Natural Resources Conservation Service

Helping People Help the Land

Helping People Understand Soils

Ten Key Messages

Soil is a Fundamental Part of the Ecosystem

The living systems occurring above and below the ground surface are determined by the properties of the soil. We often ignore the soil because it is hard to observe.

color texture structure consistence roots pores other features

The Study of Soil (Pedology) is a Unique Discipline

Soil

—a natural body of solids, liquid, and gases,with either horizons, or layers or the ability tosupport rooted plants

Unique physical, chemical, and biological properties

Soil Survey is a Scientifically-Based Inventory A soil survey includes maps, descriptions, properties, climate, and interpretations. There are about 3000 soil survey areas in the United States. These are excellent sources of information on this resource.

Soils Perform Several Vital Functions

Sustaining plant and animal life below and above the surface Regulating and partitioning water and solute flow Filtering, buffering, degrading, immobilizing, and detoxifying Storing and cycling nutrients Providing support to structures

Soils Are Variable But in Predictable Locations There are 23,000 soil series in various combinations with different slopes and surface textures.

Soil Forming Factors:

Parent Material Climate Living Organisms Topography Time

Scientific Names for Soils Should Be Used • • • • Like plants and animals,

soils are classified

The

system

is called

Soil Taxonomy

The

highest level

The

lowest level

is the

soil order

(12) is the

soil series

, often a place name

Soil Studies Can Be Incorporated Into Other Studies

Science

ecology, biology, chemistry

Social Studies

world trade, land use

Mathematics

soil loss over one hectare

History

settlement of the U.S., dust bowl

Art

soil crayons, acrylic paints

Consider the Soil First to Minimize Risk

Soils Are Alive

Organism Types

bacteria fungi protozoa nematodes arthropods earthworms

Roles & Benefits

decomposition release nutrients create pores stabilize soils

Soil Management Affects Soil Properties

Soil Quality

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).