MLRA REGION 10 [NEWSLETTER]{.mark}

JULY 1, 2000

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**ESTIMATED WORTH OF SOIL SURVEY INFORMATION;**

**STATUS OF THE NATIONAL SOIL INFORMATION SYSTEM;**

**STATUS OF WINDOWS PEDON**

The Soil Survey Division has received numerous inquiries relative to the
estimated worth of soil survey information and the status of the
National Soil Information System (NASIS).

The current replacement cost for the soil survey information included in
the published soil survey reports, soil survey databases, and digital
data sets is approximately \$5,000,000,000. That is five billion
dollars! This estimate is based on having soil survey information on
2,075,525,775 acres of the nation's lands and a current production cost
of \$2.50 per acre. This is a conservative figure since it is based
entirely on the NRCS costs and not on the cost of the entire National
Cooperative Soil Survey. The soil survey information provided to the
American public is the envy of the world. Having comprehensive, quality
controlled soil resource information applicable in most cases to areas
as small as 2 to 5 acres, is extremely valuable for analyzing and
mitigating environmental problems, estimating crop yields, and for
determining how best to manage our natural resources for sustainable
use.

NASIS is a comprehensive information system for collecting and managing
soil data and distributing soils information. It is the system that
produces soil data and information required by the Agency. NASIS is not
yet complete, as it is being developed in stages. Following is an update
on the status of NASIS version 5.0 and the new Windows Pedon Program
which imports soil descriptions to NASIS.

*NASIS 5.0 Information*

Central Server -- The biggest change for NASIS 5.0 is the implementation
of a central server. This means that all NASIS data now stored at the
individual MLRA Soil Survey Offices will be moved to a single database.
The replication of the data to Iowa State University will stop, freeing
up development and support staff for other priority issues. All users
accessing NASIS will connect remotely to the NASIS central server. All
central server licensing and maintenance costs for Informix software and
hardware will be handled at a national level. States/MLRA Soil Survey
Offices will not have to bear these costs related to NASIS.

Soil Survey Geographic Database (SSURGO) -- NASIS 5.0 will provide an
export for SSURGO using a NASIS data structure including the new
interpretations. Current constraints on SSURGO exports (3 components, 6
layers, etc.) will go away.

NASIS 5.0 Schedule -- NASIS 5.0 is currently scheduled to be up on
November 2, 2000. At that point we will begin migrating the 17 soil
databases at each of the MLRA Soil Survey Offices to the central server.
This migration may take as long as a month to complete. The actual
impact to any one office will be limited to only a few days during the
migration.

*Windows Pedon*

Release -- The new Windows Pedon 1.0 is scheduled for release in August.

Conversion of existing Pedon records -- The conversion will move
existing UNIX Pedon 3.6 records into NASIS 4.1. Testing of the
conversion program began in June and it should be ready to go in July.
All current Pedon records need to be converted prior to moving to NASIS
5.0 in November.

Export/Import from Windows Pedon to NASIS -- We are targeting the NASIS
5.0 data structure for migrating data from the new Windows Pedon. This
feature of Windows Pedon will be available after NASIS 5.0 is released.

**From: NRCS This Week**

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NEBRASKA NRCS SOIL SCIENTISTS COLLECT SOIL MOISTURE DATA

Submitted by: Steve Scheinost, Assistant State Soil Scientist, NRCS,
Lincoln

![](media/image2.jpeg){width="3.841666666666667in"
height="2.4298611111111112in"}Due to the drought conditions around the
state, NRCS soil scientists working with the National Drought Mitigation
Center, conducted a soil moisture study throughout Nebraska during
March. Mark Svoboda, climatologist with the Mitigation Center, provided
16 weather station sites where soil scientists collected samples to
determine soil moisture content.

Soil samples were collected by hand auger or truck-mounted power probes
at depths of 4, 10, 20 and 40 inches. About one cup to one pint of soil
was sampled at each site. These samples were weighed, air dried for at
least 48 hours, and weighed again to determine the percent soil
moisture.

![](media/image3.png)For plant growth there are two critical measuring
points for soil moisture -- field capacity and wilting point. At field
capacity the soil moisture is at its optimum for plant growth. At the
wilting point the moisture in the soil is no longer available to plants.

Of the 16 sites sampled 14 had at least one horizon that registered
below the wilting point. None of the 16 sites were below the wilting
point in the top four inches, which means at that time there was
moisture available for germination and early growth, although none of
the sites were at field capacity or optimum moisture in the top four
inches. The soil scientists will continue to collect data at least twice
a year, once in the spring and again in the fall, to monitor and
calibrate the instruments at the weather stations.

FROM: NEB NEWS

The Nebraska Natural Resources Conservation Service Monthly Newsletter

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# NATIONAL SOIL SURVEY CENTER PRIORITIES

The following is a draft of priorities for the NSSC during the next few
years.

## **Environmental/Global Change Evaluation**

Improve and augment knowledge base of heavy metals

Improve and augment knowledge base of soil phosphorus

Compare rates of carbon sequestration under different uses and
management

Develop methods to describe movement of soluble materials in soils

## **National Database and Interpretative Applications**

Develop algorithms for soil survey database

Review and revise criteria for existing soil survey interpretations

Develop protocol for a use-dependent database

## **Augmentation of Soil Mapping and Documentation**

Develop models for soil temperature and moisture based on monitored
sites.

Evaluate the use of an expert knowledge/GIS based soil survey process

Develop protocols and evaluate methods for deep investigations

Revise *Soil Survey Manual*

## **Training/Education**

Develop soil-training modules for field office personnel

Enhance training for Resource Soil Scientists

Review current training and introduce new technologies

Expand efforts of providing soil information to broader audiences

From: Bob Ahrens <Bob.Ahrens@nsscnt.nssc.nrcs.usda.gov>

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**NCR WORK PLANNING CONFERENCE**

**GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN**

**JUNE 19-22, 2000**

Horace Smith, Director, Soil Survey Division, gave an update on the soil

survey program to the participants at the North Central Regional Work

Planning at Grand Rapids, MI on June 19. I thought I would share some

of the points that Horace raised.

\- About 91 percent of the nations private land has been soil surveyed
to

date

\- 831 soil surveys have been digitized to SSURGO standards; of which
127

have been done so far this fiscal year. A total of 366 were done last

fiscal year.

\- We have 941 NRCS soil scientists employed in fiscal year 00. Of this,

70 are eligible to retire now, 175 more are eligible to retire in 5

years or less.

\- A total of 675 soil scientists are age 45 or older. This is 72

percent of all soil scientists currently employed in the agency.

There was a good deal of concern expressed to Horace that, as soil

scientists retire, we will loose a good share of our \"corporate

knowledge\".

Horace indicated that the Chief Pearlie Reed is working on a budget

proposal for FY-02 for an additional \$18.5 million to beef up the soil

survey program. This would include the hiring of 150 new soil scientists

nationwide.

The priorities for the soil survey program include:

\- map private lands

\- update urban mapping and provide interpretations

\- continue SSURGO development

\- continue to implement MLRA concepts

\- develop web based delivery of soil survey products

\- map all Indian lands

\- develop expert systems and GIS functionality

\- develop a diversity in product delivery (web, CD, hard copy)

\- update Handbook 296

\- special investigations

\- continue research on wet clay soils

\- bring on a post doc position in soil chemistry at the NSSC

Prepared by: Al Giencke

Soil Data Quality Specialist, PSS

Natural Resources Conservation Service

375 Jackson St.

St. Paul, MN 55101

Email: <al.giencke@mn.usda.gov>

Phone: 651-602-7863

FAX: 651-602-7914/7915

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# NRCS RESPONDS TO FIRES THAT CREATED HYDROPHOBIC SOILS

NRCS in New Mexico is providing emergency assistance to private
landowners, Indian Pueblos, and local governments affected by four major
fires which occurred in May.

NRCS efforts are concentrating on the worst of the four fires -- the
Cerro Grande fire -, which burned nearly 48,000 acres and damaged or
destroyed over 200 homes in the Los Alamos area, approximately 30 miles
north of Santa Fe, New Mexico.

NRCS New Mexico put out a national call for NRCS volunteers to assist in
the disaster relief effort. The first step involved over 2,000
volunteers who worked over the Memorial Day weekend to break up
hydrophobic (soil that has been so severely burned that it no longer
will absorb water) in the fire-stricken area. NRCS is helping to
organize several massive volunteer efforts of this type.

Chief Pearlie Reed, West Regional Conservationist Joan Perry, and the
New Mexico State Conservationist met the Governor of Santa Clara Pueblo,
whose lands have also been damaged by the fire. Chief Reed and Joan
Perry also flew over the burned area with the past lieutenant governor
of the pueblo.

Your contact is: Betty Joubert, State Public Affairs Specialist, at
(505) 761-4406

From: NRCS This Week

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**THUNDERSTORM SAFETY**

It is estimated that thunderstorms kill an average of 240 people a year

in the United States! A quick review of some basic safety tips could

keep you from becoming one of these grim statistics.

Know the area where you are located. Severe thunderstorm watches and

warnings are given on a county basis. A severe thunderstorm **watch**
tells

you when and where severe thunderstorms are likely to occur. A severe

thunderstorm **warning** is issued only when a severe storm has been

reported by spotters or is indicated on radar. *Warnings indicate*

*imminent danger to life and property in the path of the storm.*

Don't think that you can't be struck by lightning if it is not raining

on you. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to

be struck by lightning.

If you are caught by a severe thunderstorm, take shelter immediately.

Knowing what type of shelter you should go to may just save your life.

Do not take shelter in a small shed or in a soft top vehicle. Even

though the shed may protect you from lightning, strong winds may damage

the shed and injure you. A hard top vehicle with the windows rolled

up will give the most protection. Avoid touching the metal surface of

the vehicle.

Do not use the phone or any unnecessary electrical appliances. Telephone

lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity.

If you are caught outside away from any shelter, try to find a low spot
away from trees, fences, or poles. Make sure the place you pick is not

subject to flooding.

If you are in the woods, take shelter under the shorter trees.

*If you caught in the open and feel your hair stand on end or your skin*

*tingle, **take action immediately***. Discard your hand operated soil
probes,

spades, etc. and move away from them. Squat low to the ground, and place

your hands on your knees with your head between them. Try to make

yourself the smallest target possible and minimize your contact with the

ground. Doing so gives the lightning less contact points to travel

through and will minimize its effects on you if you are struck.

Follow these basic safety tips and avoid becoming a lightning statistic.

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**NEW NASIS WEB SITES**

We have changed the appearance and the organization of the NASIS

web site to make it easier to use. We understand that there
will![](media/image4.png){width="1.09375in"
height="1.5729166666666667in"}

be some difficulties at first because the information you are used

to finding is now at a different location. But we hope you will

find that the new layout is clearer and the information is more up

to date.

If you have bookmarks set in your browser, you will probably have

to change them, because most of the old files are no longer there.

Some key pages you might want to bookmark are:

NASIS Home Page:
[http://nasis.nrcs.usda.gov](http://nasis.nrcs.usda.gov/)

NASIS Help Pages: <http://nasis.nrcs.usda.gov/documents/help>

Release Notes: <http://nasis.nrcs.usda.gov/products>

Problem Reporting: <http://nasis.nrcs.usda.gov/comments>

SBAAG Update: <http://nasis.nrcs.usda.gov/sbaag>

Soils Hotline

National Soil Survey Center

Lincoln, NE

Email: <hotline@nssc.nrcs.usda.gov>

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NOTE: MLRA Region 10 has included the above sites as links from our home
page (<http://www.mn.nrcs.usda.gov/mo10/mo10.html>). Then click on
National Soil Information System (NASIS).

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**NASISCLIENT AND DXPC**

For those that use nasisclient, as you are aware, in the past it has

been torturously slow. Recently they have added nasisclient_ppp script,

so that it now works with DXPC \-- the performance improves
dramatically.

From: Jon Hempel <jon.hempel@mn.usda.gov>

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**AGRICULTURAL HANDBOOK 296 -- LAND RESOURCE REGIONS AND MAJOR LAND
RESOURCE AREAS OF THE UNITED STATES**

The National Office has made the update of Handbook 296 a high priority
for Fiscal Year 2000. The Region 10 office will be working closely with
the states and partners to finalize the MLRA boundary changes that have
been on the books for at least the last 10 years. We will also have the
opportunity to update the narratives for each MLRA.

I have been given the overall responsibility for coordinating this
update in Region 10. I will likely be working with many of you on this
project in the future.

One item of interest is the concept of a Common Resource Area (CRA).
These areas represent geographical regions where conservation treatment
needs are similar. Landscape conditions, climate, human considerations,
and other resource concerns are used to determine the geographical
consideration. These areas are set up to help manage soils on a
statewide or regional basis that may not need to be represented on a
national map. We may want to think of some of some of the proposed
subdivisions of MLRAs (A-B-C and D) as CRA's instead of small MLRA's.

Submitted by Al Giencke

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**SECURE EXCEED XSTART METHOD**

Due to the increased interest in security issues, I ask that when you
setup

Exceed Xstart scripts that you use the Start Method of Telnet (tcp/ip)

instead of Rlogin or Rexec.

Tammy Cheever

Soils Hotline

National Soil Survey Center

Lincoln, Nebraska

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**LETTER TO THE EDITOR**

I noticed in your April newsletter about George Demas receiving the soil
scientist award.

We here at the MLRA \[14\] Office are sad to report on the passing of
George Demas. George died suddenly over the Christmas holidays. George
was project leader in Snow Hill, Maryland. He will be sorely missed by
all those who worked with him.

From: Roy Vick

State Soil Scientist/MO leader

\_/\_/ \_/\_/ \_/\_/\_/ \_/ \_/ \_/

\_/ \_/ \_/ \_/ \_/ \_/ \_/ \_/ \_/

\_/ \_/ \_/ \_/ \_/ \_/ \_/ \_/\_/\_/\_/\_/

\_/ \_/ \_/ \_/ \_/ \_/ \_/

\_/ \_/ \_/ \_/\_/\_/ \_/ \_/

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**NASIS \-- PANGAEA RELEASE NOTES**

The following items were recently updated or changed in NASIS by the
National Soil Survey Center(Pangaea) staff:

*GENERAL NOTES RELATED TO INTERPRETATIONS*

Contact: Bob Nielsen 402-437-4149 <Bob.Nielsen@usda.gov>

1\. The \"MANU - Table WMS-1 Water Management w/fuzzy rating\" report

generates interpretations for selected Water Management System

rules. It has been formatted to produce a manuscript style

report for publication. The output is in standard interpretation

format with one column per selected rule. The interpretation rules

printed are:

\"NSSC Pangaea\": \"WMS - Pond Reservoir Area\",

\"NSSC Pangaea\": \"WMS - Embankments, Dikes, and Levees\",

\"NSSC Pangaea\": \"WMS - Excavated Ponds (Aquifer-fed)\" .

The report uses the following parameters:

\- the depth of ratings is 2

\- prints RV (representative) values

\- the maximum number of reasons to print is 5

\- it prints the restrictive property and the fuzzy rating

number for each property.

2\. The URB/REC interpretations now include criteria related to stones

on the surface \> 250mm in size.

*CALCULATIONS AND VALIDATIONS*

Contact: Rick Bigler 402-437-5879 <Rick.Bigler@usda.gov>

The following Calculations and Validations were updated:

The validation for Unified Class has been updated to reflect a minor
change

in the ASTM standards. For fine classes such as cl, ml, mh, etc. the
percent

passing the #200 sieve is allowed to be exactly 50%. Previously, it had
to

be greater than 50%.

*REPORTS*

Contact: Russ Kelsea 402-437-5878 <Russ.Kelsea@usda.gov>

Jim Fortner 402-437-5755 <Jim.Fortner@usda.gov>

The following reports were added or modified (see interpretation

notes above):

MANU - Table WMS-1. Water Management w/fuzzy rating

WEPS Download - Data Dump

*QUERIES*

Contact: Rick Bigler 402-437-5879 <Rick.Bigler@usda.gov>

No changes in this release.

*RULES*

Contact: Bob Nielsen 402-437-4149 <Bob.Nielsen@usda.gov>

John Patterson 402-437-4016 <jpatterson@nssc.nrcs.usda.gov>

Arnold Mendenhall 402-437-4176 <amendenhall@nssc.nrcs.usda.gov>

The following rules were added or modified:

CTSG - Growing Season Water Table \>=150cm

CTSG - Growing Season Water Table \>=45 to \<90cm

CTSG - Ksat \<0.43, \>15cm Thick, 0-150cm

CTSG - Ksat \<0.43, \>15cm Thick, Top Depth \>0cm

CTSG 4CC

Construction Compaction

Cutbank Caving and Apparent Water Table

Deep to Apparent Water Table

Depth to Water Table Limitation

FOR - Conservation Tree/Shrub Groups

FSG-01 Test, Wet, AWC \>8 in., \<15% Slope

FSG-02 Test, Wet, AWC \>6-8 in., \<15% Slope

FSG-03 Test, Wet, AWC 4-6 in., \<15% Slope

FSG-04 Test, Wet, AWC \<4 in., \<15% Slope

FSG-05 Test, Wet, EC 4-8, AWC \>8 in., \<15% Slope

FSG-06 Test, Wet, EC 4-8, AWC \>6-8 in., \<15% Slope

FSG-07 Test, Wet, EC 4-8, AWC 4-6 in., \<15% Slope

FSG-08 Test, Wet, EC 4-8, AWC \<4 in., \<15% Slope

FSG-09 Test, Wet, EC \>8-16, AWC \>8 in., \<15% Slope

FSG-10 Test, Wet, EC \>8-16, AWC \>6-8 in., \<15% Slope

FSG-11 Test, Wet, EC \>8-16, AWC 4-6 in., \<15% Slope

FSG-12 Test, Wet, EC \>8-16, AWC \<4 in., \<15% Slope

FSG-13 Test, Subirr., AWC \>8 in., \<15% Slope

FSG-14 Test, Subirr., AWC \>6-8 in., \<15% Slope

FSG-15 Test, Subirr., AWC 4-6 in., \<15% Slope

FSG-16 Test, Subirr., AWC \<4 in., \<15% Slope

FSG-17 Test, Subirr., EC 4-8, AWC \>8 in., \<15% Slope

FSG-18 Test, Subirr., EC 4-8, AWC \>6-8 in., \<15% Slope

FSG-19 Test, Subirr., EC 4-8, AWC 4-6 in., \<15% Slope

FSG-20 Test, Subirr., EC 4-8, AWC \<4 in., \<15% Slope

FSG-21 Test, Subirr., EC \>8-16, AWC \>8 in., \<15% Slope

FSG-22 Test, Subirr., EC \>8-16, AWC \>6-8 in., \<15% Slope

FSG-23 Test, Subirr., EC \>8-16, AWC 4-6 in., \<15% Slope

FSG-24 Test, Subirr., EC \>8-16, AWC \<4 in., \<15% Slope

FSG-25 Test, AWC \>8 in., \<15% Slope

FSG-26 Test, AWC \>6-8 in., \<15% Slope

FSG-27 Test, AWC 4-6 in., \<15% Slope

FSG-30 Test, AWC\>8 in., EC 4-8, \<15% Slope

FSG-31 Test, AWC\>6-8 in., EC 4-8, \<15% Slope

FSG-32 Test, AWC 4-6 in., EC 4-8, \<15% Slope

FSG-34 Test, AWC\>8 in., EC \>8-16, \<15% Slope

FSG-35 Test, AWC\>6-8 in., EC \>8-16, \<15% Slope

FSG-36 Test, AWC 4-6 in., EC \>8-16, \<15% Slope

FSG-38 Test, AWC \>8 in., 15-30% Slope

FSG-39 Test, AWC \>6-8 in., 15-30% Slope

FSG-40 Test, AWC 4-6 in., 15-30% Slope

FSG-42 Test, AWC\>8 in., EC 4-8, 15-30% Slope

FSG-43 Test, AWC\>6-8 in., EC 4-8, 15-30% Slope

FSG-44 Test, AWC 4-6 in., EC 4-8, 15-30% Slope

FSG-AWC 4-6 inches in 0-40 inches

FSG-AWC \<4 inches in 0-40 inches

FSG-AWC \>6-8 inches in 0-40 inches

FSG-AWC \>8 inches in 0-40 inches

FSG-CaCO3 Equivalent RV \<15%, 0-12 inches

FSG-CaCO3 Equivalent RV\>=15%, 0-12 inches

FSG-Flood Duration = Long & Freq.= Freq. or VFreq.

FSG-Flood Duration =Long/VLong & Freq.= Freq. or VFreq.

FSG-Flood Duration =Long/VLong & Freq.= Occasional

FSG-Flood Duration =Long/VLong & Freq.= occas. or higher

FSG-Flood Duration =Very Long & Freq.= Freq. or VFreq.

FSG-NOT Flood Duration = Long/VLong & Freq.=Freq. or VFreq.

FSG-NOT Flood Duration = Long/VLong & Freq.=occas.& higher

FSG-NOT Flood Duration = Very Long & Freq.=Freq. or VFreq.

FSG-NOT Very Long Ponding Duration

FSG-Slope =\<30%

FSG-Sodium SAR=\>13, 0-12 inches

FSG-Surface Layer Rocks=NOT Extremely Rocky

FSG-Test, Needs Field Review

FSG-Water Table \<12 inches, in Growing Season

FSG-Water Table =\<10 inches, in Growing Season

FSG-Water Table \>10 to =\<20 inches, in Growing Season

FSG-Water Table \>20 inches, in Growing Season

FSG-Water Table \>24 to =\<36 inches, in Growing Season

FSG-Water Table \>36 to =\<60 inches, in Growing Season

FSG-Water Table \>=12 to =\<24 inches, in Growing Season

FSG-Water Table RV \<18 inches

FSG-Water Table RV =\<12 inches in Growing Season

FSG-Water Table RV \>72 inches in Growing Season

FSG-Water Table RV\<18 inches, in Growing Season

FSG-Water Table RV\>12 & =\<42 inches in Growing Season

FSG-Water Table RV\>42 & =\<72 inches in Growing Season

FSG-Water Table RV\>48 & =\<72 inches in Growing Season

FSG-Water Table RV\>60 inches, in Growing Season

FSG-Water Table RV\>=18 to =\<60 inches, in Growing Season

Filter Field 0 to 150cm (0 to 60 inches)

GRL - Forage Suitability Groups, TEST

GRL- FSG Experiment, DO NOT COPY

GRL-MLRA 116 FSG, TEST, DRAFT

Hard Bedrock \< 150cm (60\") and Apparent Water Table

Intake Rate

Large Stones - Fract. \>3in and Apparent Water Table

Large Stones, On Surface \> 250 mm (.1 to 3%)

Low Compaction

MOFSG-23 Very Droughty Gravelly Loam \>8-15% Slope

MOFSG-24 Very Droughty Gravelly Loam \>15-35% Slope

MOFSG-29 Droughty Loam 0-8% Slope

MOFSG-30 Droughty Loam \>8-15% Slope

MOFSG-31 Very Droughty Loam \>15-35% Slope

MOFSG-33 Droughty Gravelly Loam 0-8% Slope

MOFSG-34 Droughty Gravelly Loam \>8-15% Slope

MOFSG-35 Very Droughty Gravelly Clay Loam/Loam \>15-35% Slope

MOFSG-36 Very Droughty Gravelly Loam 0-8% Slope

MOFSG-38 Rocky Very Droughty Loam \>15-35% Slope

MOFSG-41 Droughty Mod. Deep Loam \>8-15% Slope

MOFSG-43 Droughty Mod. Deep Clay Loam/Loam 0-8% Slope

MOFSG-44 Rocky, Droughty Mod. Deep Loam/Clay \>8-15% Slope

MOFSG-45 Droughty Loam \>15-35% Slope

MOFSG-51 Very Droughty Loam/Clay 0-8% Slope

MOFSG-57 Loam/Clay \>15-35% Slope

MOFSG-60 Droughty Mod. Deep Loam/Clay \>8-15% Slope

MOFSG-61 Droughty Mod. Deep Clay Loam/Clay \>8-15% Slope

MOFSG-62 Droughty Mod. Deep Clay Loam/Clay \>15-35% Slope

MOFSG-75 Droughty Mod. Deep Clay \>15-35% Slope

MOFSG-79 Droughty Gravelly Loam \>15-35% Slope

MOFSG-85 Droughty Shallow Loam 0-8% Slope

MOFSG-86 Droughty Shallow Loam \>8-15% Slope

MOFSG-87 Droughty Shallow Loam \>15-35% Slope

MOFSG-88 Droughty Shallow Sandy Loam 0-8% Slope

MOFSG-89 Droughty Shallow Sandy Loam\>8-15% Slope

MOFSG-91 Droughty Shallow Sandy/Clay 0-8% Slope

MOFSG-92 Droughty Shallow Sandy/Clay \>8-15% Slope

MOFSG-93 Droughty Shallow Sandy/Clay \>15-35% Slope

MOFSG-94 Droughty Shallow Gravelly Clay Loam \>8-15% Slope

MOFSG-95 Droughty Shallow Gravelly Clay Loam \>15-35% Slope

NPFSG-01 Needs Field Review

NPFSG-02 Clayey Subirrigated

NPFSG-03 Loamy Subirrigated

NPFSG-04 Saline Subirrigated

NPFSG-05 Limy Subirrigated

NPFSG-06 Wetland

NPFSG-07 Saline Wetland

NPFSG-08 Clayey 3-6\"AWC, 0-8% Slopes

NPFSG-09 Clayey 6-9\"AWC, 0-8% Slopes

NPFSG-10 Clayey \>9\"AWC, 0-8% Slopes

NPFSG-11 Clayey 3-6\"AWC, 8-15% Slopes

NPFSG-12 Clayey 6-9\"AWC, 8-15% Slopes

NPFSG-13 Clayey \>9\"AWC, 8-15% Slopes

NPFSG-14 Clayey 3-6\"AWC, 15-30% Slopes

NPFSG-15 Clayey 6-9\"AWC, 15-30% Slopes

NPFSG-16 Clayey \>9\"AWC, 15-30% Slopes

NPFSG-17 Clayey 3-6\"AWC, 0-8% Slopes, EC 4-8

NPFSG-18 Clayey 3-6\"AWC, 8-15% Slopes, EC 4-8

NPFSG-19 Clayey 3-6\"AWC, 15-30% Slopes, EC 4-8

NPFSG-20 Clayey 6-9\"AWC, 0-8% Slopes, EC 4-8

NPFSG-21 Clayey 6-9\"AWC, 8-15% Slopes, EC 4-8

NPFSG-22 Clayey 6-9\"AWC, 15-30% Slopes, EC 4-8

NPFSG-23 Clayey \>9\"AWC, 0-8% Slopes, EC 4-8

NPFSG-24 Clayey \>9\"AWC, 8-15% Slopes, EC 4-8

NPFSG-25 Clayey \>9\"AWC, 15-30% Slopes, EC 4-8

NPFSG-26 Clayey 3-6\"AWC, 0-8% Slopes, EC 8-16

NPFSG-27 Clayey 3-6\"AWC, 8-15% Slopes, EC 8-16

NPFSG-28 Clayey 3-6\"AWC, 15-30% Slopes, EC 8-16

NPFSG-29 Clayey 6-9\"AWC, 0-8% Slopes, EC 8-16

NPFSG-30 Clayey 6-9\"AWC, 8-15% Slopes, EC 8-16

NPFSG-31 Clayey 6-9\"AWC, 15-30% Slopes, EC 8-16

NPFSG-32 Clayey \>9\"AWC, 0-8% Slopes, EC 8-16

NPFSG-33 Clayey \>9\"AWC, 8-15% Slopes, EC 8-16

NPFSG-34 Clayey \>9\"AWC, 15-30% Slopes, EC 8-16

NPFSG-35 Saline Subirrigated, EC 4-8

NPFSG-36 Sandy \>3-6\"AWC, 0-8% Slopes, \<7% Surface clay

NPFSG-37 Sandy \>3-6\"AWC, 8-15% Slopes, \<7% Surface clay

NPFSG-38 Sandy \>3-6\"AWC, 15-30% Slopes, \<7% Surface clay

NPFSG-39 Sandy \>6-9\"AWC, 0-8% Slopes, \<7% Surface clay

NPFSG-40 Sandy \>6-9\"AWC, 8-15% Slopes, \<7% Surface clay

NPFSG-41 Sandy \>6-9\"AWC, 15-30% Slopes, \<7% Surface clay

NPFSG-42 Loamy/GRAVEL/SAND \>9\"AWC

NPFSG-43 Loamy/GRAVEL/SAND \>9\"AWC, EC 4-8

NPFSG-44 Loamy/GRAVEL/SAND \>9\"AWC EC 8-16

NPFSG-47 Limy Upland \>6-9\"AWC;0-8% Slopes;=\>15% CaCO3 0-12\"

NPFSG-48 Limy Upland \>6-9\"AWC;8-15% Slopes;=\>15% CaCO3 0-12

NPFSG-49 Limy Upland \>6-9\"AWC;15-30% Slopes;=\>15% CaCO3 0-1

NPFSG-50 Limy Upland \>9\"AWC;0-8% Slopes;=\>15% CaCO3 0-12\"

NPFSG-51 Limy Upland \>9\"AWC;8-15% Slopes;=\>15% CaCO3 0-12\"

NPFSG-52 Limy Upland \>9\"AWC;15-30% Slopes;=\>15% CaCO3 0-12\"

NPFSG-53 Loam/Clay 6-9\"AWC; EC\<4, \<15% Slopes

NPFSG-54 Loam/Clay 6-9\"AWC; EC 4-8, \<15% Slopes

NPFSG-55 Loam/Clay 6-9\"AWC; EC\>8-16, \<15% Slopes

NPFSG-56 Loam/Clay \>9\"AWC; EC\<4, \<15% Slopes

NPFSG-57 Loam/Clay \>9\"AWC; EC 4-8, \<15% Slopes

NPFSG-58 Loam/Clay \>9\"AWC; EC\>8-16, \<15% Slopes

NPFSG-59 Loamy \>9\"AWC, 0-8% Slopes

NPFSG-60 Loamy \>9\"AWC, 8-15% Slopes

NPFSG-61 Loamy \>9\"AWC, \>15-30% Slopes

NPFSG-62 Loamy \>6-9\"AWC, 0-8% Slopes

NPFSG-63 Loamy \>6-9\"AWC, 8-15% Slopes

NPFSG-64 Loamy \>6-9\"AWC, 15-30% Slopes

NPFSG-65 Loamy \>3-6\"AWC, 0-8% Slopes

NPFSG-66 Loamy \>3-6\"AWC, 8-15% Slopes

NPFSG-67 Loamy \>3-6\"AWC, 15-30% Slopes

NPFSG-68 Loamy \>3-6\"AWC, 0-8% Slopes, EC4-8

NPFSG-69 Loamy \>3-6\"AWC, 8-15% Slopes, EC 4-8

NPFSG-70 Loamy \>3-6\"AWC, 15-30% Slopes, EC 4-8

NPFSG-71 Loamy \>6-9\"AWC, 0-8% Slopes, EC 4-8

NPFSG-72 Loamy \>6-9\"AWC, 8-15% Slopes, EC 4-8

NPFSG-73 Loamy \>6-9\"AWC, 15-30% Slopes, EC 4-8

NPFSG-74 Loamy \>9\"AWC, 0-8% Slopes, EC 4-8

NPFSG-75 Loamy \>9\"AWC, 8-15% Slopes, EC 4-8

NPFSG-76 Loamy \>9\"AWC, \>15-30% Slopes, EC 4-8

NPFSG-77 Loamy \>3-6\"AWC, 0-8% Slopes, EC 8-16

NPFSG-78 Loamy \>3-6\"AWC, 8-15% Slopes, EC 8-16

NPFSG-79 Loamy \>3-6\"AWC, 15-30% Slopes, EC 8-16

NPFSG-80 Loamy \>6-9\"AWC, 0-8% Slopes, EC 8-16

NPFSG-81 Loamy \>6-9\"AWC, 8-15% Slopes, EC 8-16

NPFSG-82 Loamy \>6-9\"AWC, 15-30% Slopes, EC 8-16

NPFSG-83 Loamy \>9\"AWC, 0-8% Slopes, EC 8-16

NPFSG-84 Loamy \>9\"AWC, 8-15% Slopes, EC 8-16

NPFSG-85 Loamy \>9\"AWC, \>15-30% Slopes, EC 8-16

NPFSG-86 Deep Sub-Irrigated \>3-6\"AWC, 0-8% Slopes,

NPFSG-87 Deep Sub-Irrigated \>6-9\"AWC, 0-8% Slopes,

NPFSG-88 Deep Sub-Irrigated \>9\"AWC, 0-8% Slopes,

NPFSG-89 Loamy/GRAVEL/SAND 6-9\"AWC

NPFSG-90 Loamy/GRAVEL/SAND 6-9\"AWC, EC 4-8

NPFSG-91 Loamy/GRAVEL/SAND 6-9\"AWC, EC 8-16

NPFSG-92 Loamy/GRAVEL/SAND 3-6\"AWC

NPFSG-93 Loamy/GRAVEL/SAND 3-6\"AWC, EC 4-8

NPFSG-94 Loamy/GRAVEL/SAND 3-6\"AWC EC 8-16

Percolation Rate (Layers Within an Apparent Water Table)

Permafrost and Apparent Water Table

Piping

Salinity EC \> 4 and Apparent Water Table

Soil Materials for Packing, Unified

Soil Materials for Packing, Unified and Kaolinitic

URB/REC - Camp Areas

URB/REC - Off-Road Motorcycle Trails

URB/REC - Paths and Trails

URB/REC - Picnic Areas

URB/REC - Playgrounds

Unified for Excess Humus

WMS - Drainage

WMS - Embankments, Dikes, and Levees

WMS - Excavated Ponds (Aquifer-fed)

*EVALUATIONS*

Contact: Bob Nielsen 402-437-4149 <Bob.Nielsen@usda.gov>

John Patterson 402-437-4016 <jpatterson@nssc.nrcs.usda.gov>

Arnold Mendenhall 402-437-4176 <amendenhall@nssc.nrcs.usda.gov>

The following evaluations were added or modified:

CTSG - Growing Season Water Table \<45cm

CTSG - Ksat \<0.43, \>15cm Thick, 0-150cm

CTSG - Wet Soil Moisture \<2 Months During Growing Season

Depth to Restrictive Layer 50 to 150cm

Depth to Hard Bedrock 100 to 150cm (40 to 60\")

Excess Sodium SAR (4-13)

FSG-AWC \<10cm, in 0-100cm (Available Water Capactiy)

FSG-AWC \<8.5cm, in 0-100cm (Available Water Capactiy)

FSG-AWC =\>10 & =\<15cm, in 0-100cm (Available Water Capacity)

FSG-AWC \>15 & =\<20cm, in 0-100cm (Available Water Capacity

FSG-AWC \>20cm, in 0-100cm (Available Water Capacity)

FSG-CACO3 Equivalent RV\<15%, 0-30cm

FSG-CACO3 Equivalent RV\>=15%, 0-30cm

FSG-Slope =\<30%

FSG-Water Table \<2 Months During Growing Season

FSG-Water Table \>=2 Months During Growing Season

FSG-Water Table RV\<45cm in Growing Season

FSG-Water Table RV=\<150cm in Growing Season

FSG-Water Table RV\>150cm in Growing Season

FSG-Water Table RV\>=45cm in Growing Season

FSG-Water Table, RV=\<180cm in Growing Season

FSG-Water Table, RV\>120&=\<180cm in Growing Season

Fragments \> 75mm, 25 to 50%, Wght. Av. 0 to 100cm (0-40in)

Maxium Percolation of Layers Within the Water Table

Months of Wet Soil Moisture Status \<12

Salinity, EC 4 to 16mmhos, 25-150cm

Slopes \> 10 to \< 50%

Stones On Surface (\>=250mm)

Unified 25-150cm for packing

Weighted Ave. LL Above a Resticitve Layer

Weighted Ave. PI Above a Resticitve Layer (10 to 20)

Weighted Ave. PI Above a Resticitve Layer (20 to 40)

Weighted Ave. Passing #200 Sieve Above a Resticitve Layer

Wet, Apparent Ground Water 60 to 150 cm (2 to 5 ft.)

Wet, Ground Water Apparent within 150 cm (5 ft.)

*PROPERTIES*

Contact: Bob Nielsen 402-437-4149 <Bob.Nielsen@usda.gov>

John Patterson 402-437-4016 <jpatterson@nssc.nrcs.usda.gov>

Arnold Mendenhall 402-437-4176 <amendenhall@nssc.nrcs.usda.gov>

Russ Kelsea 402-437-5878 <russ.kelsea@nssc.nrcs.usda.gov>

The following properties were added or modified:

AASHTO Calculation

DEPTH TO HIGH WATER TABLE APPARENT MINIMUM

FRAGMENTS \> 75MM WEIGHTED AVE. IN DEPTH 0-100CM

FRAGMENTS \>= 250MM ON THE SOIL SURFACE

KSAT MAXIMUM, 50-150CM OR FIRST RESTRICTION

KSAT MINIMUM IN DEPTH 0-20CM

KSAT MINIMUM IN DEPTH 0-50CM

KSAT MINIMUM IN DEPTH \>0CM

KSAT MINIMUM SURFACE HORIZON TO 20CM

KSAT MINIMUM, 0-150CM OR FIRST RESTRICTION

KSAT MINIMUM, 20-150CM OR FIRST RESTICTIVE LAYER

KSAT MINIMUM, 50-150CM OR FIRST RESTRICTIVE LAYER

LAYER THICKNESS IN RANGE

LAYER THICKNESS, KSAT \<0.43, 0-50CM

LAYER THICKNESS, KSAT \<0.43, TOP DEPTH \>0CM

LAYER THICKNESS, KSAT \>=0.42 & =\<14.3, TOP DEPTH \>0CM

LIQUID LIMIT WEIGHTED AVE. ABOVE RESTRICTIVE LAYER

LOAMY SURFACE TEXTURE

MONTHS WITH WET SOIL MOISTURE STATUS DURING GROWING, fsg

ORGANIC MATTER IN THE SURFACE LAYER

PARTICLES COARSER VFS IN LAYERS \>=15CM THICK, DEPTH 0-30CM

PARTICLES COARSER VFS IN LAYERS \>=15CM THICK, DEPTH 0-90CM

PARTICLES COARSER VFS IN LAYERS \>=7CM THICK, DEPTH 0-15CM

PARTICLES COARSER VFS IN LAYERS \>=7CM THICK, DEPTH 0-30CM

PASSING #200 SIEVE WEIGHTED AVE. ABOVE RESTRICTIVE LAYER

PERMEABILITY BOTTOM LAYER

PI WEIGHTED AVE. ABOVE RESTRICTIVE LAYER

PLASTICITY INDEX IN LAYERS \>=15CM THICK, DEPTH 0-30CM

PLASTICITY INDEX IN LAYERS \>=15CM THICK, DEPTH 0-90CM

PLASTICITY INDEX MAXIMUM IN DEPTH 0-30CM

PLASTICITY INDEX THICKEST LAYER IN DEPTH 0-15CM

SALINITY MAXIMUM IN DEPTH 25-150cm

SALINITY MAXIMUM WITHIN 30CM

SAND FRACTION ALL HORIZONS (WHOLE SOIL)

SAND/GRAVEL FRACTION BOTTOM LAYER (WHOLE SOIL)

SANDY SURFACE TEXTURE

SANDY TEXTURE IN DEPTH 0-150CM

SODIUM ADSORPTION RATIO MAXIMUM IN DEPTH 0-30CM

SOIL REACTION 0.1M CaCl2 MAXIMUM IN DEPTH 0-30CM

SOIL REACTION 0.1M CaCl2 MINIMUM IN DEPTH 0-30CM

SOIL REACTION 1-1 WATER MAXIMUM IN DEPTH 0-30CM

SOIL REACTION 1-1 WATER MINIMUM IN DEPTH 0-30CM

SURFACE LAYER THICKNESS

TEXTURE CODE IN SURFACE LAYER (RESERVED)

TEXTURE IN-LIEU-OF FOR SURFACE LAYER

TEXTURE MODIFIER CODES IN SURFACE LAYER

TOTAL CLAY PERCENT SURFACE LAYER

UNIFIED (GRAVEL/SAND) THICKEST LAYER W/I 10CM OF SURFACE

UNIFIED (GRAVELS) THICKEST LAYER W/I 10CM OF SURFACE

UNIFIED (INORGANIC) IN LAYER \>=15CM THICK IN DEPTH 0-150CM

UNIFIED (INORGANIC) IN LAYER \>=15CM THICK IN DEPTH 0-30CM

UNIFIED (INORGANIC) IN LAYER \>=15CM THICK IN DEPTH 0-90CM

UNIFIED (INORGANIC) IN LAYER \>=7CM THICK IN DEPTH 0-15CM

UNIFIED (ORGANIC) IN LAYER \>=15CM THICK IN DEPTH 0-150CM

UNIFIED (ORGANIC) IN LAYER \>=15CM THICK IN DEPTH 0-30CM

UNIFIED (ORGANIC) IN LAYER \>=15CM THICK IN DEPTH 0-90CM

UNIFIED (ORGANIC) IN LAYER \>=7CM THICK IN DEPTH 0-15CM

UNIFIED (SAND/CL GRAVEL) THICKEST LAYER W/I 10CM OF SURFACE

UNIFIED (SILT/CLAY/PEAT) THICKEST LAYER W/I 10CM OF SURFACE

USDA TEXTURE IN-LIEU-OF IN DEPTH 0-40CM

USDA TEXTURE MODIFIER SURFACE LAYER, grl

USDA TEXTURE THICKEST LAYER IN DEPTH 25-150cm

*GEOMORPHIC FEATURE TYPES AND FEATURES*

Contact: Phil Schoeneberger 402-437-4154

No changes in this release.

\#########################################################################

WEB SITES OF INTEREST

1.  National Cooperative Soil Survey Newsletter. Go to
    <http://www.statlab.iastate.edu/soils/soildiv/>, then click on
    National Cooperative Soil Survey (NCSS), then click on NCSS
    Newsletters, and then on the desired issue number of the NCSS
    newsletter.

2.  ICOMANTH is charged with defining appropriate classes in Soil
    Taxonomy for soils that have their major properties derived from
    human activities. <http://wwwscas.cit.cornell.edu/icomanth/>

3.  Soil Quality Institute <http://www.statlab.iastate.edu/survey/SQI/>

4.  Association of retired SCS employees:
    <http://users.erols.com/owen66/>

\#########################################################################

### UPDATED OFFICIAL SERIES DESCRIPTIONS

Recently updated soil series used in MLRA Region 10 include:

Please access the following web site to view and print them:

<http://www.statlab.iastate.edu/cgi-bin/osd/osdname.cgi>

*FRIGID*

aftad

annanais

antigo

ashwabay

auburndale

audubon

barronett

bigisland

bigstone

blackriver

boyerlake

brander

branstad

caffey

clemens

clontarf

cornucopia

crystal_la

dairyland

darnen

everts

foxlake

freeon

friberg

fulda

glendennin

hantho

happyhollo

hattie

herbster

insula

kaks

langhei

magnor

marysland

mcintosh

meenon

newood

newot

padus

padwood

pence

pesabic

portwing

rib

ribriver

rockmarsh

santiago

shakopee

sissabagam

spencer

spoonerhil

tara

tipler

torning

tourtillot

willosippi

worcester

worwood

zandi

*MESIC*

allendorf

backbone

biggsville

boplain

castana

chelsea

cooper

cordova

corley

downs

du_page

elizabeth

fairhaven

fieldon

flagler

galva

grantcente

hamburg

haynie

huntimer

keg

kenmoor

keomah

kickapoo

klossner

majik

marna

mazaska

mcpaul

modale

morconick

parkway

renova

rockbluff

scroll

smithland

ticonic

timula

uturin

vore

\#########################################################################

### CHANGED ADDRESSES AND PHONE NUMBERS

1.  Betsy Gillen has joined the MLRA 103 soil scientist staff in St.
    Peter, Minnesota. She recently received her BS degree in Soil
    Science from the University of Wisconsin at River Falls.

Her communications links are: phone (507) 931 2550

FAX (507) 931 3792 Email: <betsy.gillen@mn.usda.gov>

Surface mail: 424 So. Minnesota Ave.

St. Peter, MN 56082-2506

2.  Julia McCormick has joined the MLRA 107 soil scientist staff in
    Atlantic, Iowa. Her former assignment was with the Franklin
    progressive soil survey in Rocky Mount, Virginia.

> Her communications links are: phone: (712) 243-157
>
> FAX (712) 243-1688 Email: <Julia.McCormick@ia.usda.gov>
>
> Surface mail: 503 W 7th Suite 3

Atlantic, IA 50022-1429

\#########################################################################

**ACTIVITY SCHEDULE (through August 15 -- subject to change)**

MLRA DATE ACTIVITY LOCATION MO 10 STAFF

\-\-\-- \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\--
\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\--
\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-- \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\--

92 Jul 24-28 Progress Field Review Ashland Jahnke

93 Jul 24-28 Progress Field Review Ashland Jahnke

93 Aug 07-11 Progress Field Review Eagle River Jahnke

102A Aug 07-11 Progress Field Review Redfield Giencke

102B Aug 07-11 Field Review Stanton Hempel

103 Jul 17-20 Quality Assurance Review Storm Lake Giencke

107 Jul 17-21 Initial Field Review Atlantic Hempel

\#########################################################################

## **CONTRIBUTIONS, IDEAS, SUGGESTIONS, AND QUESTIONS ARE WELCOME**

This newsletter is intended to be a forum to distribute information of

a general nature that will benefit soil scientists in soil survey
project

offices. It is hoped that it will foster communications and sharing of

knowledge among those soil scientists in MLRA Region 10.

\* \* \* \* \*

Articles from other newsletters are often included to distribute ideas

and comments from other areas of the country; these ideas and comments

are not necessarily identical to those used in MLRA Region 10.

\* \* \* \* \*

The format of this newsletter is intentionally simple so that it can be

received, read, and printed by the project office having the least

sophisticated computer and printer setup.

\* \* \* \* \*

Thanks to those individuals who participated this month. It is your

efforts that have made this newsletter a success.

\* \* \* \* \*

Please submit your articles at least five days before the end of the

month for inclusion in the following month\'s newsletter. Otherwise it

will appear the following month. Occasionally, due to other workload

demands, it may be an additional month before the article appears.

Generally, articles are inserted in the order they are received.

Articles in an electronic format can be submitted to:

<john.handler@mn.usda.gov>

Articles in a paper format can be sent or faxed to:

John Handler

MLRA Region 10 Office

USDA - NRCS

375 Jackson Street - Suite 600

St. Paul, Minnesota 55101-1854

FAX: 1-651-602-7914

\* \* \* \* \*

Previous month\'s copies of this newsletter are available at:

<http://www.mn.nrcs.usda.gov/mo10/mo10.html>

\#######################################################################

### USDA NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

> The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in
> all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national
> origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual
> orientation, or marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases
> apply to all programs). Persons with disabilities who require
> alternative means for communication of program information (Braille,
> large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA\'s TARGET Center at
> 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD).
>
> To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of
> Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence
> Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice
> and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

\#######################################################################