Soil maps identify soil types in a region, created by soil scientists conducting a survey and mapping the results onto a background. They are used in agriculture, engineering, and conservation. There are three types: detailed, generalized, and schematic. The NRCS collaborates with state agencies to create soil maps for nearly every county in the US.
A soil map is a tool used to identify the distribution of soil types in a particular geographic region. To create a map, soil scientists first conduct a detailed survey of an area, classifying the soil according to a standardized system, and recording the location of each type. Survey results are mapped onto a background, such as an aerial photograph, showing the topography and geographic boundaries of the area. Soil maps and other survey data are then used to determine appropriate land use and management for the area.
Soil maps have many practical uses. In agriculture, they are used in crop breeding. A farmer can look at a soil map when deciding what types of animals to raise. Engineers, developers and urban planners analyze maps before selecting sites for municipal buildings, airports and residential, educational and recreational facilities. A soil map helps conservationists plan strategies for conserving natural resources.
The level of detail in a soil map depends on the amount of information obtained from the soil survey. For example, a soil map from a highly detailed survey provides a variety of soil information in a relatively small area, such as a single field or tract of land. The map scale is large enough to show specific characteristics of the defined area, including color and composition. Detailed soil maps are always prepared using the results of scientific field research.
In addition to detailed soil maps, there are two other types of soil maps available: generalized maps and schematic maps. A generalized soil map is used to get a general picture of the soils in a region and is created by combining data from existing maps. Generalized maps compare soils in different parts of a large geographic area, such as a county or other administrative region. The information obtained from this type of soil map can be used for zoning purposes or to assess whether an area is suitable for development and/or agricultural use.
A schematic soil map collects information about an unexplored or undeveloped area from a variety of sources and is not intended to define all soil types or geographic boundaries. Instead, this type of map is used to identify areas where it might be desirable to conduct a soil survey in the future. To create schematic soil maps, scientists gather information about a region’s climate, topography, and biological factors such as plant growth. Using this information, they make predictions about the types of soils that might exist in the region.
In the United States, the creation of soil maps is generally a collaboration between the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and individual state agencies. The NRCS has soil maps for nearly every county in the United States. They are typically available through NRCS regional offices, which are located nationwide.
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