# Soil Survey Manual

## Breadcrumb

-  Home 
-  Resources 
-  Soil Survey Manual 

The Soil Survey Manual (USDA, Agriculture Handbook No. 18) provides the major principles and practices needed for making and using soil surveys and for assembling and using related data. 

The Manual (issued in March 2017) serves as a guiding document for activities of the National Cooperative Soil Survey (NCSS). Previously published in 1937, 1951, and 1993, the Soil Survey Manual is one of the defining documents for soil survey in the world. It contains extensive information describing each soil property and the proper procedures for observing or measuring it in the field.

Although the Manual is intended primarily for use by soil scientists engaged in making soil surveys, those with limited soil science experience or less familiar with soil survey procedures can also use the information.

## Download the Soil Survey Manual

Soil Survey Manual(17.26 MB)

SSM-Errata-2019.pdf(221.44 KB)

### Future Updates

Please send comments regarding the 2017 edition or suggestions for updates, enhancements, or supplements to Debbie Surabian, National Leader for Standards.

##   Individual Chapters (higher resolution)

Table of Contents and Introduction(431.84 KB)

Chapter 1. Soil and Soil Survey(404.22 KB)

Chapter 2. Landscapes, Geomorphology, and Site Description(8.32 MB)

Chapter 3. Examination and Description of Soil Profiles(14.6 MB)

Chapter 4. Soil Mapping Concepts(3.02 MB)

Chapter 5. Digital Soil Mapping(4.58 MB)

Chapter 6. Tools for Proximal Soil Sensing(6.98 MB)

Chapter 7. Soil Survey Data Collection, Management, and Dissemination(851.04 KB)

Chapter 8. Interpretations: The Impact of Soil Properties on Land Use(1.22 MB)

Chapter 9. Assessing Dynamic Soil Properties and Soil Change(4.14 MB)

Chapter 10. Subaqueous Soil Survey(3.23 MB)

Chapter 11. Human-Altered and Human-Transported Soils(775.87 KB)

Appendices and Index(2.13 MB)

## Ordering Information

A printed copy is available from:

NRCS Distribution CenterEnter keywords: soil survey manualPhone: 888-526-3227E-mail: NRCSDistributionCenter@ia.usda.gov

## Recommended Citation

*Soil Science Division Staff. 2017. Soil survey manual. C. Ditzler, K. Scheffe, and H.C. Monger (eds.). USDA Handbook 18. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C.*

##   Related Content

### Soil Survey Manual, Arabic Translation

An Arabic translation of the Soil Survey Manual.
Learn More

### National Soil Survey Handbook 

The National Soil Survey Handbook (NSSH) provides the standards, guidelines, definitions, policy, responsibilities, and procedures for conducting the NRCS portion of the National Cooperative Soil Survey program.
Learn More

##   Contact Soils

Please contact us if you see something that needs to be updated, if you have any questions, or if you need accessibility assistance.
                  -    Soils Webmaster 
                  -    402-437-5499 
                  -    Soils-Webmaster@usda.gov 

## Find Your Local Service Center

    USDA Service Centers are locations where you can connect with Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or Rural Development employees for your business needs. Enter your state and county below to find your local service center and agency offices. If this locator does not work in your browser, please visit offices.usda.gov.