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Chief Lancaster Gets a Soils Lesson
NRCS Illinois soil scientist Dr. John Doll (retired) and Chief
Lancaster log soils data (NRCS photo -- click to enlarge)
Chief Lancaster works in a soils pit (NRCS photo -- click to enlarge)
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Chief Lancaster recently got a “crash course” in soils at the University of
Illinois (U of I) South Farms during a demonstration by NRCS soil scientists on
soil mapping, classification, and “tools of the trade.”
“The Chief is very interested in seeing first hand how our agency conducts the
business of soil science,” said NRCS State Conservationist Bill Gradle. “This
was our opportunity to demonstrate the methods our soil scientists use on the
job.”
U of I’s South Farms have permanent soil pits on the grounds, making study of
the different layers of soil accessible. Illinois NRCS State Soil
Scientist Bob McLeese and his staff explained to Chief Lancaster how soil descriptions
are written.
Next, they walked the field to show how scientists determine different soil
types by landscape position and by taking a number of soil observations using a
hand probe. McLeese said, “We want to give him the full experience of the
process even in this short timeframe.”
Assisting NRCS employees were University Professor Wes Jarrell and South Farm
Manager Bob Dunker. They demonstrated a few of the “high tech” tools used
to learn what lies beneath the soil surface. Electromagnetic induction
technology and a penetrometer reveal different properties and characteristics of
the soil, which in turn, help scientists determine which soils are located where
on the land.
Chief Lancaster was able to maneuver another piece of equipment, called the
Veris 3100, in the field and use the NRCS Soil Quality Test Kit. The Veris
unit is pulled behind a truck through the field. It has six coulters
(blades) that cut a narrow slit though the soil. Voltage is then transmitted
into the soil by two of the coulters and the soils electrical conductivity is
measured.
“It was a one day whirl wind tour through the world of Illinois soils,” said
Gradle. "NRCS is proud that the agency’s leader is so interested in the
importance of soils. “We are honored that of all 50 States, he chose Illinois as
the place to learn more.”
“Our State has one of best soil survey programs in the nation,” says McLeese.
“We have some of the best soils too. The Chief came to the right place,”
adds McLeese.
Your contact is Jody Christiansen,
NRCS public affairs specialist, at 217-353-6627.
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