Soil Surveys

Soil surveys provide an orderly, on-the-ground, scientific inventory of soil resources that includes maps showing the locations and extent of soils, data about the physical and chemical properties of those soils, and information derived from that data about potentialities and problems of use on each kind of soil in sufficient detail to meet all reasonable needs for farmers, agricultural technicians, community planners, engineers, and scientists in planning and transferring the findings of research and experience to specific land areas. 

Soil surveys provide the basic information needed to manage soil sustainably. They also provide information needed to protect water quality, wetlands, and wildlife habitat. Soil surveys are the basis for predicting the behavior of a soil under alternative uses, its potential erosion hazard, potential for ground water contamination, suitability and productivity for cultivated crops, trees, and grasses. Soil surveys are important to planners, engineers, zoning commissions, tax commissioners, homeowners, developers, as well as agricultural producers. 

Soil maps are not available unless indicated. The user should contact the NRCS State Soil Scientist for information on the availability of maps. 

Access to soil survey information is provided through maps.  All text and tables relate to the map symbols and the areas delineated on these maps. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of soil survey information should contact the NRCS at the USDA Service Center that services the county of interest at http://offices.usda.gov/scripts/ndlSAPl.dll/oip_public/USA_map

Online Soil Survey Manuscripts for other states

National Soil Survey Information

(Now available)

Online Web Soil Survey  - Official USDA soil information as viewable maps and tables for more than 2300 soil surveys.