Section 7
Soil and Land Use
In this section you will find materials that support the implementation of EarthComm, Section 7: Soil and Land Use.
- To learn more about soils in your community, visit the following web sites:
Photo Gallery, USDA, NRCS
Includes written descriptions and photographs of different soil types as well as a soil distribution map of the United States.
State Soils, USDA, NRCS
Explains that each state has a representative soil series and how this is defined. Click on your state to view a written description, photograph, and distribution map for the soils in your state.
List of Soil Surveys by State, USDA, NRCS
Click on your state to be linked to your state's soil office.
To learn more about this topic, visit the following web sites:
Classifying Soils
Photo Gallery, USDA, NRCS
Includes written descriptions and photographs of different soil types as well as a soil distribution map of the United States.
Keys to Soil Taxonomy, USDA, NRCS
Online textbook that covers a wide range of topics, including which soils scientists classify and how they classify them.
Soil Formation
Soil Composition and Formation, NOAA
Brief summary of soil horizons and the mechanisms that produce them. Click on significant terms to view definitions.
The Story of Rocks and Soil, NASA
Reviews how soil is formed from the erosion of rocks exposed at the Earth's surface.
Soil Horizons
Examination and Description of Soils, USDA, NRCS
Excerpt from the text "Soil Survey Manual". This very detailed review defines the different soil horizons and transitional zones. Also explains soil horizon nomenclature.
Soil as a Natural Resource
Soil Quality Management, USDA, NRCS
Examines practices that enhance soil quality.
Soil Quality Management – Urban Land, USDA,
Three fact sheets which cover soil erosion and sedimentation on construction sites, urban soil compaction, and heavy metal soil compaction.
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