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NCSS members view shoreline erosion off the coast of Rhode Island.

National Cooperative Soil Survey

The National Cooperative Soil Survey (NCSS) is a nationwide partnership dedicated to soils since 1899!

What Is the NCSS?

The National Cooperative Soil Survey (NCSS) is a nationwide partnership of Federal, regional, State, and local agencies and private entities and institutions. This partnership works to cooperatively investigate, inventory, document, classify, interpret, disseminate, and publish information about soils. NCSS standards are common or shared procedures that enhance technology transfer, data sharing, and communications among soil survey participants. NCSS cooperators collaborate on efforts to increase our understanding of soils through field studies, soil mapping projects, soil database development, and other technical soil services. 

Anyone can join the NCSS. View the ArcGIS Story Map to learn more about us!

NCSS rounded black beige with primary color logos vertical stack

I cannot conceive of the time when knowledge of soils will be complete. Our expectation is that our successors will build on what has been done, as we are building on the work of our predecessors.

R.S. Smith, Director of the Illinois Soil Survey, 1928

NCSS Projects

Learn more about projects that are a result of the National Cooperative Soil Survey via ArcGIS Story Maps.

Coastal Zone Soil Survey

The NCSS is expanding the work to include data on the dynamic and important soil resources of our coasts and nearshore environments, a collaborative effort called Coastal Zone Soil Survey.

Coastal Zone Soil Survey Projects

Urban Soil Survey

The need for a better understanding of urban soils is more important than ever, especially the need for accurate and proper documentation, soil mapping, and interpretation of soil changes in the urban environment.

Urban Soil Survey Projects

Dynamic Soil Properties

Dynamic soil properties (DSPs) are soil properties that change with natural and anthropogenic disturbances and stressors including agricultural and wildland management. DSPs are indicators of soil function and soil change. Information about how soils change due to management and how those changes impact soil functions are crucial to sustainable soil management on all kinds of lands.

Dynamic Soil Properties Projects

Ecological Site Descriptions

Ecological Sites are conceptual divisions of the landscape that are used to support management decision-making and aid in designing and interpreting research. Ecological sites are based on soil survey maps. 

Collaborating to Advance Ecological Sites in Hawaii

Contact Soils

Please contact us if you see something that needs to be updated, if you have any questions, or if you need accessibility assistance.

Find Your Local Service Center

USDA Service Centers are locations where you can connect with Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or Rural Development employees for your business needs. Enter your state and county below to find your local service center and agency offices. If this locator does not work in your browser, please visit offices.usda.gov.