Pullman herald. [volume] (Pullman, W.T. [Wash.]) 1888-1989, 1921-10-28
SURVEYS FUNDAMENTAL
IN SOIL MANAGEMENT
Classification of Types, Texture
Derivation Properties Neces-
sary 20 Crop Adaptation


inventory of the soil resources of
the country, county by county, and
in the form of carefully drawn maps
showing in colors the location and
extent OF the different types Of soil
1t differentiates and classifies the
various types of soil, giving the tex
ture, derivation, and special proper
ties of the soil and sub-soil that
signify differences in crop adapta-
ton, productiveness and general ag-
ricultural value A descriptive re-
port accompanies each map and sets
forth much additional information
about the agricultural conditions in
the different soil areas.
Soil Reports Valuable
AS an inventory and exposition of
the kinds and nature of the soils of
the county, or of any particular
locality, the soil survey reports are
great variety of interests. In its
value the soil survey bears the
same relation to the soil resources
as the geological survey bears to the
mineral resources of the country.
Since agriculture is the most impor-
tant industry, the soil survey is of
the greatest economic Importance.
1t provides information regarding
the soil resources of the county
that can be secured in no other way
The soil survey classifies agricul-
tural and non-agricultural lands; it
differentiates the soils which are
adapted to general farming or graz
ing and those which are suited to
the various specialized crops, and
gives an idea of their relative agri-
cultural value. Crop land capable
of reclamation and dry lands suit
able for dry farming, are indicated
and the arid soils which may be
profitably irrigated. 1t also locates
deposits of minerals of industrial
Importance, such as gravel, sand,
shale, tile, brick and pottery clays,
limestone and mari.
Aid to Farm Management
The farmer may utilize the soil
survey in determining the natural
fertility and needs of different types
OF soil, what crops to raise, and how
( n
soils on his farm. 1t helps the hor-
ticulturist in locating orchards,
small fruit, and truck farms. Farm
ers looking for new locations, and
city folks wanting to buy farms can
use the soil survey maps and re-
ports to good advantage.
High schools and colleges giving
instruction in agriculture are using
the soil surveys in dealing with soil
and crop problems. County agents
and agricultural extension special
lists find constant use for the infor-
NATION contained in the soil survey
maps and reports. The soil experts
correspondence with farmers con-
corning particular soil problems is
also facilitated when soil survey
map of the county is at hand from
which the exact nature of the soil
under discussion can be learned.
These maps also serve as a basis for
farm management and cost of pro-
duction studies and for work in
farm drainage.
Both state and the nation should
take a deeper interest in expediting
the making of soil surveys by provid-
ing funds to more rapidly carry the
work to completion. The federal
bureau of soils is doing all that it
can with it's limited funds, and some
of the states are expanding consid-
cradle funds and making good prog
ress while others are doing little or
nothing. When once completed, the
soil survey will be of permanent val
ue and not until it is completed can
the soil resources of the country be
definitely known or utilized to the
fullest advantage. Any colonization
scheme is cropping in the dark with
out such survey as a fundamental
basis.
F. ]. SEWERS.
F-s