Append ix

1

Official Soil Series Description

The descriptions, maps, and information in the appendices were 

generated using publically accessible websites developed and 

supported by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. 

They are examples of the soil survey products discussed in this manual. 

These products are developed and delivered to the public with the 

integrated use of standardized procedures, terminology, technologies, 

and data systems in a cooperative environment that includes Federal, 

State, and local units of government and universities (i.e., the National 

Cooperative Soil Survey).

The appendices provide examples of four main pillars of soil survey 

information: (1) official soil series descriptions (OSDs), (2) detailed 

map unit descriptions, (3) the National Cooperative Soil Survey Soil 

Characterization Database, and (4) Web Soil Survey.

The OSD database is the national collection of more than 20,000 

detailed soil series descriptions from across the U.S. and its territories. 

The OSDs are managed in a text format following specific standards 

for organization and content. The name of a soil series is the common 

reference term used in the name of soil map units. Soil series are the 

most homogenous classes in Soil Taxonomy. The descriptions contain 

soil properties that define a specific soil series and distinguish it from 

other soil series and serve as the basis for the taxonomic classification.

As an example, the official description of the Olton series follows.

Olton Series

Location, Olton: TX+NM

Established Series

Rev. TCB-JKA-RM

08/2016

The Olton series consists of very deep, well drained, moderately 

slowly permeable soils that formed in clayey, calcareous eolian sediments 

in the Blackwater Draw Formation of Pleistocene age. These soils are 
556 Appendix 1

on nearly level to gently sloping plains and upper side slopes of playas 

and draws. Slope ranges from 0 to 5 percent. Mean annual precipitation 

is 483 mm (19 in), and mean annual temperature is 15 degrees C (59 

degrees F).

TAXONOMIC CLASS: Fine, mixed, superactive, thermic Aridic 

Paleustolls

TYPICAL PEDON: Olton clay loam, on a northeast-facing, convex, 

2 percent slope in cropland at an elevation of about 1,120 m (3,675 ft.). 

(Colors are for dry soil unless otherwise stated.) 

A—0 to 20 cm (0 to 8 in); brown (7.5YR 4/2) clay loam, dark brown 

(7.5YR 3/2) moist; moderate medium granular and subangular 

blocky structure; hard, friable; many fine roots; common fine pores; 

common earthworm channels; common wormcasts; neutral; gradual 

smooth boundary. (15 to 36 cm [6 to 14 in] thick) 

Bt1—20 to 38 cm (8 to 15 in); brown (7.5YR 4/2) clay loam, dark brown 

(7.5YR 3/2) moist; moderate fine and medium subangular blocky 

structure; very hard, firm; common fine roots; few fine pores and root 

channels; few distinct clay films on faces of peds; slightly alkaline; 

gradual wavy boundary. (10 to 25 cm [4 to 10 in] thick) 

Bt2—38 to 79 cm (15 to 31 in); reddish brown (5YR 5/4) clay loam, 

reddish brown (5YR 4/4) moist; moderate medium angular blocky 

structure; very hard, firm; few fine roots, mostly between peds; 

earthworm channels and casts; few distinct clay films on faces of 

peds; noneffervescent in upper part; few films and threads of calcium 

carbonate at a depth of about 22 inches, slightly effervescent; 

moderately alkaline; gradual wavy boundary. (20 to 41 cm [8 to 16 

in] thick) 

Btk1—79 to 122 cm (31 to 48 in); reddish brown (5YR 5/4) clay loam, 

reddish brown (5YR 4/4) moist; weak medium angular blocky 

structure; very hard, firm; common fine root channels and pores; 

few distinct clay films on faces of peds; about 5 percent fine films 

and threads of calcium carbonate; violently effervescent; moderately 

alkaline; clear wavy boundary. (38 to 66 cm [15 to 26 in] thick) 

Btk2—122 to 191 cm (48 to 75 in); pink (5YR 7/3) clay loam, light 

reddish brown (5YR 6/4) moist; weak medium angular blocky 

and subangular blocky structure; hard, firm; about 35 percent fine 

and medium calcium carbonate masses and medium and coarse 

calcium carbonate concretions and nodules; violently effervescent; 

moderately alkaline; diffuse wavy boundary. (25 to 91 cm [10 to 26 

in] thick) 
Soil Survey Manual 557

Btk3—191 to 251 cm (75 to 99 in); red (2.5YR 5/6) clay loam, red 

(2.5YR 4/6) moist; weak very coarse prismatic structure parting to 

moderate medium subangular blocky; very hard, firm; few distinct 

clay films on faces of peds and clay bridged sand grains; common 

soft to weakly cemented films of calcium carbonate, amount 

decreases with depth and is less than 2 percent in lower part of 

horizon; strongly effervescent ped surfaces, some noneffervescent 

ped interiors; moderately alkaline. 

TYPE LOCATION: Randall County, Texas; from the intersection of 

U.S. Highways 87 and 60 in Canyon, 8.9 kilometers (5.5 miles) west 

on U.S. Highway 60, about 2.4 kilometers (1.5 miles) north on county 

road, 966 meters (0.6 mile) east and 644 m (0.4 mile) north in cultivated 

field or 854 m (2,800 ft.) east and 488 m (1,600 ft.) north of SE corner 

of sec. 7, Block 1. T. T. R. R. Survey; latitude: 35 degrees, 01 minute, 

28 seconds N; longitude: 102 degrees, 01 minute, 03 seconds W; Bivins 

Lake, Texas USGS quad; NAD27. 

RANGE IN CHARACTERISTICS: Soil moisture: An ustic moisture 

regime bordering on aridic. The soil moisture control section is dry in 

some or all parts for more than 180 but less than 205 days, cumulative, 

in normal years. July through August and December through February 

are the driest months. These soils are intermittently moist in September 

through November and March through June.

Mean annual soil temperature: 15 to 18 degrees C (59 to 64 degrees F)

Depth to argillic horizon: 15 to 36 cm (6 to 14 in)

Depth to secondary carbonates: 36 to 71 cm (14 to 28 in)

Depth to calcic horizon: 76 to 152 cm (30 to 60 in)

Solum thickness: more than 203 cm (80 in)

Particle-size control section: 35 to 50 percent silicate clay

A horizon: 

Hue: 5YR to 10YR 

Value: 3 to 5, 2 to 4 moist 

Chroma: 2 or 3 

Texture: Loam, clay loam 

Effervescence: None to slight 

Reaction: Neutral to moderately alkaline 

Bt horizons: 

Hue: 5YR or 7.5YR 

Value: 3 to 5, 2 to 4 moist 

Chroma: 2 to 6 
558 Appendix 1

Texture: Clay loam, clay 

Visible calcium carbonate: Few films and threads at about 56 cm (22 in) 

Effervescence: None to slight 

Reaction: Slightly alkaline or moderately alkaline 

Btk horizons: 

Hue: 2.5 to 7.5YR 

Value: 5 to 7, 4 to 6 moist 

Chroma: 3 to 8 

Texture: Clay loam, silty clay loam 

Visible calcium carbonate: 15 to 60 percent as masses, films, threads, 

concretions, and nodules

Effervescence: Violent 

Reaction: Moderately alkaline or strongly alkaline 

B′t horizon below the calcic (where present): 

Hue: 2.5YR to 7.5YR 

Value: 5 to 7, 4 to 6 moist 

Chroma: 3 to 8 

Texture: Loam, sandy clay loam, clay loam 

Visible calcium carbonate: Few threads, films, and nodules 

Effervescence: Slight or strong 

Reaction: Moderately alkaline or strongly alkaline 

COMPETING SERIES: There are no other series in this family. Similar 

soils include the Acuff, Estacado, Pullman, and Pantex series.

Acuff series: Has 18 to 35 percent silicate clay in the particle-size 

control section. 

Estacado series: Is calcareous in upper horizons and has 20 to 35 

percent silicate clay in the particle-size control section. 

Pantex and Pullman series: Have COLE of more than 0.06. 

GEOGRAPHIC SETTING:

Parent material: Clayey, calcareous eolian sediments in the Blackwater 

Draw Formation of Pleistocene age

Landform: Nearly level to gently sloping plains and upper side slopes of 

playas and draws

Slopes: Dominantly less than 3 percent, but can range up to 5 percent

Mean annual air temperature: 14 to 17 degrees C (57 to 62 degrees F)

Mean annual precipitation: 432 to 533 mm (17 to 21 in)

Frost-free period: 180 to 220 days

Elevation: 793 to 1,524 m (2,600 to 5,000 ft.)

Thornthwaite annual P-E Index values: 30 to 34
Soil Survey Manual 559

GEOGRAPHICALLY ASSOCIATED SOILS: These are the similar 

Acuff, Estacado, and Pullman series and also the Amarillo, Pep, and 

Portales series. 

Acuff, Amarillo, and Estacado soils: Are in landscape positions 

similar to those of the Olton series and average less than 35 

percent clay in the particle-size control section. 

Pep soils: Are in landscape positions similar to those of the Olton 

series and do not have an argillic horizon. 

Portales soils: Are in slightly lower landscape positions and average 

less than 35 percent clay in the particle-size control section. 

Pullman soils: Are in landscape positions similar to those of the 

Olton series and have COLE of more than 0.06. 

DRAINAGE AND PERMEABILITY: Well drained. Moderately slow 

permeability. Runoff is low where slopes are 0 to 1 percent and medium 

where slopes are 1 to 5 percent. 

USE AND VEGETATION: Mainly cultivated for cotton, sorghum, 

and winter wheat. A considerable acreage is irrigated. Climax native 

vegetation is dominantly shortgrasses with a few midgrasses and includes 

blue grama and buffalograss. Also included are lesser amounts of vinemesquite, western wheatgrass, sideoats grama, galleta, tobosa, silver 

bluestem, wild alfalfa, and prairie clover. This soil has been correlated to 

the Deep Hardland (077CY022TX) range site in MLRA 77C. 

DISTRIBUTION AND EXTENT: Southern High Plains, Southern Part 

(MLRA 77C in LRR H) of western Texas and eastern New Mexico. The 

series is extensive. 

MLRA SOIL SURVEY REGIONAL OFFICE (SSRO) 

RESPONSIBLE: Temple, Texas 

SERIES ESTABLISHED: Lamb County, Texas; 1960. 

REMARKS: This is a Benchmark Series. 

Diagnostic horizons and features recognized in this pedon are:

Mollic epipedon: 0 to 38 cm (0 to 15 in) (A, Bt1 horizons) 

Argillic horizon: 20 to 251 cm (8 to 99 in) (Bt1, Bt2, Btk1, Btk2, 

Btk3 horizons) 

Calcic horizon: 79 to 191 cm (31 to 75 in) (Btk1, Btk2 horizons) 

ADDITIONAL DATA: NSSL Characterization data: Sample Nos. 

S78TX-381-001 and S90TX-381-001, 001A, 001B, 001C, 001D 
560 Appendix 1

(Randall Co.); S81TX-069-001 (Castro Co.); S90TX-359-001, 001A, 

001B, 001C, 001D (Oldham Co.); S81TX-069-001 and S93TX-069-001 

(Castro Co.); and S92TX-369-001, 001B, 001C, 001D, 001E, 001F and 

S96TX-369-001, 002 (Parmer Co.). USDA-ARS Bulletin B-1727 “Olton 

Soils, Distribution, Importance, Variability and Management” 4-98, Paul 

W. Unger and Fred B. Pringle. 

Taxonomic Version: Keys to Soil Taxonomy, Twelfth Edition, 2014. 

Figure A-1

Profile of the Olton series.
Append ix

2

Detailed Map Unit Description

The following map unit description is typical of those produced by 

the Web Soil Survey (WSS). Note that for ease of use by the public 

in the U.S., metric units have been converted to English units.

OcA—Olton clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes

Map Unit Setting

National map unit symbol: f5sv

Elevation: 2,800 to 5,000 feet

Mean annual precipitation: 17 to 21 inches

Mean annual air temperature: 57 to 63 degrees F

Frost-free period: 185 to 220 days

Farmland classification: Prime farmland if irrigated

Map Unit Composition

Olton and similar soils: 85 percent

Minor components: 15 percent

Estimates are based on observations, descriptions, and transects of 

the map unit.

Setting

Landform: Plains

Down-slope shape: Linear

Across-slope shape: Linear

Parent material: Clayey eolian deposits from the Blackwater Draw 

Formation of Pleistocene age

Typical profile

Ap - 0 to 8 inches: clay loam

Bt - 8 to 31 inches: clay loam 

Btk1 - 31 to 48 inches: clay loam 

Btk2 - 48 to 80 inches: clay loam

Properties and qualities

Slope: 0 to 1 percent
562 Appendix 2

Depth to restrictive feature: More than 80 inches

Natural drainage class: Well drained

Runoff class: Low

Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat 

): 

Moderately high (0.20 to 0.57 in/hr)

Depth to water table: More than 80 inches

Frequency of flooding: None

Frequency of ponding: None

Calcium carbonate, maximum in profile: 50 percent

Salinity, maximum in profile: Nonsaline (0.0 to 1.0 mmho/cm)

Sodium adsorption ratio, maximum in profile: 1.0

Available water storage in profile: Moderate (about 8.9 inches)

Interpretive groups

Land capability classification (irrigated): 2e 

Land capability classification (nonirrigated): 3e 

Hydrologic soil group: C

Ecological site: Deep Hardland 16-21′′ PZ (R077CY022TX)

Hydric soil rating: No

Minor Components

Pullman soils

Percent of map unit: 7 percent

Landform: Plains

Down-slope shape: Linear

Across-slope shape: Linear

Ecological site: Deep Hardland 16-21′′ PZ (R077CY022TX)

Hydric soil rating: No

Acuff soils

Percent of map unit: 5 percent

Landform: Plains

Down-slope shape: Linear

Across-slope shape: Linear

Ecological site: Deep Hardland 16-21′′ PZ (R077CY022TX)

Hydric soil rating: No

Estacado soils

Percent of map unit: 3 percent

Landform: Plains

Down-slope shape: Linear

Across-slope shape: Linear

Ecological site: Deep Hardland 16-21′′ PZ (R077CY022TX)

Hydric soil rating: No
Append ix

3

NCSS Soil Characterization 

Database

The National Cooperative Soil Survey (NCSS) Soil Characterization 

Database contains the analytical results from the Kellogg Soil 

Survey Laboratory (KSSL) at the National Soil Survey Center 

(NSSC) in Lincoln, Nebraska, as well as the results from numerous 

cooperating State university laboratories in the United States. Properties 

measured in the laboratory serve as the basis for interpretations related to 

soil use and management. Standardized methodologies and procedures 

used in the laboratory are contained in the Kellogg Soil Survey Laboratory 

Methods Manual, Soil Survey Investigations Report (SSIR) No. 42 

(by the Soil Survey Staff). The KSSL data are provided in reports (for 

example, Primary and Supplementary Characterization Data Sheets) and 

are available in various electronic forms, including online, tape, CD, and 

DVD. 

The database includes pedons that represent the central concept of a 

soil series, pedons that represent the central concept of a map unit but not 

of a series, and pedons sampled to bracket a range of properties within 

a series or landscape. Not all analyses are conducted for every soil. 

Suites of analytical procedures are run based upon anticipated or known 

conditions regarding the nature of the soil being analyzed. Results are 

reported in tiers. For example, soils of arid environments are routinely 

analyzed for salts and carbonates as part of the standard analysis suite. 

Tables A-1 and A-2 show some of the primary characterization data and 

supplemental data for a pedon of Olton series sampled in Castro County, 

Texas, in 2006.
Table A-1

Primary Characterization Data

*** Primary Characterization Data ***

Pedon ID: S2006TX069003 ( Castro, Texas )

Sampled as on Mar 29, 2006: Olton; Fine, mixed, superactive, thermic Calcic HaplustertRevised to correlated: Olton; Fine, mixed, superactive, thermic Aridic Paleustolls

United States D

SSL - Project C2006USNL085 MLRA 77D Natural Resou

- Site ID S2006TX069003 Lat: 34° 20’ 54.50” north Long: 102° 10’ 55.09” west MLRA: 77D National Soil S- Pedon No. 06N0716 Kellogg Soil S- General Methods 1B1A, 2A1, 2B Lincoln, Nebra

Layer Horizon Orig Hzn Depth (cm) Field Label 1 Field Label 2 Field Label 3 Field Texture Lab Texture06N02986 Ap Ap 0-12 S06TX069-003-1 CL CL06N02987 Bt1 Bt1 12-27 S06TX069-003-2 C CL06N02988 Bt2 Bt2 27-48 S06TX069-003-3 C CL06N02989 Btk Btk 48-99 S06TX069-003-4 SCL CL06N02990 Btkk1 Btkk1 99-125 S06TX069-003-5 CL C06N02991 Btkk2 Btkk2 125-203 S06TX069-003-6 CL CL

Pedon Calculations 

Calculation Name Result Units of Measure

LE, Whole Soil, Summed to 1m 6 cm/m
PSDA & Rock Fragments -1- -2- -3- -4- -5- -6- -7- -8- -9- -10- -11- 

(- - - - Total -- - - -) (- - Clay - - -) (- -- - Silt - - - -) (- - - - - - - - - - - - Sand - - - - 

Lab Clay Silt Sand Fine CO3 Fine Coarse VF F M 

Text- < .002 .05 < < .002 .02 .05 .10 .25 

Depth ure .002 -.05 -2 .0002 .002 -.02 -.05 -.10 -.25 -.50 

Layer (cm) Horz Prep (- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - % of <2mm Mineral Soil - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

3A1a1a 3A1a1a 3A1a1a 3A1a1a 3A1a1a 3A1a1a 3A1a1a 

06N02986 0-12 Ap S cl 31.8 37.9 30.3 22.5 13.9 24.0 16.8 11.2 2.2 

06N02987 12-27 Bt1 S cl 32.7 36.8 30.5 25.1 14.5 22.3 16.8 11.5 2.1 

06N02988 27-48 Bt2 S cl 39.0 33.9 27.1 28.8 13.8 20.1 13.8 11.4 1.9 

06N02989 48-99 Btk S cl 36.9 33.0 30.1 16.0 1.3 11.9 21.1 14.7 12.3 2.7 

06N02990 99-125 Btkk1 S c 41.3 38.1 20.6 9.4 30.7 25.4 12.7 10.4 7.9 2.0 

06N02991 125-203 Btkk2 S cl 38.3 40.3 21.4 9.7 24.5 26.7 13.6 10.8 8.4 1.7 

Bulk Density & Moisture -1- -2- -3- -4- -5- -6- -7- -8- -9- -10- -11- 

(Bulk Density) Cole (--------------Water Content-------------) WRD Aggst33 Oven Whole 6 10 33 1500 1500 kPa Ratio Whole Stabl 

Depth kPa Dry Soil kPa kPa kPa kPa Moist AD/

OD

Soil 2-0.5m

Layer (cm) Horz Prep (- - - g cm-3 - - -) (- - - - - - - - % of < 2mm - - - - - - ---) cm3 cm-3 %

DbWR1 DbWR1 DbWR1 3C2a1a 3D1

06N02986 0-12 Ap S 1.27 1.52 0.062 25.0 13.3 1.036 0.15 06N02987 12-27 Bt1 S 1.39 1.71 0.072 25.6 14.2 1.039 0.16 06N02988 27-48 Bt2 S 1.39 1.73 0.076 26.9 16.0 1.045 0.15 06N02989 48-99 Btk S 1.48 1.74 0.055 22.8 14.9 1.044 0.12 06N02990 99-125 Btkk1 S 1.43 1.50 0.016 22.8 9.3 1.017 0.19 06N02991 125-203 Btkk2 S 1.50 1.63 0.028 18.8 9.6 1.019 0.13 
Carbon & Extractions -1- -2- -3- -4- -5- -6- -7- -8- -9- -10- -11- -12- -13- -14- 

(- - - - - Total - - - - -) Est OC C/N (Dith-Cit Ext) (- - - - Ammonium Oxalate Extraction 

Depth C N S OC (WB) Ratio Fe Al Mn Al+1⁄2Fe ODOE Fe Al Si 

Layer (cm) Horz Prep (- - - - - % of <2 mm - - - - - -) (- - - - - - - - -- - - - - - % of < 2mm - - - - - - - - - - - - -) 

4H2a 4H2a 4H2a 4G1 4G1 4G1 4G2 4G2 4G2 4G2 

06N02986 0-12 Ap S 1.18 0.13 tr 1.2 9 0.9 0.1 tr -- 0.02 -- -- -- 06N02987 12-27 Bt1 S 0.65 0.09 tr 0.6 7 0.9 0.1 tr 0.13 0.02 0.08 0.09 0.06 06N02988 27-48 Bt2 S 0.63 0.09 -- 0.6 7 1.1 0.1 tr 0.16 0.02 0.09 0.12 0.07 06N02989 48-99 Btk S 0.69 0.09 -- 0.3 4 1.0 0.1 tr 0.13 0.01 0.06 0.10 0.06 06N02990 99-125 Btkk1 S 6.93 0.09 -- 0.4 5 0.3 -- -- 0.02 0.01 0.01 0.02 0.02 06N02991 125-203 Btkk2 S 6.11 0.03 0.01 0.2 5 0.3 -- -- 0.02 0.01 0.01 0.02 0.02 CEC & Bases -1- -2- -3- -4- -5- -6- -7- -8- -9- -10-- -11- 

(- - - - - NH4OAC Extractable Bases - - - -) CEC8 CEC7 ECEC 

Sum Acid- Extr KCl Sum NH4 Bases 

Depth Ca Mg Na K Bases ity Al Mn Cats OAC +Al 

Layer (cm) Horz Prep (- - - - - - - - - - -- - - - cmol(+) kg-1 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -) mg kg-1 (- - - - cmol(+) kg-1 - - -) 

4B1a1a 4B1a1a 4B1a1a 4B1a1a 4B2b1a1 4B1a1a

06N02986 0-12 Ap S 13.0* 6.3 -- 1.9 21.2 3.2 24.4 19.6 

06N02987 12-27 Bt1 S 14.6* 5.9 -- 1.1 21.6 2.4 20.4 

06N02988 27-48 Bt2 S 18.6* 7.0 0.1 0.9 26.6 2.4 23.7 

06N02989 48-99 Btk S 50.2* 6.9 0.2 0.8 58.1 20.7 

06N02990 99-125 Btkk1 S 45.6* 3.7 0.3 0.4 50.0 7.2 

06N02991 125-203 Btkk2 S 46.4* 3.1 0.3 0.5 50.3 8.1 

*Extractable Ca may contain Ca from calcium carbonate or gypsum. CEC7 base saturation set to 100. 
Salt -1- -2- -3- -4- -5- -6- -7- -8- -9- -10- -11- -12- -13- -14- -15- -16- 

(- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - -- - - Water Extracted From Saturated Paste - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

Total 

Depth Ca Mg Na K CO3 HCO3 F Cl PO4 Br OAC SO4 NO2 NO3 H2O Salts 

Layer (cm) Horz Prep (--- mmol(+) L-1 - -) (- - - - - -- - - - - - -- - - - - mmol(-) L-1 - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - -) (- - % - ---) 

4F2 4F2 4F2 4F2 4F2 4F2 4F2 4F2 4F2 4F2 4F2 4F2 4F2 4F2 4F2 

06N02986 0-12 Ap S 2.5 1.6 0.3 0.6 -- 3.7 -- 0.7 tr -- -- 0.6 tr 0.1 56.3 -- 

06N02987 12-27 Bt1 S 

06N02988 27-48 Bt2 S 

06N02989 48-99 Btk S 

06N02990 99-125 Btkk1 S 

06N02991 125-203 Btkk2 S 2.1 0.8 3.2 0.2 -- 1.7 0.2 2.0 -- -- -- 2.8 tr tr 43.1 tr 

pH & Carbonates -1- -2- -3- -4- -5- -6- -7- -8- -9- -10- -11-

(- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- pH - - - - - - - - - - - - - -) (- - Carbonate - -) (- - Gypsum - - -)

CaCl2 As CaCO3 As CaSO4*2H2O Re

Depth 0.01M H2O Sat <2mm <20mm <2mm <20mm oh

Layer (cm) Horz Prep KCl 1:2 1:1 Paste Oxid NaF (- - - - - - -- - - - - - % - - - --- - - - - - - -) cm

4C1a2a 4C1a2a 4F2 4E1a1a1a1

06N02986 0-12 Ap S 6.8 7.1 7.106N02987 12-27 Bt1 S 7.3 7.6 tr

06N02988 27-48 Bt2 S 7.5 7.8 tr

06N02989 48-99 Btk S 7.8 8.2 3

06N02990 99-125 Btkk1 S 7.9 8.5 54

06N02991 125-203 Btkk2 S 7.8 8.3 8.0 49
Phosphorous -1- -2- -3- -4- -5- -6- -7- -8- -9- -10- -11- -12-

(- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Phosphorous - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -) KCl

Melanic NZ Acid Anion Exch Resin Bray Bray Olsen H2O Citric Mehlich Extr

Depth Index Oxal Available Capacity 1 2 Acid III NO3

Layer (cm) Horz Prep % (- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - mg kg-1 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -)

4D8a1 4G2

06N02986 0-12 Ap S 14 --

06N02987 12-27 Bt1 S 18 82.2

06N02988 27-48 Bt2 S 23 54.5

06N02989 48-99 Btk S 25 40.0

06N02990 99-125 Btkk1 S 78 113.7

06N02991 125-203 Btkk2 S 87 109.0

Clay Mineralogy (<.002 mm) -1- -2- -3- -4- -5- -6- -7- -8- -9- -10- -11- -12- -13- -14- -15- 

X-Ray Thermal Elemental 

SiO2 Al2O3 Fe2O3 MgO CaO K2O 

Depth Fract 7A1a1 

Layer (cm) Horz ion ( - - - - - - peak size - - - - - ) (- - - - % - - - - -) (- - - - - -- - - - - -- - - - - % - - - - - - - - - - - - 

06N02986 0.0-12.0 Ap tcly MI 3 KK 2 QZ 1 

06N02988 27.0-48.0 Bt2 tcly KK 2 QZ 1 06N02991 125.0-203.0 Btkk2 tcly CA 3 MI 1 KK 1 FRACTION INTERPRETATION:tcly - Total Clay <0.002 mm

MINERAL INTERPRETATION:CA Calcite KK Kaolinite MI Mica QZ QuartzRELATIVE PEAK SIZE: 5 Very Large 4 Large 3 Medium 2 Small 1 Very Small 6 No Peaks
INTERPRETATION (BY HORIZON):CMIX - Mixed ClaySand - Silt Mineralogy (2.0-0.002 mm) -1- -2- -3- -4- -5- -6- -7- -8- -9- -10- -11- -12- -13- -14- -15- 

X-Ray Thermal Optical 

Tot Re Grain Count 

Depth Fract 7B1a2 

Layer (cm) Horz ion ( - -- - peak size - - - - ) (-- - - - % - - - -- -) (- - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - % -- - - - - - - - - - - - 

06N02987 12.0-27.0 Bt1 csi 89 QZ 83 FK 8 CD 3 OP 2 PR 2 

PO tr TM tr ZR tr FP tr GN tr HN tr MS tr AR tr BT tr BY tr 

FRACTION INTERPRETATION:csi - Coarse Silt 0.02-0.05 mmMINERAL INTERPRETATION:AR Weatherable Aggregates BT Biotite BY Beryl CB Carbonate Aggregates CD Chert (ChFE Iron Oxides (Goethite FK Potassium Feldspar FP Plagioclase Feldspar GN Garnet GS GlassHN Hornblende MS Muscovite OP Opaques PO Plant Opal PR PyroxeneQZ Quartz TM Tourmaline ZR ZirconINTERPRETATION (BY HORIZON):SMIX - Mixed Sand
Table A-2

Supplementary Characterization Data

*** Supplementary Characterization Data ***

Pedon ID: S2006TX069003 ( Castro, Texas )Sampled as on Mar 29, 2006: Olton; Fine, mixed, superactive, thermic Calcic HaplustertRevised to correlated: Olton; Fine, mixed, superactive, thermic Aridic Paleustolls

Uni

SSL - Project C2006USNL085 MLRA 77D Nat

- Site ID S2006TX069003 Lat: 34° 20’ 54.50” north Long: 102° 10’ 55.09” west MLRA: 77D Nat- Pedon No. 06N0716 Kel

- General Methods 1B1A, 2A1, 2B Linc

Tier 1 -1- -2- -3- -4- -5- -6- -7- -8- -9- -10- -11- -12- -13- -14- -15- -16- -17- -

( - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Engineering PSDA - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - -) (------ Cumulative Curve F

Percentage Passing Sieve USDA Less Than D

Depth 3 2 3/2 1 3/4 3/8 4 10 40 200 20 5 2 1. .5 .25 .10 .

Layer (cm) Horz Prep (---------------Inches--------------) (------Number-------) (----Microns---) (---------Millimeter--------

06N02986 0-12 Ap S 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 99 80 46 37 32 100 100 98 87 7

06N02987 12-27 Bt1 S 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 99 80 47 38 33 100 100 98 86 7

06N02988 27-48 Bt2 S 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 81 53 44 39 100 100 98 87 7

06N02989 48-99 Btk S 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 99 98 77 48 41 37 99 99 96 84 6

06N02990 99-125 Btkk1 S 100 100 100 100 100 99 98 96 95 82 64 49 40 96 96 94 86 7

06N02991 125-203 Btkk2 S 100 100 100 100 100 99 98 97 96 82 63 47 37 97 97 95 87 7
Tier 2 -26- -27- -28- -29- -30- -31- -32- -33- -34- -35- -36- -37- -38- -39- -40- -41- -42- -43- 

(- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Weight Fractions - - -- -- - - - - - - - - - - -) (- - - - - - --- - - - - Weigh

Whole Soil (mm) <75 mm Fraction Whole Soil 

>2 250 250 75 75 20 5 75 75 20 5 Soil Sur Engineering 

Depth -UP -75 -2 -20 -5 -2 <2 -2 -20 -5 -2 <2 33 Oven Moist Satu

Layer (cm) Horz Prep (------------- % of Whole Soil --------------) (---- % of <75 mm -----) kPa -dry -ated 

06N02986 0-12 Ap S -- -- -- -- -- 100 -- -- -- -- 100 1.27 1.52 1.59 1.79 

06N02987 12-27 Bt1 S -- -- -- -- -- 100 -- -- -- -- 100 1.39 1.71 1.75 1.87 

06N02988 27-48 Bt2 S -- -- -- -- -- 100 -- -- -- -- 100 1.39 1.73 1.77 1.87 

06N02989 48-99 Btk S 1 1 -- tr 1 99 1 -- tr 1 99 1.49 1.75 1.83 1.93 

06N02990 99-125 Btkk1 S 4 4 tr 2 2 96 4 tr 2 2 96 1.46 1.53 1.78 1.91 

06N02991 125-203 Btkk2 S 3 3 -- 2 1 97 3 -- 2 1 97 1.51 1.64 1.78 1.94 

Tier 3 -51- -52- -53- -54- -55- -56- -57- -58- -59- -60- -61- -62- -63- -64- -65- -66- -67- 

(- - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - Volume Fractions - - -- - - - - - - - - - - -) C (- - - -- - Ratios T

Whole Soil (mm) At 33 kPa /N <2 mm F

>2 250 250 75 75 20 5 2- .05- LT Pores Rat Fine CEC 

Depth -UP -75 -2 -20 -5 -2 <2 .05 .002 .002 D F -io Clay Sum NH4

Layer (cm) Horz Prep (---------------------------- % of Whole Soil --------------------------) Cats OAC 

06N02986 0-12 Ap S -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 100 14 18 15 20 32 9 0.71 0.77 

06N02987 12-27 Bt1 S -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 100 16 19 17 12 36 7 0.77 

06N02988 27-48 Bt2 S -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 100 14 18 20 10 38 7 0.74 

06N02989 48-99 Btk S 1 -- -- 1 -- -- 1 99 17 18 21 10 34 4 0.43 

06N02990 99-125 Btkk1 S 2 -- -- 2 tr 1 1 98 11 20 22 13 32 5 0.23 

06N02991 125-203 Btkk2 S 1 -- -- 2 -- 1 1 99 12 23 21 16 27 5 0.25 
Tier 4 -76- -77- -78- -79- -80- -81- -82- -83- -84- -85- -86- -87- -88- -89- -90- -91- 

(- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Weight Fractions - Clay Free - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -) Text (------------ Whole Soil -------------) (---------------- <2 mm Fraction ----------------) -ure 

>2 75 20 2- .05- < (------------ Sands -----------) (-- Silts -) Cl by 

Depth -20 -2 .05 .002 .002 VC C M F VF C F ay PSDA 

Layer (cm) Horz Prep (--- % of >2 mm Sand and Silt ---) (-----------------% of Sand and Silt -------------) <2 mm 

06N02986 0-12 Ap S -- -- -- 44 56 47 -- tr 3 16 25 35 20 47 cl 

06N02987 12-27 Bt1 S -- -- -- 45 55 49 -- tr 3 17 25 33 22 49 cl 

06N02988 27-48 Bt2 S -- -- -- 44 56 64 -- -- 3 19 23 33 23 64 cl 

06N02989 48-99 Btk S 2 2 2 47 51 58 tr tr 4 19 23 33 19 58 cl 

06N02990 99-125 Btkk1 S 7 7 7 33 61 66 tr tr 3 13 18 22 43 70 c 

06N02991 125-203 Btkk2 S 5 5 5 33 62 59 tr tr 3 14 18 22 43 62 cl 
Append ix

4

Web Soil Survey

By Kenneth Scheffe and Soil Science Division Staff.

Soil Survey Maps and Map Products

Web Soil Survey (WSS) is the largest natural resource 

information delivery system in the world. It is the primary 

delivery mechanism for the maps and data of the National 

Cooperative Soil Survey and is operated by the USDA Natural Resources 

Conservation Service. Information can be displayed as maps (fig. A-2) or 

in tables. The user selects an area of interest on a map and then can view 

and print a soils map of the area. The user can also access additional soil 

data for the area. The mapping can be used for natural resource planning 

and management by landowners, townships, counties, and others. 

Some knowledge regarding soils data and map scale is necessary to 

avoid misunderstandings. WSS is updated and maintained as the single 

authoritative source of soil survey information.

The data system supporting WSS is the SSURGO (Soil Survey 

Geographic) database, which consists of spatial and tabular databases. 

SSURGO datasets consist of digital map data, tabular data, and information about how the maps and tables were created. The extent of a 

SSURGO dataset is a soil survey area, which may consist of a single 

county, multiple counties, or parts of multiple counties.

Soil maps generated in WSS show the soil map unit names and 

symbols. A legend of conventional and special symbols appearing on 

the soil maps (fig. A-3 and table A-3) is also generated. The maps are 

linked to information about the component soils and their properties for 

each map unit. Each map unit includes up to three major components and 

some minor components. Web Soil Survey allows map-based display and 

tabular data for: (1) soil properties and qualities, (2) interpretive ratings 

(suitabilities and limitations) for various uses, (3) soil reports, and (4) 

ecological site assessments. 
574 Appendix 4

Figure A-2

Soil map showing an area of interest on the Southern High Plains of western Texas 

and eastern New Mexico. The area is part of Major Land Resource Area 77C in Land 

Resource Area H. Note the distribution of map unit OcA (Olton clay loam, 0 to 1 

percent slopes).

Figure A-3

The map legend and conventional symbols found on soil maps.
Soil Survey Manual 575

Table A-3

Map Unit Symbols and Names Displayed on the Soil Map for 

the Area of Interest

Curry County and Southwest Part of Quay County, New Mexico (NM669)

Map 

Unit 

Symbol

Map Unit Name Acres 

in AOI

Percent 

of AOI

AcA Acuff loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes 1,052.6 17.5%

AcB Acuff loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes 373.9 6.2%

AfA Amarillo fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes 28.6 0.5%

AfB Amarillo fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes 23.6 0.4%

BcA Bippus clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, 

occasionally flooded

25.5 0.4%

EsA Estacado loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes 86.0 1.4%

EsB Estacado loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes 137.6 2.3%

KmB Kimberson gravelly loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes 80.6 1.3%

OcA Olton clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes 4,083.0 67.8%

PsB Posey fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes 113.4 1.9%

RcA Ranco clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently 

ponded

5.6 0.1%

SpA Sparenberg clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, 

occasionally ponded

10.8 0.2%

Totals for Area of Interest 6,021.1 100.0%

Soil properties and qualities are presented as aggregate values 

or classes that were measured, observed, or estimated for each soil 

component of map units in the survey area. A broad array of physical and 

chemical properties, as well as soil qualities and features (such as depth, 

drainage class, and hydrologic soil group) are displayed on a thematic 

map and in tabular format.

Suitabilities and limitations are soil ratings for various uses, such 

as agricultural production, engineering, urban development, and waste 

and water management. Tables list the properties or qualities that limit 

a soil’s suitability for given uses. The interpretations are displayed as 

thematic maps with a summary table for the soil map units in the selected 

area of interest. 

For each map unit, a single value or rating is generated by 

aggregating the interpretive ratings of individual map unit components. 

This aggregation process is defined for each interpretation. Aggregation 
576 Appendix 4

is the process by which a set of component values is reduced to a single 

value that represents the map unit as a whole. Once a single value for 

each map unit is derived, a thematic map for soil map units can be 

rendered. Aggregation is necessary because map units are delineated 

but individual components are not. For each component in a map unit, a 

corresponding percent composition is recorded. For example, a percent 

composition of 60 indicates that the corresponding component typically 

makes up approximately 60 percent of the map unit. Percent composition 

is a critical factor in some, but not all, aggregation methods. Table A-4 

lists the various aggregation methods.

Soil reports include various formatted tabular and narrative reports 

(tables) containing data for each soil map unit in the selected area of 

interest and for each component of each soil map unit. The reports contain 

soil interpretive information as well as basic soil properties and qualities, 

Table A-4

Aggregation Methods 

[These methods determine the attribute value for thematic maps of soil 

properties and interpretative ratings in WSS.]

Method Description

Dominant 

Condition

Groups components in a map unit based on likevalues for the attribute. For each group, percent 

composition becomes the sum of the percent 

composition of all components in the group. These 

groups therefore represent conditions rather than 

components. If more than one group shares the 

highest percent composition, a corresponding tiebreaker rule determines which value is returned.

Dominant 

Component

Returns the attribute value associated with the 

component that has the highest percent composition 

in the map unit. If more than one component shares 

the highest percent composition, a corresponding 

tie-breaker rule determines which value is returned.

Most Limiting Suitable only for attributes used to generate a soil 

suitablity rating for a particular use. The most 

limiting result among all components of the map 

unit is returned. This method may or may not 

represent the dominant condition. The result may be 

based on the limitations of a map unit component of 

minor extent.
Soil Survey Manual 577

Table A-4.—continued

Method Description

Least Limiting Suitable only for attributes used to generate a soil 

suitablity rating for a particular use. The least 

limiting result among all components of the map 

unit is returned. This method may or may not 

represent the dominant condition. The result may be 

based on the limitations of a map unit component of 

minor extent.

Weighted 

Average

Computes a weighted average of the value for all 

components in the map unit. Percent composition is 

the weighting factor.

All 

Components

Returns the lowest or highest attribute value among 

all components of the map unit, depending on the 

corresponding tie-breaker rule. In this case, the 

tie-breaker rule indicates whether the lowest or 

highest value among all components is returned. 

For this aggregation method, percent composition 

ties cannot occur. The result returned represents 

either the minimum or the maximum value of the 

corresponding attribute throughout the map unit. 

The result may be based on a map unit component 

of minor extent.

Absence/

Presence

Returns a value, for all components of a map unit, 

that indicates if a condition is always present, 

never present, or partially present or whether the 

condition’s presence or absence is unknown. 

No 

Aggregation 

Necessary

Although the majority of soil attributes are associated 

with a component of a map unit, some are 

associated with a map unit as a whole. An attribute 

of a map unit does not have to be aggregated 

in order to render a corresponding thematic 

map. Therefore, the “aggregation method” for 

any attribute of a map unit is referred to as No 

Aggregation Necessary.

Component 

Percent 

Cutoff

Components whose percent composition is below the 

cutoff value are not considered. If no cutoff value 

is specified, all components in the database are 

considered. 

Tie-Break 

Rule

Indicates which value should be selected from a set of 

multiple candidate values, or which value should be 

selected in the event of a percent composition tie.
578 Appendix 4

Table A-4.—continued

Method Description

Interpret Nulls 

as Zero

Indicates if a null value for a component should 

be converted to zero before aggregation. This 

conversion is done only for map units that have at 

least one component for which the attribute value is 

not null.

Layer Options For an attribute of a soil horizon, a fixed depth range 

must be specified. Either centimeters or inches may 

be used, but the bottom depth must be greater than 

the top depth. The top depth can be greater than 

zero. When “Surface Layer” is specified, only the 

surface layer or horizon is used to derive a value 

for a component. When “All Layers” is specified, 

all layers recorded for a component are considered 

when deriving the value for that component. 

Whenever more than one layer or horizon is 

considered, a weighted average value is returned 

based upon layer or horizon thickness.

Month Range For an attribute that is recorded by month, a range of 

months must be specified. 

but do not require aggregation of data. Soil reports are organized by 

category, such as “Recreational Development.” A description of each 

report (table) is available.

Examples of Maps and Reports

The following pages demonstrate a few of the many maps that can 

be generated in Web Soil Survey with the full integration of spatial and 

tabular databases. Over 100 thematic maps for various suitability or 

limitation ratings have been developed as well as almost 50 thematic maps 

of soil properties and qualities. Each thematic map includes a tabular 

report by map unit and component for the thematic data. In addition, 

over 60 tabular reports of various combinations of soil interpretations, 

properties, and features can be generated.

Land Capability Class

Land capability classification shows, in a general way, the suitability 

of soils for most kinds of field crops (fig. A-4). Crops that require special 
Soil Survey Manual 579

management are excluded. The soils are grouped according to their 

limitations for field crops, the risk of damage if they are used for crops, 

and the way they respond to management. The criteria used in grouping 

the soils do not include major and generally expensive landforming that 

would change slope, depth, or other characteristics of the soils, nor do 

they include possible but unlikely major reclamation projects. Capability 

classification is not a substitute for interpretations that show suitability 

and limitations of groups of soils for rangeland, for woodland, or for 

engineering purposes.

Figure A-4

Map showing land capability class.

Capability classes, the broadest groups, are designated by the numbers 

1 through 8. The numbers indicate progressively greater limitations and 

narrower choices for practical use. The classes are defined as follows:

Class 1 soils have few limitations that restrict their use.

Class 2 soils have moderate limitations that reduce the choice of 

plants or that require moderate conservation practices.

Class 3 soils have severe limitations that reduce the choice of plants 

or that require special conservation practices, or both.

Class 4 soils have very severe limitations that reduce the choice of 

plants or that require very careful management, or both. 
580 Appendix 4

Class 5 soils are subject to little or no erosion but have other 

limitations, impractical to remove, that restrict their use mainly to 

pasture, rangeland, forestland, or wildlife habitat.

Class 6 soils have severe limitations that make them generally 

unsuitable for cultivation and that restrict their use mainly to pasture, 

rangeland, forestland, or wildlife habitat.

Class 7 soils have very severe limitations that make them unsuitable 

for cultivation and that restrict their use mainly to grazing, forestland, or 

wildlife habitat.

Class 8 soils and miscellaneous areas have limitations that preclude 

commercial plant production and that restrict their use to recreational 

purposes, wildlife habitat, watershed, or esthetic purposes. 

Hydrologic Soil Group

Hydrologic soil groups are based on estimates of runoff potential 

(fig. A-5). Soils are assigned to one of four groups according to the rate 

of water infiltration when the soils are not protected by vegetation, are 

thoroughly wet, and receive precipitation from long duration storms. The 

soils in the United States are assigned to four groups (A, B, C, and D) 

Figure A-5

Map showing hydrologic soil groups. Soils in group A are most permeable and soils in 

group D least permeable. Dual classes (e.g., C/D) indicate hydrological soil groups for 

both the drained and undrained conditions.
Soil Survey Manual 581

and three dual classes (A/D, B/D, and C/D) where the first letter is for 

drained areas and the second is for undrained areas. Only the soils that 

are in group D in their natural condition are assigned dual classes.

Ecological Site Assessments

Ecological site assessments document the ecological conditions 

and plant communities correlated to components of the soil map units. 

They provide maps (fig. A-6), descriptions, tables, illustrations, and 

photographs (fig. A-7). They include information on species composition, 

annual production, and growth curves and a state-and-transition diagram 

(fig. A-8).

An ecological site is the product of all the environmental factors 

responsible for its development. It has characteristic soils that have 

developed over time; a characteristic hydrology, particularly infiltration 

and runoff, that has developed over time; and a characteristic plant 

community (kind and amount of vegetation). The vegetation, soils, 

and hydrology are all interrelated. Each is influenced by the others and 

influences the development of the others. For example, the hydrology of 

the site is influenced by development of the soil and plant community. 

Figure A-6

Map showing ecological sites. The dominant ecological site is Deep Hardland, 16-21” 

PZ (R077CY022TX).
582 Appendix 4

Figure A-7

Shortgrass/blue gramma dominant community of the Deep Hardland ecological site 

(R077CY022TX). 

The plant community on an ecological site is typified by an association 

of species that differs from that of other ecological sites in the kind and/

or proportion of species or in total production. 

An ecological site name provides a general description of a particular 

ecological site. For example, “Loamy Upland” is the name of a rangeland 

ecological site. An ecological site ID is the symbol assigned to a particular 

ecological site. 

The “Dominant Ecological Site” map identifies the dominant 

ecological site for each map unit, aggregated by dominant condition. 

Other ecological sites may occur within each map unit. Each map unit 

typically consists of one or more components (soils and/or miscellaneous 

areas). Each soil component is associated with an ecological site. 

Miscellaneous areas, such as Rock outcrop, Sand dunes, and Badlands, 

have little or no soil material and support little or no vegetation. These 

areas are not linked to an ecological site. The table “Ecological Sites by 

Map Unit Component” lists all of the ecological sites for each map unit 

component in the area of interest. 
Soil Survey Manual 583

Figure A-8

Deep Hardland 16-21" PZ

R077CY022TX

1. Grassland State

2. Shrub/Forb State

1.1 Shortgrass/Blue grama Dominant Community

Historic Climax Plant Community

Shortgrasses and blue grama dominate. Good vigor and

optimum production.

2.1 Broom snakeweed/Annual Forbs Dominant Community

> 30% Bareground, Shortgrasses are in low vigor.

Mesquite or cholla dominates the woody component.

1.2 Degraded Shortgrass Community

Encroaching broom snakeweed, low vigor grasses and

reduced production.

LEGEND

1.1A Heavy Continuous Grazing, Brush Invasion

1.2A Prescribed Grazing

T1A Heavy Continuous Grazing, Brush Invasion

R2A Brush Management, Pest Management, Prescribed Grazing

1.2A 1.1A

R2A T1A

State-and-transition model showing pathways and causes of change in the plant 

communities.

Engineering Properties

Table A-5 gives the engineering classifications and the range 

of engineering properties for the layers of each soil in the survey 

area. Included are hydrologic soil group, USDA texture, Unified 

and AASHTO classification, coarse fragments, percent of soil 

passing standard sieves, liquid limit, and plasticity index.

Soil Chemical Properties

Table A-6 shows estimates of some chemical characteristics 

and features that affect soil behavior. These estimates are given for 

the layers of each soil in the survey area. The estimates are based 

on field observations and on test data for these and similar soils.
Table A-5

Engineering Properties and Classifications

Map unit 

symbol 

and soil 

name

Pct. 

of 

map 

unit

Hydrologic 

group

Depth

USDA texture

Classification Pct Fragments Perc

sie

Unified AASHTO

>10 

inches

3-10 

inches 4 

In L-R-H L-R-H L-R-H L

AcA—Acuff loam, 0 to 1 percent slopesAcuff 85 B 0-12 Loam CL, CLML A-4, A-6 0- 0-0 0- 0-0 100-100 -100 10

-1

12-38 Clay loam, sandy 

clay loam, loam

CL A-6, A-7-6 0- 0-0 0- 0-0 100-100

-100

10-1

38-58 Clay loam, sandy 

clay loam

CL, SM A-6, A-7-6 0- 0-0 0- 0-0 90-93-

97

8095

58-80 Clay loam, sandy 

clay loam, loam

CL, SC A-6, A-7-6 0- 0-0 0- 0-0 93-96-

99

8698

AcB—Acuff loam, 1 to 3 percent slopesAcuff 85 B 0-12 Loam CL A-6, A-4, 

A-7-6

0- 0-0 0- 0-0 100-100

-100

10-1

12-38 Clay loam, sandy 

clay loam, loam

CL A-6, A-7-6 0- 0-0 0- 0-0 100-100

-100

10-1

38-58 Clay loam, sandy 

clay loam

CL, SM A-6, A-4, 

A-7-6

0- 0-0 0- 0-0 90-93-

97

8095

58-80 Clay loam, sandy 

clay loam, loam

CL, SC A-6, A-4, 

A-7-6

0- 0-0 0- 0-0 93-96-

99

8698
Table A-6

Soil Chemical Properties

Map symbol and soil name

Depth

Cationexchange 

capacity

Effective 

cationexchange

capacity

Soil 

reaction

Calcium 

carbonat

In meq/100g meq/100g pH Pct 

AcA—Acuff loam, 0 to 1 percent slopesAcuff 0-12 9.0-23 — 6.6-7.8 0 

12-38 16-25 — 6.6-8.4 0-2 

38-58 8.4-11 — 7.9-9.0 40-65 

58-80 14-20 — 7.9-8.4 15-70 

AcB—Acuff loam, 1 to 3 percent slopesAcuff 0-12 11-23 — 6.6-7.8 0 

12-38 16-25 — 6.6-8.4 0-2 38-58 8.4-11 — 7.9-9.0 40-65 

58-80 14-20 — 7.9-8.4 15-50 

AfA—Amarillo fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopesAmarillo 0-10 8.6-17 — 6.6-8.4 0 

10-41 16-27 — 7.4-8.4 0-3 41-56 9.6-13 — 7.9-9.0 40-65 56-80 12-19 — 7.9-8.4 15-50 

Index

A

A horizons, 95

A priori sampling, 321

AASHTO classification, 583

Accelerated erosion, 71

Accumulation, 99, 175

Achromatic, 149

Acidity, 198

Aerial photographs, early use, 15

Aggregated data, 411

Aggregation, 448

Aggregation methods, 576

Air temperature, 230

Air-dryness, 208

Albedo, 154

Alkalinity, 198

Alluvium, 56

Alternative state, 486

Anaerobic conditions, 177

Andic properties, 129

Angular blocky, 158

Animals, 197

Anthropedogenesis, 526

Anthropocene, 39, 531

Anthropogenic, 239, 267

activities, 241

deposits, 63

features, 37, 39

landforms, 33, 38, 64, 

272, 528, 547

microfeatures, 39, 547

soils, 529

Anthroscapes, 38, 528, 547

Anthroturbation, 534

AOI. See Area of interest

Apparent electrical 

conductivity, 365

Apparent field texture, 122

Applications of digital 

soil mapping, 341

Appropriations Act of 

1896, xxiv, 13

Aquaculture, 506, 520

Area of interest (AOI), 431, 573

Areal application of 

interpretations, 475

Artifacts, 127, 528, 530, 

534, 536, 537, 541, 

543, 546, 547, 548

as texture modifier, 140

defined, 137

describing, 137

kinds, 140

quantity classes, 138

Artificial light, for color 

determination, 150

Ash, 63

Ashy, 129

Aspect, 40

ASTER imagery, 305

Automated data processing 

(ADP), 396

B

B horizons, 95

Backhoe, 88
588 Index

Balance-sheet theory of 

soil fertility, 3

Ball test, 212

Band ratios, 314

Baseline study (DSP), 485, 488

Bathymetry, 516, 519

Beach deposits, 58

Bedrock, 31, 45, 51, 53, 

55, 60, 66, 67, 97, 126

depth to, 68

kinds, 67

Biologic zero, 228

Biological concentrations, 171

Biological crusts, 118

Bisequal, 87

Block diagram, 259

Blocklike specimens, 181

Blocky, 157

Boulders, 132

at the surface, 141

classes of, 141

Boundaries, 23, 66, 74

Brownfields, 532, 548

Building sites, 468

Bulk densities, for Ksat

estimation, 223

Buried genetic horizon, 100

Buried horizon, 534

C

C horizons or layers, 96

Calcimeter, 200

Calcium carbonate, 200

Calcium carbonate 

equivalent, 200

Calcium sulfate, 203

Canopy effectiveness, 78

Capacitively induced 

coupling, 375

Carbonate equivalent, 200

Carbonates, 199

forms of accumulation, 173

pedogenic, 173

stages of accumulation, 175

symbol for accumulation, 102

Caret symbol as prefix, 536

Case-based sampling, 319

Cementation, 180

symbol for, 102

Cemented material, 126

Channers, 132

Characterization data

primary, 564

supplementary, 570

Chemical crusts, 118

Chemical properties, soils, 198

Chroma, 149

Chromatic, 149

Cicada casts, 174

Cinders, 63

Clay, 124

Clay bridges, 164

Clay depletions, 180

Clay films, 164

Clay loam, 124

Clods, 156

CLORPT model, 295

Cluster sampling, 323

Coarse clay, 120

Coarse gypsum material, 126

Coarse sand, 120, 122

Coarse sandy loam, 123

Coarse silt, 120

Coastal lagoons, 513

Cobbles, 132

Coffey, G.N., 4

Cohesion classes, artifacts, 138

Colluvium, 62

Color. See Soil color

contrast class terms, guide, 153

Color value test for 

water state, 212
Soil Survey Manual 589

Columnar, 157

Combination horizons, 97, 99

Community planning, 417

Competing series, 558

Component, 256

dissimilar, 261

limiting, 257, 261, 269

nonlimiting, 257, 261

similar, 261

Composition of 

concentrations, 173

Compound structure, 156, 161

Concentrations within soils, 168

Concepts of soil

early, 3

modern, 8

Russian, 5

zonal, 5

Concretions, 170, 178

shape, 172

symbol for, 100

Conditioned Latin hypercube 

sampling, 323

Conductivity, hydraulic, 218

Cone penetrometer, 191

Confusion matrix, 338

Consistence, 180

blocklike specimens, 181

compared to consistency, 180

excavation difficulty, 192

fluidity, 188

manner of failure, 187

penetration resistance, 189

plasticity, 185

plate-shaped specimens, 184

rupture resistance, 181

smeariness, 189

stickiness, 187

toughness, 186

Consistency, 180

Construction materials, 468

Constructional anthropogenic 

landforms, 534

Contaminated soils, 532

Continuity classes of pores, 196

Continuous models, 298

Contrast, color, 152

Coprogenous earth, 94

symbol for, 100

Coprogenous material, 131

Core catcher, 243, 509, 510

Correlation. See Soil correlation

Covariate, 301, 319

reduction, 317, 318

Cracks

descriptions of, 161, 163

Criteria table, 437

Cross-validation, 334, 339

Crushed, 146

samples, 146

Crushing, rupture resistance, 181

Crust, 117

Crust-related cracks, 162

Cryoturbates, 61

Cryoturbation

symbol for, 102

Crystals, 170

D

D8 algorithm, 313

Darcy’s law, 218

Data analysis for DSP 

projects, 497

Data collection plan, 489, 497

Data issues, 307

Data management plan, 309

Data recorders, 415

Data validation tools, 399

Databases, 396

publication, 398

transactional, 398

Decisiemens, 202

Dendritic tubular, 196
590 Index

Description of soils

animals, 198

chemical properties, 198

color, 150

concentrations, 168, 171

consistence, 180

horizons and other layers, 91

particle-size distribution, 119

pores, 195

root-restricting depth, 118, 119

roots, 193

soil structure, 155

soil temperature, 229

soil water, 205

Description of subaqueous 

soils, 511

Descriptions of humantransported and humanaltered soil materials, 536

Desorption curve, 211

Destructional anthropogenic 

landforms, 535, 547

Diatomaceous earth, 94

symbol for, 100

Diatomaceous material, 131

Dielectric permittivity, 

358, 362, 363, 364

Digital elevation models 

(DEMs), 296, 298, 304, 340

Digital soil mapping, 24, 

295, 296, 477

Dikes, 472

Dipole-dipole array, directcoupling ER, 372

Direct-coupling electrical 

resistivity, 371, 373

dipole-dipole array, 372

galvanic source method, 371

Schlumberger array, 372

Wenner array, 372

Discrete artifacts, 137, 537

Discrete models, 297

Discriminant analysis, 328, 333

Dispersed DSP data 

collection, 484

Dissimilar minor 

components, 435

Dissimilar soils, 447

Distribution of soils, 10

Divalent cations, 199

Dokuchaev, V.V., 5

Dominant color, 150

Dominant component, 576

Dominant condition, 448, 576

Drainage, 473

classes, 213

subaqueous, 215

patterns, 51

Dredged material, 475

Dredging effects, 519

Drift, 59

Dry condition, 208

Dynamic soil properties, 

114, 481, 496

E

E horizons, 95

Ecological site assessments, 581

Ecological site descriptions, 464

Ecological sites, 79, 487, 498

Ecosystem services, 433

Eelgrass restoration, 474

Effervescence, 200

Electrical conductivity (EC), 201

Electrical resistivity, 370, 372

Electromagnetic 

induction, 365, 548

Elevation, 40

Elevation derivatives, 302, 305

Eluviated zone, 87

Embankments, 472

Engineering properties, 583

Environmental covariates, 

296, 301
Soil Survey Manual 591

Eolian deposits, 58

Eolian sands, 58, 91

Equipment needs, urban 

landscapes, 547

ER. See Electrical resistivity

Erosion, 70

classes, 75

estimating, 74

water, 72

Examination of soils

animals, 198

chemical properties, 198

color, 150

concentrations, 168, 171

consistence, 180

horizons and other layers, 85

overview, 84

particle-size distribution, 119

pores, 195

root-restricting depth, 119

roots, 193

soil structure, 155

soil temperature, 229

soil water, 205

Excavation difficulty, 192

Excessively drained, 213

Exchangeable sodium, 203

Extra-structural cracks, 161

F

Farm Bill of 1985, 16

Farmland, 462

Fathometer, 516

Feature selection, 317

Fibric, 128

Field notes, 401

Field operations, humanaltered landscapes, 546

Fine clay, 120

Fine earth, 119

Fine gypsum material, 126

Fine sand, 120, 122

Fine sandy loam, 123

Fine silt, 120

Finely disseminated 

materials, 171

Flagstones, 132

Floating bog, 97

Floating point, 298, 307

Flooding, 206

inundation, 206

Fluidity classes, 188

Forestland, 465

Fracture interval, 68

Fractures, 97

Fragments

pararock, 119, 127

rock, 119, 127

Free water

occurrence, 215

Freeze-thaw, 117, 118

Freshwater, subaqueous soils, 515

Frozen soil or water, 100

symbol for, 100

Fuzzy classification, 328

Fuzzy system, 440

G

Galvanic source method, 371

Gamma-ray spectroscopy, 383

Genetic horizon, 92

Genetic soil profiles, 6

Geology, 22

Geometric means, 220

Geomorphic components, 46

Geomorphic description, 30, 32

Geomorphic environment, 

32, 34, 64

Geomorphic processes, 34

Geomorphology, 22, 30, 36

Geomorphometry, 311

Geomorphon, 312, 313

Geophysical methods, 356
592 Index

Georeferenced points, 303

Georeferencing, 307, 310

Geostatistics, 334

Glacial and periglacial 

deposits, 59

Glacial beach deposits, 61

Glaciofluvial deposits, 60

Glaciolacustrine deposits, 61

Gleying

symbol for strong gleying, 101

Global positioning systems 

(GPS), 237, 244, 272

Grade of structure, class, 159

Gradiometers, 377

Granular, 158

Grassy, 130

Gravel, 131

Gravimetric water content, 211

Green-Ampt, 227

Grid cell, 305, 340

Ground conductivity 

meters, 365, 378

Ground surface color, 154

Ground surface cover, 77

Ground-penetrating radar, 

358, 359, 518, 548

air-launched, 365

groundwave, 364

reflection hyperbola, 364

Gully erosion, 73

Gypsiferous, 129

Gypsum, 203

quantity, 126

soil material with high 

content, 126, 129

H

Habitat elements, 467

HAHT. See Human-altered and 

human-transported soils

Hard clam substrate, 475

Health concerns, HAHT, 532

Hemic, 128

Herbaceous, 130

High saturated hydraulic 

conductivity, 221

Highly decomposed 

organic material, 128

symbol for, 99

Highly erodible land, 460

Highly modified landscapes, 526

Highly organic, 130

Highway planning, soil 

surveys, 15

Hilgard, E.W., 3, 4

Hillslope profile positions, 45

Hillslope terraces, 526, 531

Horizons

combination, 99

conventions for using 

letter suffixes, 99

definition, 85

depth to, 91

designations, 91, 92, 93

need for, 92

diagnostic, 92

horizontal view, 89, 193

master horizons, 93

near surface subzones, 114

subordinate distinctions, 99

thickness, 91, 113

transitional, 98

Hue, 146

Human-altered and humantransported soils, 525, 529

Human-altered landscapes, 239

Human-altered materials, 

251, 525, 530, 532, 534

Human-altered or humantransported material, 256

Human-transported materials, 

239, 251, 525, 526, 530, 

532, 534, 536, 539
Soil Survey Manual 593

Hydraulic conductivity, 218

Hydraulic gradient, 218

Hydric soils, 460

Hydrologic soil group, 580

Hydrous, 129

Hypnum, 127

Hypocoat, 164

Hypsography, 308

I

IFSAR. See Interferometric 

Synthetic Aperture Radar

Igneous rocks, 67

Illuvial accumulation, symbol for

both sesquioxides and 

organic matter, 103

organic matter, 101

sesquioxides, 103

Impervious surfaces, 526, 542

Incubation pH, 512, 513

Indicator properties, 482

Inferences

genetic, 92

Infiltration, soil water, 226

Inherent soil properties, 481

Inherited minerals, 171

Innocuous, 139

Innocuous artifacts, 537

In-place deposits, 55

Integers, 298, 307

Integrated natural resource 

inventories, 80

Interferometric Synthetic Aperture 

Radar (IFSAR), 302, 309

Internal free water occurrence 

classes, 215

Internal soil water state 

classes, 207

ball test, 211

color value test, 211

definitions, 208

evaluation, 210

ribbon test, 211

rod test, 211

Internal surface features, 163

International Committee 

for Anthropogenic Soils 

(ICOMANTH), 529

Interpretations, 433

development, 437

Interpretive applications, 457

Interpretive class, 444, 445, 446

Interpretive groups, 562

Interpretive models, 436

Interpretive soil 

property, 439, 449

Interpretive system, NCSS, 440

Interstructural pores, 195

Inundation classes, 206, 207

frequency and duration, 206

Inversion, ER data, 372

Ion-selective electrode, 385

Ion-selective field effect 

transistor, 385

Ion-selective potentiometry, 385

Iron, 177

Iron depletions, 179

Iron sulfide, 204

Ironstone, 169

Irregular, 196

Irreversible cracks, 162

Irrigation, 472

Iterative Self-Organizing 

Data Analysis Technique 

(ISODATA), 326

J

Jarosite, 102, 205

symbol for, 101

Jenny, H., xxiii, 5, 6, 295
594 Index

Joule, 181, 184

Jugging, 73

K

Kauth-Thomas Tasseled Cap 

transformation, 316, 345

Kellogg Soil Survey 

Laboratory, 563

Knowledge-based 

classification, 330

Krotovinas, 197

L

L horizons or layers, 94

Lacustrine deposits, 57

Land capability class, 578

Land cover, 77

Land management condition, 

484, 485, 487

Land use planning, 460

Landfills, 532, 535, 548

Landforms, 22, 25, 32, 

33, 37, 70, 79

Landsat, 301, 302, 305, 

310, 316, 342, 345

Landscape models, 25, 29

Landscape relationships for 

subaqueous soils, 513

Landscapes, 23, 25, 31, 

32, 56, 70, 79

Latin hypercube sampling, 265

Lawns and landscaping, 469

Least limiting, 577

Lenticular, 158

Letter suffixes, conventions, 99

Levees, 472

Light Detection and Ranging 

(LiDAR), 302, 303, 304, 

305, 308, 309, 517

Limitation ratings, 443

Limitation style 

interpretations, 440

Limitations, soil properties, 435

Limnic, 131

materials, 94

Liquid limit, 583

Lithochromic, 151

Lithologic discontinuity, 65, 534

Lithomorphic, 151

Lithostratigraphic units, 69

Litter, 93

Loam, 124

Loamy coarse sand, 123

Loamy fine sand, 123

Loamy sand, 123

Loamy sands, 122

Loamy very fine sand, 123

Local interpretations, 457, 458

Local planning, 461

Local relative placement, 457

Location of roots, 194

Loess deposits, 58

Log averages, 220

Low saturated hydraulic 

conductivity, 221

M

M layers, 97

Macaulay peat sampler, 507

Machine learning, 296, 297, 332

Macropores, 226

Magnetic susceptibility, 378, 548

Magnetometry, 377

Management groups, 458, 462

Manganese, 177

nodules, 201

oxides, 201

Manner of failure classes, 188

Manufactured layers, 97, 

534, 535, 536
Soil Survey Manual 595

Map Information Assembly and 

Display System (MIADS), 429

Map unit description, 561

Map unit design, urban, 542

Map units and soil 

interpretations, 446

Mapping scale, 539

Marbut, C.F., 5, 6

Marine deposits, 57

Marl, 94

symbol for, 103

Marly material, 131

Mass movement, 62, 473

Mass wasting deposits, 62

Masses, 168, 178

Massive, 156

Master horizons, 93

capital “M”, 536

Matrix, 195

Matrix suction, 208

Maximum likelihood, 328, 345

Mean annual soil 

temperature, 229

Mechanical interactions, 384

Mechanical resistance 

sensing, 384

Mechanically bulked 

subzone, 116

Mechanically compacted 

subzone, 116

Medial, 129

Medium sand, 120

Megapascal, 190

Membership function, 441

Metadata, 399

Metamorphic rocks, 67

Microfeatures, 24, 32, 33

Micropenetration resistance, 117

Microrelief, 50

Midpoint water retention 

(MWR), 210

Millimhos, 202

Millisiemens, 365

Mineral soil, 89

Mineral soil surface, 90

Minimum annual steady 

ponded infiltration, 227

Minimum distance to means, 328

Minor components, 562

Miscellaneous areas

as map unit components, 254

Urban land, 541

Moderately decomposed 

organic material, 128

Moderately dry, 208

Moderately high saturated 

hydraulic conductivity, 221

Moderately low saturated 

hydraulic conductivity, 221

Moderately moist, 208

Moderately well drained, 214

Moist condition, 208

Moon-pool, 507

Moorings, 474, 506, 513, 520

Mossy, 130

Most limiting, 576

Mottles, 151

size, 152

Mottling, 151

Muck, 128

Mucky, 130

Mucky peat, 128

Multistage sampling, 323

Munsell color system, 145

notation, 146

N

n value, 162, 189

National Cooperative Soil 

Survey (NCSS), xxiv, 13
596 Index

National Elevation Dataset 

(NED), 302

National inventory 

groupings, 459

National Soil Information 

System (NASIS), 398

National Wetland Inventory, 16

Natural bodies, xxiii

of soils, 4

Natural drainage classes, 213

Natural erosion, 70

NCSS. See National 

Cooperative Soil Survey

NDVI. See Normalized 

Difference Vegetation Index

Near surface subzones, 114

Neighborhood size, 313

Nested features, 37

Neutral colors, 149

Newton, 181, 184

Nodules, 170, 178

symbol for, 100

Non-matrix, 195

colors, 151

Nonpersistent, 138

Nonpersistent artifacts, 537

Nonsatiated, 210

Normalized difference 

band ratio, 301

Normalized Difference Vegetation 

Index (NDVI), 301, 310, 315

Noxious artifacts, 139, 537

O

O horizons, 93

Official soil series 

descriptions, 282, 555

database, 282

Optical reflectance, 381

Optical sensors, 381

Organic carbon

requirements for organic 

soil material, 127

Organic deposits, 63

Organic material

material of intermediate 

decomposition, 100

modifiers for terms used in 

lieu of texture, 129

non-saturated, 128

quantity, 127

saturated, 128

symbol for

highly decomposed 

material, 99

illuvial accumulation of, 101

slightly decomposed 

material, 101

Organic soils

descriptions, 127

Orthophotography, early use, 15

Outwash, 60

Overfitting, 317, 334

Oxidation-reduction 

relationships, 154, 177

P

Pararock fragments, 119, 131

terms, 134

Parent material, 31, 45, 53, 

55, 65, 66, 85, 88, 91, 92

Particle-size distribution, 119

classes of different 

systems, 120

rock fragments, 119

soil separates, 120

soil texture, 120

Particulate artifacts, 137, 537

Pascal, 208

Peat, 128

Peaty, 130

Pebble, 132
Soil Survey Manual 597

Ped, 155

Pedological knowledge, 317

Pedon descriptions

example HAHT soils, 549

example typical pedon, 556

Pedons

definition, 84

depth to horizons, 89

horizon designations, 91

horizontal view, 89

information recorded, 87

site selection, 87

thickness of horizons, 

89, 91, 113

Penetrability classes, 

artifacts, 138

Penetration resistance 

classes, 191

Penetrometer, 185, 190

Perched, 210, 216

Perennial plants, 86

Periglacial deposits, 61

Permafrost, 131

horizon suffix, 101

Permanent cracks, 162

Persistence classes, artifacts, 138

Persistent, 138

Persistent artifacts, 537

Petrophysical models, 363

pH

designation of reaction, 198

Phases, 253

Photographs, 408

as documentation, 88

Physical root restriction

symbol for, 100

Physiographic information, 30, 37

Physiographic location, 30, 31

Piezometers, 210

Piping, 73

Pits

safety regulations, 88

studying pedons, 88

Pixels, 295, 298, 325, 326

Plasticity, 181

classes, 186

Plasticity index, 583

Plate-shaped specimens, 184

Platy, 157

Plinthite, 168

Plow layer, 103, 116

Plugged horizons, 175

Point data, 400

Point runoff slope length, 44

Polygon-based 

interpretations, 475

Polypedon, 84, 246

Ponded infiltration, 226

Ponding, 206

infiltration, 226

inundation, 206

Ponds, 472

Poorly drained, 214

Pore space, 195

Pores, 195

Porosity, 94, 220, 227

Portable X-ray fluorescence, 

379, 548

Potentials, 433, 436, 458

Prediction accuracy, 337

Predictive modeling, 332, 342

Predictor variables, 317, 

319, 325, 326, 341, 345

Predictors, 299, 300, 317

Preponded infiltration, 226

Preprocessing, 299, 304, 307, 309

Primary characterization 

data, 564

Prime farmland, 459

Principal components 

analysis, 302, 316

Prismatic, 157

Productivity indices, 463

Productivity ratings, 463

Profile, definition, 85
598 Index

Profiles

genetic, 5

Project goals, 485, 489, 501

Project-based data collection, 484

Project-based DSP data 

collection, 485

Projection, 307, 310

Proximal soil sensing, 355

Public health and safety, 473

Public Law 74-46 of 1936, xxiv

Public Law 89-560 of 

1966, xxiv, 13

Pumice, 63

Q

Quantity classes

artifacts, 138

concentrations, 172

mottles, 151

pores, 196

roots, 193

R

R layers, 97

Raindrop impact, 117, 

118, 155, 161

Range in characteristics, 557

Range study (DSP), 485

Rangeland, 464

Raster, 295, 296, 298, 

308, 311, 342, 414

Raster-based interpretations, 477

Reaction

pH, 198

Reaction class terms, 199

Recommended citations, Soil 

Survey Manual, xxviii

Recreation, 467

Redox concentrations, 178

Redox depletions, 179

Redoximorphic features, 177, 178

Reduced matrix, 180

Reference materials, HAHT, 538

Reference state, 486

Regional planning, 417, 461

Regionalized variable theory, 334

Relative slope segment 

position, 44

Remote sensing, 298, 301, 

303, 304, 305, 316

Remote sensing tools

subaqueous soils, 516, 518

Remotely sensed spectral 

data, 296, 301

Representative value (RV), 412

Reservoirs, 472

Residual accumulation 

of sesquioxides

symbol for, 103

Residuum, 54, 55

Resiliency, 463

Resolution, 304, 305

Resource management issues 

and HAHT soils, 531

Reticulately mottled, 168

Reversible cracks, 162

Ribbon test, 213

Rill erosion, 73

Rock fragments, 119, 131

at the surface, 141

classes of surface stones 

and boulders, 141

guide for naming, 142

compared to fine earth, 119

content estimation, 132

description, 131, 136

in soil, 132

terms, 131, 134

Rock structure, 95, 96

Rod test, 213

Root traces, 194
Soil Survey Manual 599

Root-restricting depth, 118, 119

Roots, 193

Roughness, 149, 150

Rounded shape, 136

Roundness classes, artifacts, 138

Rubbed, 146, 168

Rules, 442

child, 442

parent, 442, 444

Rupture resistance, 181

classes, 183

S

Safety

artifact classes, 139

urban mapping, 548

Salinity, 201

class terms, 202

Sampling design, 321, 

322, 334, 335

Sampling subaqueous soils, 506

Sand, 122

Sand coats, 165

Sands

description, 122

loamy sands, 122

Sandy clay, 124

Sandy clay loam, 124

Sandy loam, 123

Sandy loams, 123

Sapric, 128

Saprolite, 55

Satiated, 210

Saturated hydraulic 

conductivity, 218

class placement, 221

equivalent units of 

expression, 222

Saturation, 177, 179, 210

Saturation paste extract, 201

Scale, 23, 25

Scale of processes, 303

Schematic maps, 290

Schlumberger array, directcoupling ER, 372

Science of soil, 5, 10, 237

SCORPAN model, 295

Seagrass restoration, 521

Sediment transport 

slope length, 44

Sedimentary peat, 94

Sedimentary rocks, 67

Seismic geophysical 

methods, 387

Sequum, 86

Sesquioxides

symbol for accumulation, 103

Shape classes

artifacts, 139

pores, 196

Sheet erosion, 72

Side scan sonar, 518

Silica

symbol for accumulation, 103

Silt, 124

Silt coats, 165, 180

Silt loam, 124

Silty clay, 124

Silty clay loam, 124

Similar soils, 447

Simple random sampling, 322

Simple structure, 156

Single grain, 156

Site index, 465

Site selection, 87

Size classes

artifacts, 139

pores, 196

roots, 193

Skeletans, 165, 180

Slickensides, stresssurface kind, 166
600 Index

Slightly decomposed 

organic material, 128

symbol for, 101

Slightly dry, 208

Slightly moist, 208

Slope, 40

aspect, 40

classes, 44

complexity, 42

gradient, 41

length, 42, 44, 73

shape, 45

Smeariness classes, 189

Sodicity, 201, 202

Sodium

symbol for accumulation 

of, 103

Sodium adsorption ratio 

(SAR), 202

Soft bedrock

symbol for, 103

Soil change, 486, 487

Soil change study (DSP), 486

Soil chemical properties, 583

Soil classification

early, 7

HAHT soils, 525, 

531, 533, 547

urban, 542

Soil climate, 228

Soil color, 145

card, 146

conditions for measuring, 149

description, 146

dominant color, 150

mottling, 151

Munsell notation, 145

non-matrix, 151

patterns, 154

recording guidelines, 150

Soil Conservation Act 

of 1936, xxiv

Soil correlation, 276

Soil data, 396

Soil Data Mart, 430

Soil Data Viewer, 430

Soil Data Warehouse, 430

Soil depth, 118

Soil functions, 481, 482, 483, 500

Soil geomorphology, 22, 28

Soil health, 482

Soil horizon, 85

Soil information system, 396

Soil interpretations, 433, 434

Soil layer, 85

Soil productivity, 462

Soil profile, 404

definition, 85

descriptions, 404

standard forms, 405

Soil property maps, xxiii

Soil quality, 482

Soil reports, 576

Soil separates, 120

Soil series and phases for 

HAHT soils, 541

Soil structure

compound structure, 156, 161

description, 155

extra-structural cracks, 161

grade, 159

internal surface features, 163

shape, 156

size classes, 159

Soil surface, 89

Soil survey

definition, xxiii, 1

Soil Survey Geographic 

Database, 412, 433, 573

Access Database Template, 430

initiative, 429

Soil surveys

history, 13

Soil temperature, 228

characteristics, 228

estimating, 229
Soil Survey Manual 601

Soil texture, 120

Soil water, 205

guidelines for Ksat

placement, 222

infiltration, 226

internal classes, 208

internal free water 

occurrence, 215

inundation classes, 206

natural drainage classes, 213

saturated hydraulic 

conductivity, 218

water movement, 218

water-state annual pattern, 216

Soil-borne diseases, 473

Soil-landscape relationships, 11

Soils

chemical properties, 198

compared to solum, 85

concentrations, 168, 171

consistence, 180

designations for horizons, 93

particle-size distribution, 119

pores, 195

root-restricting depth, 118, 119

roots, 193

soil temperature, 229

soil water, 205

structure, 155

studying profiles, 85

terms used to describe, 84

Solifluction deposits, 61

Solum, 85

Somewhat excessively 

drained, 214

Somewhat poorly drained, 214

Space-for-time substitution, 

483, 486

Spatial data, 414

Spatial projection, 305, 307

Spatial resolution, 305, 308, 310

Spectral data, 298, 299, 

304, 306, 310, 311

Spectral data derivatives, 314

Spectral derivatives, 

305, 317, 345

Spectral imagery, 307

Spectral resolution, 304, 306

Sphagnum fibers, 127

SSURGO. See Soil Survey 

Geographic Database

State-and-transition model, 583

Statistical modeling, 332

STATSGO, 412

Steady ponded infiltration, 227

Stickiness, 181

classes, 187

Stones, 132

at the surface, 141

classes of surface stones, 141

Stormwater management, 470

Stratified random sampling, 322

Stress surfaces, 165

Strong gleying, 101

Structural crusts, 118

Structural units, 155, 156

Structure

size class guide, 160

soil, 155

Structureless, 156

Subangular blocky, 158

Subaqueous

drainage class, 215

soil interpretations, 474

soil samples, 243

soils, 245, 505, 506

survey methods for, 516

Subaqueous soil 

interpretations, 474, 519

Submerged aquatic 

vegetation, 505, 517

Subsurface-initiated cracks, 162

Subzones

near surface, 114

Suffix, lowercase “u”, 536

Suitability ratings, 435, 445
602 Index

Suitability style

interpretations, 440

less is better, 442

mid-range concentration 

is better, 442

more is better, 442

Sulfates, 203

Sulfide oxidation, 204, 

510, 511, 512, 520

Sulfides, 204

detection, 205

symbol for, 103

Sulfur acidity, 204

Sulfurous odor, 205

Superfund, 548

Supervised classification, 

300, 327, 331, 345

Supervised covariate 

selection, 318

Supplementary characterization 

data, 570

Surface features, 163

amount, 166

distinctness, 167

kinds, 164

location, 166

Surface morphometry, 30, 40

Surface-initiated cracks, 162

Surficial bulked subzone, 117

Systematic sampling, 322

Systems analysis, 397

T

Tabular data, 396

Talus, 62

Tasseled Cap (Kauth-Thomas) 

transformation, 316, 345

Terms used in lieu of texture, 125

modifiers, 128, 129

Terraced agriculture, 525

Terrain attributes, 298, 302, 313

Texture, 120

class modifiers, 133

class modifiers guide, 135

classes, 122

compound modifiers, 140

groupings of classes, 125, 126

terms used in lieu of, 125

triangle, 125

Thematic data, 307

Thematic maps, 291

Till, 60

Tillage, disturbance by

symbol for, 103

Time domain reflectometry, 380

Toughness, 181

classes, 186

Towed-array ER systems, 372

Training data, 319, 321, 

328, 329, 334, 339

Trans-horizon cracks, 162

Transient ponded infiltration, 226

Transitional horizons, 97, 98

Transported material, 56

Triangulated irregular 

networks, 311

Tubular, 196

Tunnel erosion, 73

Type location, 557

U

Uncertainty, color 

determination, 150

Uncertainty, statistical, 340

Underwater video camera, 518

Unified classification, 583

Uniform coding system, 398

Unique farmland, 460

Units and data type, 307

Unlined bore hole, 210

Unsupervised classification, 326
Soil Survey Manual 603

Unsupervised covariate 

selection, 317

Upper water retention 

(UWR), 208

Urban area soils, 526, 547

Urban soil mosaic, 538

V

V horizons, 94

Validation data, 339

Validation observations, 338, 339

Value, 148

Variation, 265

random, 265

systematic, 265

Variogram, 335

Vector, 414

Vegetation, 78, 79

Vertical saturated hydraulic 

conductivity, 218

Very coarse sand, 120

Very dry, 208

Very fine sand, 120, 122

Very fine sandy loam, 124

Very high saturated hydraulic 

conductivity, 221

Very low saturated hydraulic 

conductivity, 221

Very moist, 208

Very poorly drained, 214

Vesicular, 196

Vibracores, 243, 508

sampler, 507, 509

Volcanic deposits, 63

Volcanic origin, 129

Vughs, 196

W

W layers, 97, 127

Waste disposal, 470

Water depth characteristics, 519

Water erosion, 44, 72

Water layer, 127

Water management, 472

Water movement, 218

Water regimes, 205

Water state

annual pattern, 216

classes, 209

Water-compacted subzone, 116

Weathered bedrock

symbol for, 103

Web services, 419

Web Soil Survey, 416, 

431, 434, 573

Wedge, 158

Weighted average, 577

Well drained, 214

Wenner array, directcoupling ER, 372

Wet condition, 208

Wetland inventory, soil 

survey impact, 16

Whitney, M., 3

Wildlife habitat, 467

Wind erosion, 72

Windbreaks, 466

Wood fragments, 127

Woodland ordination, 465

Woody, 130

Z

Zonal soil concept, 5