survey area for review and processing.

7.  The MO reviews and edits the OSD as needed. The OSD is spell checked
    and again run through the OSD Check Program.

8.  Once all checks have been passed, the OSD is transmitted from the MO
    to Fort Worth for storage in the OSD database.

9.  Prior to storage in the OSD database the OSD is again automatically
    checked against the series record in the SC database. If there are
    inconsistencies the MO is notified via email. The MO corrects the
    inconsistencies and then re-transmits the OSD to Fort Worth. Once
    the OSD is stored in the OSD database the MO is notified via email
    that the OSD has been stored.

The OSD database has some interactive functions built into the system.
For example, section headings such as "Type Location" or "Competing
Series" are automatically emboldened as are the horizonation symbols in
the pedon description section. Also, names of series are highlighted in
blue and underlined. Clicking on the name of the series will
automatically bring up the OSD for that series. [However, just because
an OSD passed all checking routines and is stored in the OSD database,
does not guarantee that all the interactive functions are operable for
that particular OSD.]{.underline} Following are some additional
guidelines that should be followed to ensure that the interactive
functions will work for your OSD.

1.  All blank lines must have a paragraph mark (represented by the
    symbol ¶) in column 1. Any extra spaces (or other formatting
    symbols) at the beginning of the line will not work.

2.  There should only be one (1) blank line above each section heading.
    More that one (1) blank line above the section heading will prevent
    the heading from being emboldened.

3.  All series names must match the spelling of the series name that is
    stored in the OSD database and the Soil Classification database.

**LINKS BETWEEN THE OSD DATABASE AND THE SOIL CLASSIFICATION DATABASE**

The official series description database (OSD) and the soil
classification (SC) database make up the NRCS soil series database in
Fort Worth, Texas. The SC database is stored as an Informix database.
The OSD database is stored in a series of text (unformatted) files. Only
MO staffs can make updates to either the OSD or SC databases.

The OSD and SC databases have common data elements that are linked and
kept synchronous. Any change to these data elements in the SC database
are automatically, and immediately, made in the corresponding OSD
database record. The data elements automatically changed as needed in
the OSD are:

1.  classification,

2.  series status,

3.  MO responsible,

4.  state type location,

5.  and states using.

When an OSD is stored in the OSD database the current date is
automatically put on the OSD and the series description date in the SC
database is automatically updated. Any change made in the SC file causes
the date on the OSD to be automatically changed.

When the series status is changed in the SC record, the series status at
the top of the corresponding OSD is automatically changed. However, the
**"SERIES PROPOSED"** section is not changed automatically to **"SERIES
ESTABLISHED"**. This needs to be updated manually and the OSD
resubmitted to Fort Worth.

LOCATION ? ??

Tentative Series

Rev. ?

month?/year?

? SERIES

The ? series consists of ?, ? drained soils that formed in ? derived
from ?. ? soils are on ?. Slopes range from ? to ? percent. Mean annual
precipitation is about ? inches and the mean annual temperature is about
? degrees F.

TAXONOMIC CLASS: ?

TYPICAL PEDON: ? , on a ? facing, ?, ? percent slope in ? at an
elevation of ? feet. (Colors are for dry soil unless otherwise noted.)
When described on ? the soil was ? from ? to ? inches.

The surface is covered by ?.

?\--? to ? inches; ?. (? to ? inches thick)

?\--? to ? inches; ?. (? to ? inches thick)

?\--? to ? inches; ?. (? to ? inches thick)

?\--? to ? inches; ?. (? to ? inches thick)

?\--? to ? inches; ?. (? to ? inches thick)

?\--? to ? inches; ?. (? to ? inches thick)

?\--? to ? inches; ?. (? to ? inches thick)

TYPE LOCATION: ? County, ?; about ? miles ? of ?; located about ? feet ?
and ? feet ? of the ? corner of sec. ?, T. ? N., R. ? ?.; ? USGS quad;
lat. ? degrees ? minutes ? seconds N. and long. ? degrees ? minutes ?
seconds W., NAD ?

RANGE IN CHARACTERISTICS:

Soil moisture: The soil moisture control section is ?; ? moisture regime
bordering on ?.

Mean annual soil temperature: ? to ? degrees F

Mean summer soil temperature: ? to ? degrees F

Depth to lithic contact: ? to ? inches to ?

Depth to paralithic contact: ? to ? inches to ?

Depth to abrupt textural change: ? to ? inches

Depth to albic materials: ? to ? inches

Depth to albic horizon: to ? inches

Depth to argillic horizon: ? to ? inches

Depth to secondary calcium carbonate: ? to ? inches

Depth to calcic horizon: ? to ? inches

Depth to petrocalcic horizon: ? to ? inches

Depth to petrinodes: ? to ? inches

Depth to cambic horizon: ? to ? inches

Depth to durinodes: ? to ? inches

Depth to duripan: ? to ? inches

Depth to glossic horizon: ? to ? inches

Depth to gypsum accumulations: ? to ? inches

Depth to gypsiferous material: ? to ? inches

Depth to gypsic horizon: ? to ? inches

Depth to petrogypsic horizon: ? to ? inches

Depth to natric horizon: ? to ? inches

Depth to salt accumulations: ? to ? inches

Depth to salic horizon: ? to ? inches

Depth to redox concentrations: ? to ? inches

Depth to redox depletions: ? to ? inches

Depth to endosaturation: ? to ? inches from ? to ?

Depth to episaturation: ? to ? inches from ? to ?

Thickness of the ?: ? to ? inches

Vertic features: ?

Particle-size control section (weighted average):

Clay content: ? to ? percent

Sand content: ? to ? percent

Rock fragments: ? to ? percent ?

? horizon:

Hue: ?

Value: ?

Chroma: ?

Texture: ?

Clay content: ? to ? percent

Rock fragments: ?

Pararock fragments: ?

Acid oxalate extractable Al + 1/2 Fe: ? to ? percent

Base saturation: ? to ? percent

Calcium carbonate equivalent: ? to ? percent

EC (mmhos/cm): ? to ?

Gypsum: ? to ? percent

SAR: ? to ?

Reaction: ?

? horizon:

Hue: ?

Value: ?

Chroma: ?

Texture: ?

Clay content: ? to ? percent

Rock fragments: ?

Pararock fragments: ?

Acid oxalate extractable Al + 1/2 Fe: ? to ? percent

Base saturation: ? to ? percent

Calcium carbonate equivalent: ? to ? percent

EC (mmhos/cm): ? to ?

Gypsum: ? to ? percent

SAR: ? to ?

Reaction: ?

? horizon:

Hue: ?

Value: ?

Chroma: ?

Texture: ?

Clay content: ? to ? percent

Rock fragments: ?

Pararock fragments: ?

Acid oxalate extractable Al + 1/2 Fe: ? to ? percent

Base saturation: ? to ? percent

Calcium carbonate equivalent: ? to ? percent

EC (mmhos/cm): ? to ?

Gypsum: ? to ? percent

SAR: ? to ?

Reaction: ?

? horizon:

Hue: ?

Value: ?

Chroma: ?

Texture: ?

Clay content: ? to ? percent

Rock fragments: ?

Pararock fragments: ?

Acid oxalate extractable Al + 1/2 Fe: ? to ? percent

Base saturation: ? to ? percent

Calcium carbonate equivalent: ? to ? percent

EC (mmhos/cm): ? to ?

Gypsum: ? to ? percent

SAR: ? to ?

Reaction: ?

? horizon:

Hue: ?

Value: ?

Chroma: ?

Texture: ?

Clay content: ? to ? percent

Rock fragments: ?

Pararock fragments: ?

Acid oxalate extractable Al + 1/2 Fe: ? to ? percent

Base saturation: ? to ? percent

Calcium carbonate equivalent: ? to ? percent

EC (mmhos/cm): ? to ?

Gypsum: ? to ? percent

SAR: ? to ?

Reaction: ?

? horizon:

Hue: ?

Value: ?

Chroma: ?

Texture: ?

Clay content: ? to ? percent

Rock fragments: ?

Pararock fragments: ?

Acid oxalate extractable Al + 1/2 Fe: ? to ? percent

Base saturation: ? to ? percent

Calcium carbonate equivalent: ? to ? percent

EC (mmhos/cm): ? to ?

Gypsum: ? to ? percent

SAR: ? to ?

Reaction: ?

COMPETING SERIES: These are the ? series. ?

GEOGRAPHIC SETTING:

Parent material: ? derived from ?

Landform: ?

Slopes: ? to ? percent

Elevation: ? to ? feet

Mean annual temperature: ? to ? degrees F

Mean annual precipitation: ? to ? inches

Precipitation pattern: ?

Frost-free period: ? to ? days.

GEOGRAPHICALLY ASSOCIATED SOILS: These are the ? series. The ? soils ?
and are on ?. The ? soils ? and are on ?. The ? soils ? and are on ?.

DRAINAGE AND PERMEABILITY: ? drained, ? runoff, ? permeability, ?
flooded for ? periods during the months of ?.

USE AND VEGETATION: ?

DISTRIBUTION AND EXTENT: ?, ?; LRR ?, MLRA ?; ? extent.

MLRA OFFICE RESPONSIBLE: Lakewood, Colorado

SERIES PROPOSED: ? County, ?, ? soil survey area, ?. The name ? .

REMARKS:

Diagnostic horizons and features recognized in this pedon are:

Series control section: The zone from ? to ? inches.

Particle-size control section: The zone from ? to ? inches. (? horizons)

? epipedon: The zone from ? to ? inches. (? horizons)

? horizon: The zone from ? to ? inches. (? horizons)

? horizon: The zone from ? to ? inches. (? horizons)

Lithic contact: The contact with ? at ? inches. (? horizons)

Paralithic contact: The contact with ? at ? inches. (? horizons)

Redoximorphic concentrations: In the zone from ? to ? inches. (?
horizons)

Redoximorphic depletions: In the zone from ? to ? inches. (? horizons)

Vertic features: The presence of ? at ? to ? inches. (? horizons)

Endosaturation: The zone of saturation at ? to ? inches. (? horizons)

Episaturation: The zone of saturation at ? to ? inches. (? horizons)

Abrupt textural change: At the upper boundary of the ? horizon.

Lithologic discontinuity: At the upper boundary of the ? horizon.

Other features: ?

Remarks: ?

The assignment of the cation-exchange activity class is supported by lab
sample(s) numbers ?.

or

The assignment of the cation-exchange activity class is inferred from
lab data from similar soils in the surrounding area.

Taxonomic Version: ?

ADDITIONAL DATA: ?

National Cooperative Soil Survey

U.S.A.