Source: http://soils.usda.gov/technical/handbook/contents/part627.html
Timestamp: 2013-06-19 12:19:50
Document Index: 446551616

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 627', 'art 627', 'art 609', 'art 617', 'art 614', 'art 618', 'art 610', 'art 631', 'art 618', 'art 627']

Part 627 � Legend Development and Data Collection | NRCS Soils
Part 627 � Legend Development and Data Collection
Soil survey legend development and documentation are those activities conducted in the field that organize, gather, describe, and delineate data needed to provide current and accurate soil maps and interpretations. The purpose of soil survey legend and documentation procedures is to ensure the collection of meaningful and essential field data in the course of field activities. These data ensure that the objectives of the soil survey are met. 627.01 Policy and Responsibilities
The MLRA soil survey office (MLRA SSO) or soil survey project office is responsible for legend development and field data collection. These offices also initiate studies for soil performance data collection.
Test mapping; and Developing a descriptive legend. Studying the Survey AreaSoil survey field studies begin with study of the survey area and adjoining survey areas. Field studies follow the collection and review of available reference material. Visit survey areas in the same major land resource area as short reconnaissance trips. These trips assure an adequate understanding of the relationship between the survey being designed and those already completed and maintained. Join map units from adjacent soil surveys with the new survey. Identifying and Delineating Major Landform Units The MLRA SSO or soil survey project office staff observes and delineates climatic zones, areas of contrasting vegetation patterns, unique landforms, such as a till plain, a terrace, a lake plain, a flood plain, or fan, and other broad ecological areas. The scientists record the delineations on a small-scale map, such as a county road map, a topographic map, or a photo index map. Next, identify the components of the broad ecological areas, such as the side slope, toe slope, and foot slope components of hills, aspect differences, areas of runoff and run on, and other subdivisions of broad ecological zones. Include current and historical land use. The specifications for map unit size detailed in the memorandum of understanding dictate if these components can be delineated. Identify, describe, and classify the kinds of soils that are associated with the components. Using multiple observations, identify a preliminary range in characteristics for all the identified components in the delineated areas. Soil patterns commonly coincide with broad ecological areas and individual soils correspond with individual ecological components. The objective of identifying and understanding the relationship between broad ecological areas and soils is to enable a soil scientist to predict the kind of soil before examining the soil profile. Expose sufficient soil profiles to ensure that the pattern is consistent. When an exposed soil profile is not what is expected, undertake additional study to understand the anomaly and variability. Further clarify the soil pattern and the relationship to ecological components. Prepare diagrams to illustrate the models. Test Mapping Sample Areas Design map units that represent sets of soil properties repeated on characteristic components. Map units must represent areas that can be delineated on maps and they must satisfy the objectives of the survey as detailed in the memorandum of understanding. Select sample areas that are representative of repeating patterns. Studying these sample areas in detail helps to determine the nature of the soil map unit components, their pattern of occurrence, and their size and shape. Outlining and evaluating combinations of soil characteristics create an understanding of their effect on soil behavior. Mapping sample areas helps to test the design of the map units and to develop the descriptive legend. This process begins in the preliminary stages of the survey and continues throughout the progressive survey. Check the following: The predictive value of soil-ecological area features; The properties of the soil on either side of natural boundaries to determine if they differ significantly; The slope gradient and shape, vegetation, and position on the landform relative to surrounding soils to determine if they help predict the kind of soil; The complexity of the soil pattern; The composition of mappable delineations of map units;
The degree that concepts of map units furnish soil data required for soil interpretations; and Other visual features, such as vegetation patterns, areas of rock, and photograph signature. Describe the map units that meet these tests. These map units in conjunction with the map units of joined surveys form the first draft of the descriptive legend. Information and data collected from farmers, planners, agronomists, sanitarians, engineers, foresters, range conservationists, soil consultants, environmental scientists, and others guide the development and separation of map units. However it is important for the map units to join the adjacent soil survey areas (refer to
Part 609 of this handbook). Compromise is sometimes necessary to ensure that surveys join. An engineer assists the soil scientists to determine the interpretations for soils as a construction material, a foundation for a structure, or other engineering use. A range scientist, forester, or other discipline specialist studies the relationship among landform, soil, and vegetation with the soil scientists when rangeland or forestland areas are important. The various disciplines work as a team in data collection and documentation. Developing Provisional Soil Survey Map Units
The MLRA soil survey regional office (MO) or appropriate lead agency reviews and approves the first draft of the descriptive legend during the initial field review. Any soil survey project member may propose provisional map units during the course of the survey. Describe and test the provisional map units to determine if there is justification and need for the unit in the legend. When the MLRA SSO or soil survey project office is satisfied that the unit is needed, they request the MO or appropriate lead to tentatively approve the unit. The approving office adds the provisional map unit to the legend object in the National Soil Survey Information System (NASIS). This office also assures that the map unit description and information that justifies the map unit's addition to the legend is documented in the data mapunit object in NASIS. The MLRA SSO or soil survey project office keeps a complete record on all provisional map units. They record the acres mapped, the exact locations where the units were mapped, results of field studies, results of testing, and records of soil behavior and interpretive data. The signature on the field review report and identification legend officially approves the change of the provisional map units to approved map units. Developing a Provisional General Soil Map Generally the Digital General Soil Map of the U.S. (formerly called STATSGO) map is the provisional general soil map. This general soil map serves as a guide for the soil scientists during all stages of the survey. It assists in the joining of surveys within MLRAs. The Digital General Soil Map of the U.S. serves as the final general soil map. Soil scientists refine the Digital General Soil Map of the U.S. as map unit concepts become clear and boundaries stabilize each year. States request a base map for each survey area from the National Cartography and Geospatial Center, at a scale of 1:250,000, to use in refining their general soil map. Topographic quadrangle sheets that were photographically reduced to a workable scale and joined provide contour information. Satellite imagery is also helpful. Sometimes the copy of the index map of the soil survey field sheets at the publication scale helps the refinement process. The MLRA SSO or soil survey project office updates the general soil map each year to correspond with completed soil survey field sheets. By the end of the survey, the general soil map becomes final. This final general soil map serves as the basis for updating the state soil geographic database (STATSGO) map. 627.03 Map Units of Soil Surveys
DefinitionA map unit is a collection of areas defined and named the same in terms of their soil components or miscellaneous areas or both. Each map unit differs in some respect from all others in a survey area and each map unit has a symbol that uniquely identifies the map unit on a soil map. Each individual area, point, or line so identified on the map is a delineation. The MLRA SSO or soil survey project office specially designs map units to meet the needs of the major users in each major land resource area. Map units in adjoining survey areas are comparable especially within the same major land resource area.Use any category of soil taxonomy, miscellaneous areas, and accompanying terms to name map units. A map unit has specified kinds of soil or miscellaneous areas (map unit components), each with a designated range in proportionate extent. Map units include one or more kinds of soil or miscellaneous area. See Section 627.04 for more information on miscellaneous areas. Design of Map Units Design map units to meet the objectives of the soil survey as stated in the memorandum of understanding. Consider the following items in designing a map unit: Kinds of map units;
Characteristic signature in the landscape that can be recognized from aerial photography, topographic maps, or field observation. When map units consistently associate with landforms, landform segments, vegetation, slope gradient, slope aspect, geomorphic position, or other surface observable feature, the consistency of delineations improves. The correlation of map units with these surface features reduces the number of observations and samples needed to obtain a stated degree of confidence. The design of map units is flexible but should correspond to the other surveys within the MLRA. A map unit is defined by the important different kinds of soil and miscellaneous areas (components) and their proportionate extent within delineations of the map unit. Map units can have a single component or they can have many components. Chapter 2 of the Soil Survey Manual further discusses the design of map units. The components of a map unit are soils or miscellaneous areas. For naming map units the components are often grouped. The following groups of components can be helpful in describing and naming map units. The named soils or miscellaneous areas that are dominant and co-dominant in extent;
Similar soils or miscellaneous areas that may be extensive but not as extensive as the named components; and Dissimilar soils or miscellaneous areas that are minor in extent. Similar soil or miscellaneous area components are those that differ so little from the named components that their soil interpretations for most uses are very similar. The differences for management are small.
Dissimilar soil or miscellaneous area components are those that differ enough from the named components to affect major interpretations. The differences for management are large.Soil components are minor in extent when they occupy a small percentage of the map unit. The percentage varies depending on how they effect the use and management of the map unit.Generally, dissimilar components are considered minor if they are less than 15 percent and limiting to management of the map unit. If they are not limiting to the management, they can occupy up to 25 percent of the map unit and still considered minor in extent. A single component that is dissimilar and limiting should not exceed 10 percent and remain as minor extent. Also, see Chapter 2 of the Soil Survey Manual.Components, whether major or minor, meet the following criteria: Exist in most delineations;
Allow for useful and significant soil data and interpretations to the users. Documented components that do not meet the above criteria are similar or nonrecurring or isolated features of the map unit. If appropriate, recognize nonrecurring, contrasting components with special or ad hoc features, or point or linear map unit delineations. The composition and purity of map units are important in the interpretation of soil maps. Most delineations of a map unit include dissimilar soils or miscellaneous areas of minor extent that are not identified in the map unit name but may be included in the database for the unit. Practical field mapping methods cannot delineate these components at the selected scale of mapping. But they may be associated with a specific landform segment different from that of the named components of the map unit. Some of these components could be delineated if smaller management units were needed. Incorporate soils that have properties similar to the named components (similar soils) with the named soils. Likewise, minor components that are contrasting with the named major components, but that are similar to one another, should be correlated to one minor soil component. By doing so, the number of components listed for any map unit is kept to a minimum. Attain a defined standard or level of confidence in the interpretative purity of map unit delineations by adjusting the kind and intensity of field investigations. If the objective of the survey requires delineation of areas of dissimilar soils as small as 2 acres in size, the soil scientist must carry out the field investigations in sufficient detail to identify accurately and consistently map 2-acre areas. Investigations that observe map unit boundaries directly and thoroughly provide greater control than those that observe map unit boundaries at moderately spaced intervals. Minimum Size DelineationThe memorandum of understanding for the survey area states the minimum size map unit delineation. It represents the size of an area most users would agree is the smallest area that is managed for an intended land use. The memorandum of understanding also states the map scale. The scale must accommodate legible delineations of the smallest size map unit. A legible delineation is the smallest area on the map that reasonably accommodates a map unit symbol (about 1/2 cm square).
Kinds of Map UnitsSoils differ in the size and shape of their areas, in their degree of contrast with adjacent soils, and in their geographic relationships due to soil formation or land use. Soil surveys use four kinds of map units to distinguish the different relationships: consociations, complexes, associations, and undifferentiated groups. Table 1 describes and compares these relationships. ConsociationsIn a consociation, delineated areas use a single name from the dominant component in the map unit. Dissimilar components are minor in extent. The soil component in a consociation may be identified at any taxonomic level. Soil series is the lowest taxonomic level. A consociation map unit that is named for a miscellaneous area is dominantly that kind of area and any minor components present do not significantly affect the use of the map unit. Complexes and associationsComplexes and associations consist of two or more dissimilar components that occur in a regularly repeating pattern. The total amount of other dissimilar components is minor in extent. The following arbitrary rule determines whether �complex� or �association� is used in the name. The major components of a complex cannot be delineated separately at the scale of mapping. The major components of an association can be delineated separately at the scale of mapping. In either case, because the major components are sufficiently different in morphology or behavior, the map unit cannot be called a consociation. In each delineation of a complex or an association, each major component is normally present though their proportions may vary appreciably from one delineation to another.
Type of map unit
Map unit name from: (name soil at any taxonomic level)
% Dissimilar soils not included in map unit name
One soil or misc. area (similar soils or similar misc. areas included with named component)
15% limiting,25% nonlimiting,<10% of any one, limiting, very contrasting soil
Two or more soils or misc. areas (similar soils or similar misc. areas included with named component)
Cannot separate the named soils or misc. on the map at the scale used
Two or more soils or misc. areas (similar soils or similar misc. areas included with named components
Can separate the named soils or misc. on the map at the scale used
Two soils or misc. area (similar soils or similar misc. areas included with named components
A limitation, such as slope or salinity, overrides the primary use to such an extent that a separate map unit is not used for each soil
Map unit components of soil survey consist of soils or miscellaneous areas. Components may be major components or minor in extent as previously defined in Section 627.03. Major components are typically used in the map unit name. Minor components are not typically used in the map unit name but, if contrasting to the named soils, are named and populated in the database. All map unit components recorded in NASIS are fully populated with data (see
Part 617 of this handbook). Classify all soil components at the appropriate level of soil taxonomy. For soil components of minor extent that do not fit into or are not similar to an existing soil series, a new series may be established or a higher level of soil taxonomy may be used to name the soil component.
Soil SeriesThe soil series is the lowest categorical level of soil taxonomy. The most commonly used name for soil map unit components is the soil series name. Families
Name the component for a soil series (if one exists) that represents the needed family. An example component name is �Jocity family�, for soils that classify in the family of fine-loamy, mixed, superactive, calcareous, mesic Typic Torrifluvents.
Use the polynomial spelling as given in Soil Taxonomy combining the subgroup name with the appropriate family class differentiae. An example is �Loamy-skeletal, mixed, superactive Vitrandic Argicryolls.� Taxonomic Categories Above the FamilySoil components classified in taxonomic categories above the family level use the classification as a soil reference term with the following conditions: Designate the map unit component as a taxon above family in the Component Kind data element in the NASIS Component table.
� Use local phases, such as �Ustic Torriorthents, shallow�, as reference terms if needed. TaxadjunctsA taxadjunct is a soil (map unit component) that is correlated (named) as a recognized, existing soil series for the purpose of expediency. Taxadjuncts use a soil series name as a reference name but the soils have one or more differentiating characteristics that are outside the taxonomic class limits of the family or higher category for the named soil series. These properties in the aggregate, give responses to use and management similar to those of the named soil series. Use taxadjuncts in lieu of establishing a soil series that would be of limited use. Part 614 of this handbook provides information on soil series.To use a taxadjunct to assign a name to a map unit component,
designate the map unit component as a taxadjunct in the Component Kind data element in NASIS. Populate the actual taxonomic classification of the taxadjunct in the Component table. The representative soil properties entered for the taxadjunct must support this classification. Component text notes may be used to explain why a component is correlated as a taxadjunct.In the final correlation memorandum, include a statement to identify that one or more map unit components using the series name is a taxadjunct (Exhibit 609-1).In the soil survey manuscript section titled �Classification of the soils�, place an asterisk in the classification table for each map unit component that is named as a taxadjunct to direct the reader to a statement explaining the taxadjunct. Include the actual classification of the taxadjunct in the classification table. List the official series classification for those components that are not taxadjuncts. Also in the manuscript, include a statement in the range in characteristics of the taxonomic unit description identifying the map units and components that are taxadjunct to the soil series and an explanation of their properties that cause them to be outside the classification of the named series. If a map unit component has properties that are slightly outside the official series range but is in the same family as the official series, it is not a taxadjunct. Take one of two alternative actions: Widen the official series range to include the properties of the component as correlated, or Place a statement in the final correlation memorandum to explain how the component differs from the official series and why the official series was not revised to include the aberrant property or properties. Miscellaneous Areas
Use the names of miscellaneous areas as reference terms for map unit components as they are given in exhibit 627-1. Use no other names unless they are approved. The MLRA soil survey regional office (MO) requests additions to the list of miscellaneous areas in exhibit 627-1 or requests changes in the concepts of these areas. The National Soil Survey Center is responsible for approval.
The concepts of some miscellaneous areas has changed with time. For example, rock outcrop is currently applied to areas of bedrock that possess a significant amount of geologic cementation to the point that exposures form distinctly angular surface profiles. When cementation is less, exposures of bedrock tend to form less angular but more sloping surface profiles due to geologic erosion processes acting upon softer rock. Such softer bedrock exposures are better correlated as badland to help eliminate confusion. Phases
Miscellaneous areas may be phased in order to provide necessary interpretive information. Some common phase terms for miscellaneous areas include, but are not limited to, those presented in the following examples: Beaches, cobbly;
Playas, frequently ponded;
The component name entered in the component table of the NASIS database is just the term for the miscellaneous area (�Rock outcrop,� �Playas,� �Pits,� etc.). Terms for locally defined phases are entered separately in the column for the �Local Phase� data element. Data population
Horizon child tables: texture group, texture class or term used in lieu of texture, and texture modifier (required); horizon fragments, AASHTO, and Unified (optional). Map unit descriptions
The geomorphology (landscape, landform, etc.); The kinds of bedrock lithology; The nature of recent sediment; and
Drainage and runoff characteristics, if appropriate. If a survey legend includes miscellaneous areas, measure the components, tabulate their acreages, and list their names in the interpretative tables for the survey publication. If the total acreage of map units composed mainly of miscellaneous areas is so small or of so little importance that they are not retained in the legend, combine these map units with adjoining map units in the correlation document. Populate the miscellaneous areas as minor components in the data mapunit or use special symbols on the map, as appropriate. Spot symbols
Some miscellaneous areas are too small to be delineated as polygons on soil maps. Their presence can be shown with standard or ad hoc �spot� symbols, provided they are identified consistently. Standard landform and miscellaneous surface features or ad hoc features are special map symbols that locate miscellaneous areas when these areas are less than the minimum size for a map unit. See exhibit 627-5 for the list of these features which includes their names, symbols, digital labels, and descriptions. Their primary use is for orienting and locating features on the map to those on the ground. Point or linear map units can also be used for bodies of miscellaneous areas which are cartographically too small or narrow to delineate on soil maps with a traditional, closed polygon.
Phasing ComponentsOccasionally it is necessary to distinguish a map unit component when multiple components of the same taxonomic or miscellaneous area occur within the same map unit. Because soil properties and interpretations are shown by component, the phase helps to distinguish the correct component. Phases can be used at a local level to help identify soil components. Do not modify the map unit component name in the database. Use the local phase descriptor to separate components with the same name. Use a single term such as �saline� or �steep� or �sandy�. It is best not to use a property, such as surface texture, that is entered elsewhere. 627.05 Terms Used in Naming Map Units
Each map unit has a name that accurately and uniquely identifies the unit within the legend used. Consistent nomenclature provides understanding to the relationships and differences among map units. Conventions for naming map units provide consistency. The MLRA SSO or soil survey project office names and defines map units according to the procedures in this handbook and the descriptions in the Soil Survey Manual.
The MO approves map unit names and descriptions progressively with the progress of the survey and in the final correlation memorandum. The state conservationist and the MO team leader sign the final correlation memorandum. These signatures certify that the soil survey is complete and accurate.
Exhibit 609-1, item 19, provides more information. Naming Consociations
The last term in the name is the designation for erosion, deposition, flooding, rocky, or classes of surface stones and boulders. Examples are Alpha loam, flooded and Beta gravelly loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, stony.
A designation for slope follows all other terms except those for erosion, deposition, flooding, rocky, or classes of surface stones or boulders. An example is Alpha loam, gravelly substratum, 3 to 8 percent slopes, eroded.
With the exception of the word �slopes� and the terms for some texture groups, the nouns used in map unit names are singular. Chapter 2 of the Soil Survey Manual provides more information about consociations. Examples of appropriate names for consociations are:
Beta silt loam, 0 to 7 percent slopes; Rock outcrop; and Alpha family, 0 to 10 percent slopes. Naming Complexes
If the surface textures of the components are different, the second part of the name is the word �complex,� as in Alpha-Beta complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes. If the surface textures of the named components are the same, the second part of the name can be either �complex� or the common surface texture, as in Alpha-Beta silt loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes.
An example of a complex named using the short family name is Alpha-Beta families, complex, 10 to 20 percent slopes. Naming Associations
The second part of the name is the word �association.� Examples of appropriate names are Beta association; Alpha-Beta-Theta association; and Alpha-Beta families, association.
A third part may be necessary for separating other phases. Examples are Beta association, 10 to 30 percent slopes; and Beta-Theta association, stony. Naming Undifferentiated Groups
The first part of the name of an undifferentiated group uses the reference name of the components. Undifferentiated groups use components at all levels of soil taxonomy and kinds of miscellaneous areas as reference names. Two names separated by �and� or three names separated by a comma and �and�, respectively, form the first part. Chapter 2 of the Soil Survey Manual gives additional information on undifferentiated groups.
The second part of the name generally is the word �soils.� However, the following convention is optional. If the surface texture of the components is the same, the second part of the name is the common surface texture. Examples of appropriate names are the preferred Alpha and Beta soils and the optional Alpha and Beta silt loams, 0 to 10 percent slopes.
A third part may be necessary for separating other phases. An example is Alpha, Beta, and Theta soils, moderately saline, 0 to 3 percent slopes. Naming Human-Altered and Human-Transported Soils
Use normal conventions for naming map units when these map units contain miscellaneous areas. Miscellaneous areas generally are capitalized in map units, but those consisting of two words have only the first word capitalized. Examples are Gullied land and Alpha-Badland complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes.
Areas not yet mapped or digitized are assigned a map unit named �No digital data available� and are labeled with the National mapunit symbol �NOTCOM�, through a linkage in the NASIS Legend Mapunit table. Areas of denied access are assigned a map unit named �Area not surveyed, access denied� as described in more detail in Section 608.03 of this handbook.
Name ecological types using a minimum of two-part soils and plant community name. Use classes of soil taxonomy with or without accompanying terms to name the soil portion. Incorporate geologic, geomorphic, and/or landform names, either by phases of soils, or otherwise. Use the level of soil taxonomy (series, family, or higher category) which is needed to meet the objectives of the survey. Name the plant community portion according to potential natural community. 627.06 Phases Used to Name Soil Map Units
Two or more phase terms are commonly part of most soil map unit names. A phase term conveys important connotations about the map unit and distinguishes it from other map units.
Phases are not a category of the classification system, nor are they an interpretive group. Chapter 2 of the Soil Survey Manual provides a discussion of phases. Surface Layer Texture Phases
Texture phases of mineral surface layers help to name map units. The texture phase name is consistent with the surface texture listed in the data mapunit in the National Soil Information System. The surface texture for the map unit name corresponds to the surface texture of the representative map unit component for the dominant land use of the map unit. Use the basic textural class names, such as sand, clay, and silt loam. Make fine distinctions in the sand fraction for the basic texture classes of sand, loamy sand, and sandy loam if:
These distinctions are reasonably easy to recognize; and These distinctions serve a useful purpose. Do not use general texture groups, such as coarse textured and medium textured, to name surface texture phases. Do not use surface texture phases if map units include components named for taxonomic categories above the soil series. Chapter 3 of the Soil Survey Manual provides the texture terms used in the names of phases.
Use surface phases if stones, boulders, or smaller fragments constitute more than 0.01 percent of the soil surface and they are needed to separate map units or denote important information about the map unit. Do not confuse these phases with the use of fragments as texture modifiers. For example, Alpha loam, 10 to 20 percent slopes, bouldery, is a bouldery surface phase.
Part 618 of this handbook provides more information on surface fragments.
Use a rocky phase, if desired, to name map units where rock outcrops make up 10 percent or less of the surface area. An example is Alpha very gravelly loam, 10 to 25 percent slopes, rocky. If rock outcrop makes up more than 10 percent of the surface area, name the map units as soil and Rock outcrop. An example is Alpha-Rock outcrop complex, 0 to 25 percent slopes. Where rockiness phases are used, both �rocky� and �very rocky� phases can be named. Commonly units with less than 2 percent rock outcrop are named �rocky� and those with 2 to 10 percent are �very rocky.� Slope Phases
Soil map units that have simple slopes commonly have the slope gradient range in percent following their name. Map units that have complex slopes are sometimes named in a similar manner. Use slope gradient in percent to name consociations, complexes, and undifferentiated soil groups if soil series provide the reference name. Examples are Alpha silt loam, 4 to 8 percent slopes; Alpha-Beta complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes; and Alpha, Beta, and Gamma soils, saline, 0 to 2 percent slopes.
The slope phase designation follows the name of the reference taxon and other phase terms that are based on internal soil properties and is separated from them by a comma. Use the plural �slopes� if the gradient is specified in percent but omit the term if adjective names of slope classes are used. Eroded Phases
In many map units of eroded soils, the surface layer has not been uniformly eroded from the site. Instead, the texture, color, and thickness of the surface layer vary over short distances. Use the dominant texture to name the map unit. Describe the variability of the surface layer in the map unit description. The term designating the eroded soil phase is the last term in the name of the map unit. An example is Alpha loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, moderately eroded. Chapter 2 of the
Soil Survey Manual describes the terms slightly, moderately, and severely eroded and the term gullied. Depositional Phases
very shallow, less than 25 cm (< 10 inches); shallow, 25 cm to less than 50 cm (10 to < 20 inches); moderately deep, 50 to less than 100 cm (20 to < 40 inches); deep, 100 to less than 150 cm (40 to < 60 inches); and very deep, 150 cm or more (> 60 inches).
shallow over clay; and shallow over schist.
�Very shallow� soils are often included in �shallow.� Do not give a depth designation to the most extensive phase.
Place the depth terms after surface soil texture in the map unit name and separate from them by a comma. Depth precedes any terms for slope, erosion, deposition, or surface phases of soils that have stones or boulders. An example is Alpha silt loam, shallow, 6 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded. Substratum Phases
If material in the substratum contrasts sharply with that which is normal for the taxa, identify it by specifying it in the name. The identifying terms follow the name of the taxon and surface soil texture. It precedes any terms for slope, erosion, deposition, or surface phases of soils that have stones or boulders. An example is Alpha silt loam, gravelly substratum, 6 to 20 percent slopes, eroded. Chapter 2 of the
Soil Survey Manual lists common substratum names.
Soil water terms follow terms for surface soil texture and are separated from them by a comma. They precede any terms for slope, erosion, deposition, or surface phases of soils that have stones or boulders. Examples are Alpha silt loam, high water table; Beta silt loam, ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes; and Gamma clay loam, somewhat poorly drained, 2 to 5 percent slopes, moderately eroded. Chapter 2 of the Soil Survey Manual gives additional information and examples of soil water phases.
Salinity phases distinguish the degrees of salinity that are important for soil use or management. In some instances, observed plant growth is evidence for salinity phases. Electrical conductivity values can be used as a guide. The general salinity phase term used is �saline.� See chapter 2 of the Soil Survey Manual for detailed information on specific salinity phases. The terms for salinity phases follow any terms for surface soil texture and are separated from them by a comma. They precede any terms for slope, erosion, deposition, or surface phases of soils that have stones or boulders. An example is Alpha silt loam, saline, 1 to 3 percent slopes, very stony. Chapter 3 of the Soil Survey Manual gives additional information on salinity and electrical conductivity.
For some soils, recognizing a sodicity phase is useful. For example, a �sodic� phase designation added to a salinity phase designation may differentiate a sodic part of a normally saline soil. Use the term �sodic� as a phase designation without terms for degrees of sodicity. The term for a sodicity phase follows surface soil texture in map unit names. Separate the terms and are separated from them with a comma. It precedes any terms for slope, erosion, deposition, or surface phases of soils that have stones or boulders. An example is Alpha silt loam, strongly saline, sodic, 0 to 3 percent slopes. Chapter 3 of the Soil Survey Manual gives additional information on sodicity and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR).
Landform or physiographic position can distinguish map units of a single taxon. Do not name the most common physiographic phase. Chapter 2 of the Soil Survey Manual gives additional information and examples of physiographic phases and Section 629.02 of this handbook contains a glossary of recommended terms that are used to designate physiographic phases. Do not use terms not present in
Section 629.02 unless they are approved by the National Soil Survey Center. The terms for physiographic phases follow surface soil texture in map unit names. Separate the terms with a comma. They precede any terms for slope, erosion, deposition, or surface phases of soils that have stones and boulders. An example is Alpha gravelly loam, fan, 0 to 8 percent slopes.
Use climatic phases to distinguish air and soil temperature, potential evaporation, wind exposure, soil moisture, and precipitation. Be sure the phases are identifiable and mappable and that the differences are significant for the purposes of the survey. The appropriate term is connotative only in reference to the common atmospheric climate for the reference taxon. Describe it specifically for each map unit to which it applies. Give the appropriate after texture. An example is Alpha sandy loam, cool. Chapter 2 of the Soil Survey Manual gives additional information and examples of climatic phases.
Any class of any category of the taxonomic system that is used in naming map units may be subdivided to make a phase distinction. Examples are Fluvents, rarely flooded; Typic Medisaprists, clayey substratum; and Alpha loam, occasionally flooded. Although there is a great variety of distinctions, only use those that are useful for the purposes of the survey and that can be mapped consistently. Chapter 2 of the Soil Survey Manual gives additional information and examples of other phases. 627.07 Soil Performance Data Collection
Use NRCS-SOI-1 data form and instructions for entering data into the database. Exhibit 627-2 and
Exhibit 627-3 provide this information. Each state has a small supply of the form. The states reproduce this form as needed. NRCS supplies copies of the form to other agencies and instructions for its use.
Yield measurement from commercial farm fields. Yield measurements from field trials of special treatment practices (fertilizer trials, variety trials, and conservation tillage trials). Yield measurements from small research plots at experiment stations or other research institutions.
Encourage those agencies which collect and use crop yield data to complete NRCS-SOI-1 forms. These agencies include the State Land Grant University, the Cooperative Extension Service, the Agricultural Research Service, the Farm Services Agency, the Economic Research Service, and NRCS. 627.08 Documentation
Soil survey documentation is scientific data from measurements and observations of basic soil properties and qualities and of spatial arrangements, that are collected in the field or remotely sensed using standardized procedures. This data is systematically recorded. Soil survey documentation is used to verify soil-landscape models, interpretations, and projections for use. The dominant type of documentation varies by soil order (Exhibit 627-8). The percentages of delineations that use any one type of documentation vary by the size and number of delineations of a map unit in a physiographic area. The information is presented as geographical descriptions of landscapes and boundaries, soil profiles, soil layers, chemical and physical properties, or temporal condition. It has spatial, temporal, physical, and chemical aspects. Documentation assures proper soil classification, uniform and consistent mapping, and supports inferences for application of the information to similar landscapes. Documentation is collected over time and permanently archived. The information is cumulative. It is organized by major land resource area. Documentation progressively refines and improves soil-landscape models.
The MLRA SSO or soil survey project office organizes and analyzes support data and move it into the National Soil Information System. Field notes, including soil pedon descriptions, map unit descriptions, transects, laboratory data, and notes of an interpretive nature supplement soil maps. Soil maps and this descriptive information in the database become the primary records of a soil survey. Chapter 5 of the Soil Survey Manual gives helpful information about field notes and soil descriptions.
The memorandum of understanding and the project plan specify the kind and amount of support data required. The requirements for documentation written into the memorandum are based on the evaluation of the deficiencies in the map units of the previous soil survey. Refer to
Part 610 of this handbook for guidance on evaluations. For previously unmapped areas the requirements for documentation are based on the evaluation of the landscapes and map units of the surveys adjacent to the area. Generally map units that are not revised do not need further documentation other than that provided in the evaluation. Map units revised or redesigned need full documentation within the major land resource area.
Because of the variable nature of parent material, landscape patterns, uniformity, land use, user needs, scale, access, and past documentation, flexibility is needed for requirements in the type and amount of field documentation for map units within each survey area. Agreements on documentation requirements that differ from standard field description standards should be spelled out in the memorandum of understanding for each survey area before field work starts. The MO should take the lead, as part of quality assurance, in assuring these standards are reasonable and adequate for correlation and interpretation and are addressed in the memorandum of understanding. Reference Exhibit 606-1. Kinds Of Documentation
Many of the facts obtained in the field cannot be recorded on the map or in standard soil descriptions; The soil scientist cannot remember the details of all field observations, or the soil scientist may retire or transfer before completing the survey; They help office staff to achieve consistent work among the project members; They provide the data necessary for describing, classifying, and interpreting soils; They provide data for long term records; and They aid in developing and recording the map unit concept and criteria.
Record them on location at the time of the observation; Emphasize documenting the ordinary, the prevalent, and the commonplace; If not a direct observation, clearly identify location, date, author, soil component, and source; Use standard terminology and standard database programs; Clearly separate observations from conclusions and speculations;
Summarize at regular intervals to determine the status of the documentation effort; Add to the site observation table in NASIS; and File in a logical manner, preferably by map unit component and map unit, for easy reference.
Interpretive field notes are important in documenting soil behavior in the survey area. Interpretive notes result from direct observation or from information provided by resource specialists, farmers, extension personnel, agricultural teachers, fertilizer and farm equipment dealers, soil consultants, environmental scientists, county sanitarians, engineers, and other persons with experience or knowledge of soil relationships. Pedon descriptions are the primary records for soil identification, classification, and interpretation. Chapters 3 and 5 of the Soil Survey Manual provide helpful information, guidance, and standard terminology for describing soils. Typical pedons characterize each named component in a map unit. The MLRA SSO or soil survey project office maintains a map that locates soil description sites, especially the typical pedons. Describe soils as they occur in order to represent each map unit component. All soil descriptions are to be taken in metric units of centimeters to avoid errors of conversion. One pedon description represents each component. It is permissible to use pedons from surveys sharing the data mapunit from within the same major land resource area and
MLRA legend. Tentatively classify all pedons at the time when they are described. After sufficient descriptions have been taken, establish a central concept and range for a kind of soil. Consult the official soil series descriptions to determine proper series placement. If the soil differs significantly from all recognized soil series in the same taxonomic family, classify the soil in the lowest possible category of soil taxonomy.
Characterize the soils within the map unit; Determine the patterns of occurrence of different kinds of soils within the map unit, their proportionate extent, and their position on the landform; and Determine the relationships of one map unit to another and the distinction between similar map units to support the descriptive legend. Images.
Slides, black and white photos, digital images, and color photos taken during the soil survey illustrate and document field conditions for soil survey reports, information activities, and training sessions. Soil profiles, landscapes, vegetation patterns, typical landforms, rock exposure, and the results of management practices applied to particular soils are needed.
Soil survey investigations may take the form of laboratory data obtained by collecting samples for chemical, physical, or engineering analysis. Other investigations may result in documentation of soil temperature, moisture, or other soil property or quality. Refer to
Part 631 of the handbook for information on soil survey investigations.
The MLRA SSO or soil survey project office ensures the systematic collection of documentation by providing each project member with a list of specific instructions about the kind of information needed for each map unit and soil map unit component.
The memorandum of understanding for the survey area provides guidance for the type and amount of documentation. Documentation needs and standards may vary by map unit within the same survey area. Flexibility of guidance allows for sufficient data collection for each map, yet avoids the excess time and expense of redundant or superfluous data. Proposed series require descriptions of at least 5 pedons for new series with an extent of less than 2,000 acres. New series with an extent of over 20,000 acres require 10 pedon descriptions. The number and distribution of pedon descriptions must be adequate to classify, differentiate and develop a valid range of characteristics. Larger acreage units require more pedons descriptions to assure reasonable spatial representation across its extent.
Laboratory data and field notes supplement these requirements.
Section 614.06 of this handbook provides helpful information on proposing a soil series Map unit soil components each have a unique description. This representative pedon description exhibits typical properties and horizonation of the map unit component as it exists within the major land resource area. Each major soil component named within a map unit of the major land resource area legend requires one pedon description from the map unit. Minor components that are not named in a map unit of the legend but that occur in the component list of the database need a minimum of one pedon description. Provisional map units are exempted. This documentation is adequate for map units where the extent of the map unit is up to 3,000 acres. Where the extent is over 3,000 acres, the amount of additional descriptions are agreed upon and recorded in the memorandum of understanding. Factors that need to be considered are uniformity of material, scale, land use, and access. To ensure that documentation is adequate for the correlation of soil component names to established soil series or higher taxonomic categories, at least three pedon descriptions are required for each taxon used in the legend. Descriptions gathered to typify the map unit component as mentioned above and descriptions within adjacent surveys within the major land resource area are included in this total.
The MLRA SSO or project office regularly reviews and summarizes all documentation. Where applicable, a statistical analysis of data is done to objectively evaluate soil properties and map unit composition. The descriptive legend, manuscript, and database are updated periodically based on progressively gathered documentation. Documentation undergoes a quality assurance review at regular intervals by the MO. Determinations are made about the documentation in regard to:
The descriptions of map units, descriptions and classification of the soils; and The general soil map and legend. Chapter 4 of the Soil Survey Manual also gives helpful information about the descriptive legend and survey area soil handbook.
Identification legend. The identification legend consists of a list of map unit symbols and map unit names. Prepare the identification legend from map units and map unit components proposed and described. Only list those map units whose occurrence and justification were established during mapping. The MLRA SSO or soil survey project office maintains record of all symbols and proposed changes to the identification legend. Field reviews record legend changes that are approved by the MO. The field review reports must account for all the map units and symbols used at any time during the survey. All field review reports include an updated identification legend. The National Soil Information System is the official depository of legends, correlation notes, and legend text. Chapter 4 of the Soil Survey Manual provides an example of an identification legend.
Symbols. Map unit symbols are descriptive labels on soil maps. They are designed in a manner that avoids confusion with other symbols shown on soil maps representing specific features, such as those in the Feature and Symbol Legend for Soil Survey (Exhibit 627-5). Soil survey map unit symbols combine alpha, alpha-numeric, or numeric characters. Exhibit 627-4 gives several examples. Symbols should be as short as possible, but may contain up to six characters, including special characters like hyphens. Avoid the use of the lowercase letters �i�, �j�, �q�, and �l� because when handwritten these letters are easily confused with other letters or the number 1.
Each soil survey area requires a Feature and Symbol Legend for Soil Survey (NRCS-SOI-37A 5/01). See Exhibit 627-5. The legend identifies all approved map features that may be published in soil surveys including:
Area, line, and point soil features including soil boundary lines and soil symbols; Ad hoc features and standard landform and miscellaneous surface features that are too small to be delineated as areas on soil map sheets at either 1:12,000 (<1.4 acres) or 1:24,000 (<5.7 acres) scale;
The descriptions of the standard landform and miscellaneous surface features are on the back of the form NRCS-SOI-37A 5/01. If the legend includes ad hoc features, write the description on the back of the NRCS-SOI-37A 5/01.
All symbols must correspond exactly to those listed on form NRCS-SOI-37A 5/01.
The MLRA SSO or soil survey project office prepares the first draft of the feature and symbol legend before the initial field review of the survey area using the NRCS-SOI-37A 5/01. The review report includes the NRCS-SOI-37A 5/01. The back of the form includes the rules of application. All subsequent progress field reviews update and approve changes to this legend. Underline or otherwise highlight those features that are selected. Only compile those features that are highlighted.
Throughout the course of the survey, the MLRA SSO or soil survey project office describes all map units and map unit components. The MO approves these units before they are added to the identification legend. The MLRA SSO or soil survey project office makes minor revisions, such as adding minor components to map units, broadening the range for the taxonomic unit, or improving descriptions of the shape of delineations of the map unit.
The MO approves major changes, such as the addition or deletion of a map unit or the change in concept of a taxonomic unit. The MO prescribes the manner for submitting proposals for additions or deletions, and the supporting information. Make approved changes in all copies of the descriptive legend, including those used by the MLRA SSO or soil survey project office and the MO or lead agency. Keep a complete record of all major revisions, and record these revisions and the reasons for them in the report of the first field review that is made after the revisions are proposed. The National Soil Information System is the official depository of legends, correlation notes, and legend text.
The MO or the appropriate supervisor of the lead agency arranges procedures with cooperating agencies to obtain their concurrence to revisions of the legend.
General soil map and legend. The general soil map shows the geographic distribution of general soil areas within the survey area. Survey Area Soil Handbook
Each soil survey area in which acres of field mapping are being reported includes a survey area soil handbook. The preparation of a survey area soil handbook starts at the beginning of the soil survey with the inclusion of the descriptive legend. The MLRA SSO or soil survey project office prepares and keeps current a survey area soil handbook through the life of the survey. The MLRA SSO or soil survey project office prepares an outline of the survey area soil handbook during the first year of the soil survey to meet the requirements of the survey area. The MLRA SSO or soil survey project office similarly prepares a schedule that lists target dates for completion of all major parts of the survey area soil handbook.
Exhibit 608-1 and Exhibit 608-2 of this handbook provide more information. The arrangement and format of material in the survey area soil handbook is similar to that in published soil surveys. In addition to the descriptive legend, the handbook includes the soil survey manuscript prewritten material, original material that is prepared by the MLRA SSO or soil survey project office and guest authors, block diagrams, references, and pictures. The handbook is usually maintained in loose-leaf binders with dividers that separate major parts. Exhibit 644-6 �Guide for Authors of Soil Surveys� gives information on the format and arrangement of a published soil survey. Chapter 4 of the Soil Survey Manual and Section 609.07 of this handbook provide additional information about the soil survey area soil handbook.
At the time field activities conclude, the handbook encompasses the information needed to complete the manuscript for the survey area. The soil survey manuscript is essentially complete before the final field review. 627.09 Ecological Site and Soil Correlation Procedures
Records of Site Descriptions.
The Ecological Site Information System (ESIS) � Ecological Site Description database is the official repository for all data associated with ecological site descriptions. The state office is responsible for entry and maintenance of site descriptions in this database.
Updating Or Revising Site Descriptions.
Juniper and pinyon communities.
For correlating sites involving juniper and pinyon communities to soils, refer to the guidelines in the
USDA-NRCS publication �Inventorying, Classifying, and Correlating Juniper and Pinyon Communities to Soils in Western United States� published by the Grazing Land Technology Institute in September of 1997.
Plant community. Complete sufficient supporting plant community data for each soil component listed in each site description. The ESIS � Ecological Site Inventory database can provide useful data in identifying plant communities. A plant association table (NRPH, Chapter 3, Section 1, 600.0302b and exhibits 3.1-1 and 3.1-2) or equivalent worksheet is helpful in identifying important plant community similarities and differences.
Exhibit 627-6 Ecological Site and Soil Correlation Checklist and
Exhibit 627-7 Ecological Site Checklist help to document formal correlation activities.
Interstate correlation of soils and ecological sites.
Make an initial grouping or separation of sites based on the criteria for comparison between sites (see 627.09 (f) and (g) of the correlation guidelines).
Provide all necessary documentation (see 627.09 (h) correlation guidelines), including soil pits at the review sites. Exhibit 627-1 Miscellaneous Areas
Miscellaneous areas have essentially no soil or are bodies of soil that are heavily contaminated by toxic substances. They can result from active erosion and deposition, flooding and ponding, unfavorable edaphic conditions, or human activities. Some miscellaneous areas can be made productive, but only after major reclamation efforts. The paragraphs below discuss the 20 miscellaneous areas that are approved for use as component names. No other miscellaneous area names are used. See Section 627.04 (d) (2) for the process to revise the list of areas. Phase terms are not populated in the component name column of the database. Map unit names can consist of the concatenated miscellaneous area name and the local phase term (e.g., �Water, saline�). Local phase terms are developed as needed and have no finite limit or national approval process.
Lava flows are areas covered with barren lava. In most humid regions, the flows are of Holcene age, but in arid and very cold regions they may be older. Some flows have sharp, jagged surfaces, crevices, and angular blocks that are characteristic of slow-moving viscous lava. The Hawaiian term for a basaltic lava flow with these features is named �aa.� Other lava flows are relatively smooth and have a ropy, glazed surface due to hotter eruption temperatures, lower viscosity, and rapid flow rates. The Hawaiian term for this form of lava flow is �pahoehoe.� A little earthy material, ash, cinders, or accumulations of fresh organic material may be in a few fractures and sheltered pockets, but the flows are virtually devoid of soil. Lava flows have no vegetation other than lichens or other plant life growing in small pockets. Mined land is areas which are significantly altered by mining activities. Soil material and rock has been moved into, out of, or within the areas designated. Because access to mined land may be limited by permissions or hazardous materials, identification of soil components can be difficult or impossible. Mined land may also have associated small excavations which could be correlated and delineated as pits if needed.
Rubble land consists of areas of cobbles, flagstones, stones, and boulders in unstable deposits of sufficient thickness to significantly limit the establishment of vegetation. Rubble land is commonly at the base of mountains but in some areas consists of deposits of large rock fragments left on mountain slopes by glaciation or by periglacial processes. Slickens are accumulations of fine textured material, such as that separated in placer mine and ore mill operations. Slickens from ore mills consist largely of freshly ground rock that commonly has undergone chemical treatment during the milling process. Slickens are usually confined in specially constructed basins and are often contaminated by metallic compounds.
Exhibit 627-2 Example of Form NRCS-SOI-1, Soil Crop Yield Data
ftp://ftp-fc.sc.egov.usda.gov/NSSC/Soil_Survey_Handbook/SOI1.pdf High Resolution Image (700 x 528, 22 KB, PNG format)
Exhibit 627-3 Instructions for Completing Form NRCS-SOI-1, Soil Crop Yield Data
County code. Use the three-character numerical
FIPS code.
Kind of plot. Enter one of the following codes: 1 = Yield measurements in commercial farm fields. 2 = Yield measurements in field trails of special treatment practices (fertilizer field trials, variety trials, conservation tillage trials). 3 = Yield measurements of small research plots at experiment stations (variety tests, fertilizer tests). 4 = Yield estimates. Size of plot. Enter width x length in feet, for example, 4 x 10.9 Location. Use a map such as a 7�� quad, aerial photograph or soil survey to record the location. X coordinate. Enter latitude north. Separate degrees, minutes, and seconds by a hyphen, for example, 25-05-03. Y coordinate. Enter longitude west, for example 108-25-49. Other location description, for example NE� sec. 12, T. 31 N., R. 11 W. Agency. Enter the abbreviation of the agency entering the data. Date. Enter the date the form is filled out, for example, 8/14/81. Line 2 Soil symbol. Enter the soil symbol of the area at the sample site (if known).
Soil name. Enter the name of the soil identified at the sample site or through reference to the soil survey, for example, NORFOLK FINE SANDY LOAM, 3-5 PERCENT SLOPE. Soil identified at site? Indicate whether soil is identified at the site by soil scientists. Enter Y for yes or N or no. Line 3 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
USDA texture. Enter the textural symbols including modifier of the surface layer, for example, GR-L. Use only the approved symbols in the National Soil Survey Handbook. Slope. Enter the slope to the nearest percent on slopes greater than 1 percent; enter to the nearest 0.1 percent for slopes less than 1 percent. Flooding. Enter the flooding frequency (see
Part 618 of this handbook) that most nearly represents sample site. Use NONE, VERY RARE, RARE, OCCASIONAL, FREQUENT, or VERY FREQUENT.
Other phase criteria. Enter phases used to name soil map unit components (see
Section 627.06), other than surface texture, slope, or flooding, that are needed to select the correct capability and yield interpretations for the component, for example, SEVERELY ERODED.
Line 4 Erosion. Enter the code that most nearly represents the estimate of erosion:
1 = Slight 2 = Moderate3 = Severe Color of A horizon. Enter the color (Munsell notation) of the A horizon.
Thickness of A horizon. Enter the thickness of the A horizon. Organic matter. Enter an estimate or measurement of the percent of organic matter (organic carbon x 1.72) in the A horizon. pH. Enter the pH of the surface 4 inches at the time of harvest, for example, 6.7. Rooting depth (inches). Measure the depth to fragipan, bedrock, gravel, or other root-impeding layer. If greater than 60 inches, enter >60. Slope length. Through site (ft.). Enter the length of slope through the sample site, in feet. On terraced land, enter the distance between terraces. Slope length is the distance from the point of origin of overland flow to either (a) the point where the slope decreases to the extent that deposition begins or (b) the point where runoff enters an area of concentrated flow or channel. Above site (ft). Enter the length of slope from point or origin of overland flow to the sample point in feet. Slope. Kind. Enter the code that most nearly represents kind of slope at the sample site: 1 = Summit2 = Shoulder3 = Back slope4 = Foot slope Shape. Enter the code that most nearly represent the slope shape: 1 = Convex2 = Plane3 = Concave4 = Undulating5 = Complex Aspect. On slopes where aspect is important, enter one of the 8 points of the compass that the slope faces, for example, NE. K factor. Enter the soil erodibility (Kf) factor. Line 5 Moisture reserve at planting time. Enter one of the following codes: 1 = Above normal2 = Normal3 = Below normal Moisture reserve at beginning of spring growing season following fall planting (winter wheat and rye). Enter one of the following codes: 1 = Above normal2 = Normal3 = Below normal Precipitation during the growing season. Qualitative. Enter the code that represents qualitative judgment: 1 = Above normal2 = Normal3 = Below normal By month. If monthly records are available, enter to the nearest inch the precipitation for each month. Drought damage. Enter the code that represents the judgment of the amount of crop damage caused by drought: 1 = None2 = Slight3 = Moderate4 = Severe Water damage. Enter the code that describes the amount of crop damage caused by excessive wetness: 1 = None2 = Slight3 = Moderate4 = Severe R factor. Enter the R (rainfall) factor. Line 6 Multiple-cropped. Is the site double or triple cropped? Enter Y for yes, or N for no.
Current crop. Enter the crop name or code from the crop name and units of measure list in Exhibit 618-3. Cultivar (variety). Enter the name or identification of the crop variety. Previous crops. Enter the names or codes of the crops grown in first, second, and third previous crop seasons. Line 7 Planting information. Date. Enter the date of planting (month/day/year) if known, for example 5/15/86. Timing. Enter the code that describes timeliness of planting: 1 = Early2 = Normal3 = Late Crop yield. Enter the amount of harvested crop per acre, for example, 110. Use standard procedures for measuring yield. Unit of measure. Enter the unit of measure for the crop (Exhibit 618-3), for example, bu/acre. Residue yield (t/acre). Enter the air-dry tons per acre of crop residue (estimate if necessary). Line 8 Commercial fertilizer. NPK Enter the pounds of elemental nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium applied per acre. Other fertilizer materials (excluding lime). (A) Specify kind, for example, ZINC.(B) Enter the pounds per acre applied. Organic materials Enter tons of manure applied per acre. Enter the code representing the kind of manure: 1 = Cattle2 = Poultry3 = Hog4 = Horse5 = Sludge (human)6 = Other Crop residues returned. Enter Y for yes, or N for no. Tillage. Enter the code that represents the kind of tillage practice at the sample site: 1 = No till (slot tillage)2 = Strip till3 = Other conservation tillage4 = Nonconservation tillage (moldboard, disk plow, lister)
Weed control. Were herbicides used for this crop? Enter Y for yes, or N for no. Enter the number of cultivations used primarily or partly for weed control. Enter the code that represents the extent of weed damage on this crop: 0 = None1 = Slight2 = Moderate3 = Severe Insect and disease control. Were chemicals used to control insects or disease? Enter Y for yes, or N for no. If chemical control was used, enter the code that represents the kind of treatment: 1 = Foliage2 = Seed 3 = Soil 4 = Two or more of the above treatments If foliage treatment, enter the number of chemical applications. Enter the code that represents the extent of insect or disease damage on this crop: 0 = None1 = Slight2 = Moderate3 = Severe
Line 9 Other damage. Enter the code that represents the extent of damage from other causes such as hail, wind, lodging, and freezing: 0 = None1 = Slight 2 = Moderate3 = Severe Conservation practices, other than tillage and cropping sequence. Enter one of the following conservation practices codes. If more than one used, enter the code listed first: 0 = None1 = Terraces2 = Stripcropping, contour3 = Stripcropping, field4 = Stripcropping, wind5 = Contour farming Irrigation. Was irrigation water applied to this crop? Enter Y for yes, or N for no. Type: 1 = Furrow2 = Sprinkle3 = Drip4 = Flood Enter the code that represents the adequacy of the irrigation in meeting crop moisture requirements: 1 = Good2 = Fair3 = Poor Drainage. Is this soil artificially drained? Enter Y for yes, or N for no. Enter the code that represents the damage to the crop caused by inadequate drainage system: 0 = None1 = Slight2 = Moderate3 = Severe C factor. Enter the C factor (cover and management factor used in the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation) applicable to the site. Exhibit 627-4 Identification Legend of Map Unit Symbols and Names
Exhibit 627-5 Feature and Symbol Legend for Soil Survey, NRCS-SOI-37A 5/2001
High Resolution Image (JPEG) (2550 x 3300, 638 KB)
Exhibit 627-6 Ecological Site and Soil Correlation Checklist
Use to Supplement Soil Survey Quality Assurance Worksheet)
1. Name of area (including county, state and MLRA(s)) ________________________________
Exhibit 627-7 Ecological Site Checklist
3. Participants _______________________________________________________________________
Range of soil properties for the site: f. Vegetation data (417s, etc., and plant association tables)
Exhibit 627-8 Matrix of Soil Orders and Documentation
The table below is a generalized matrix showing soil order by the dominant type of documentation.
Remotely sensed/ancillary data ----------
Identification or verification of soil map units with a delineation is made by one of three methods. These methods provide documentation to the survey when the method is either recorded in the database or on the map as to type. These methods are: Traversing - Describing the soil and conditions at stops selected to reference vegetation, position on the landform, photo tone, etc. This is an on-site identification of the soil and verification of the projected assignment of the map unit. Observation - Visual notation of items as geologic features, vegetation, surface conditions, disturbed areas, etc without borings. This drive by or other sighted observation does not involve a soil examination, and instead relies on surface characteristics observed by the surveyor. Remotely sensed/ancillary data - includes photo tone on aerial photographs, 3-D digital elevation models, topographic maps, geology maps, vegetative maps, etc. Primary - the principal way polygons and properties are verified.
Secondary - additional methods in support of primary methods. No entry - This category is generally not used in the specified order.
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