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Soil surveys are made up of three major parts: maps, soil descriptions, and soil interpretations.
Soil Scientists study soil and landscape relationships, predict patterns of soil distribution using aerial photographs, satellite imagery, topographic maps, GIS models, and on site investigation to make maps of the occurrence of different soil types. In order to understand the soil and landscape relationships it is necessary to describe the soils and take soil samples for later laboratory analysis.
During soil survey field work, a soil scientist will walk over the landscape and, using a hand auger or shovel, dig a small hole so that they can examine and describe the horizons of the soil. They determine and record the physical (texture, thickness, color, structure, etc.) and chemical (acidity or alkalinity, salinity, sodicity, etc.) properties of each horizon. They also record size and quantity of rock fragments and any restriction to roots that occur.
Once field maps are completed and digitized for an area and the field notes are compiled, the information is entered into the National Soil Information System (NASIS) database. The information can then be used to make soil interpretations and those areas that can be finalized are made available to the public on the internet through the Web Soil Survey website (http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/).
The Bitterroot Valley Soil Survey appreciates the role that property owners in the Bitterroot Valley have in protecting our land resources and respects the rights of property owners in the areas where they are mapping and sampling. They park on roads, traverse fields on foot and fill in their sampling holes. Gates are left as they are found and the scientists try hard leave little trace of their visit. We are always willing to work with landowner and operators about any concerns that they might have.
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