Soils

This area of the NRCS New York Technical Resources Web site provides information related to soils.

• Soil Survey  

• New York Soils  

• Soil Data Mart - New York soils data

• USDA NRCS Soils Web site

Web Soil Survey

Web Soil Survey (WSS) provides soil data and information produced by the National Cooperative Soil Survey. It is operated by the USDA NRCS and provides access to the largest natural resource information system in the world.

Soil Biology

The creatures living in the soil are critical to soil quality. They affect soil structure and therefore soil erosion and water availability. They can protect crops from pests and diseases. They are central to decomposition and nutrient cycling and therefore affect plant growth and amounts of pollutants in the environment. Finally, the soil is home to a large proportion of the world's genetic diversity.

Dig It! The Secrets of Soil

Without soil, life on land would not exist as we know it. The soils under our feet are a vast reservoir for life and play a part in almost every aspect of human existence – food, housing, clothing, medicine, ecosystems and much more.  This vital living system is the focus of this dynamic new 5,000 square-foot Exhibition scheduled to open at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History on July 19, 2008.

Visit the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History Web site devoted to their new exhibition - Dig It! The Secrets of Soil.

Munsell soil color chart

The Color of Soil

Soil color and other properties including texture, structure, and consistence are used to distinguish and identify soil horizons (layers) and to group soils according to the soil classification system called Soil Taxonomy.

For additional educational materials, please visit the USDA NRCS Soils Web site.

2009 Soils Planner - Field Indicators of Hydric Soils in the United States

The NRCS 2009 Soils Planner - Field Indicators of Hydric Soils in the United States have been distributed to State and national technology support centers soils staff. The planner focuses on NRCS’ interagency efforts to produce a coordinated system of identifying wetland soil features, or hydric soil indicators. These common indicators enable us to better protect our Nation’s wetland resources. While supplies last, additional copies can now be ordered from the Landcare Web site, or by calling 1-888-LANDCARE (888-526-3227), after January 1, 2009.

For additional educational materials, please visit the USDA NRCS Soils Web site.

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