Recent projects from the Soil and Plant Science Division.
Fort Hall Indian Reservation Soil Survey Unearths New Soil Series and Partnership
The discovery of some one-of-a-kind soils, with unique links between soil and water, prompted the naming of six new soil series at the Fort Hall Indian Reservation, northwest of Pocatello, Idaho. Bryce Griffiths, soil scientist, and Nolan Brown, original territories and historical research manager for the Language and Cultural Preservation Department of the Fort Hall Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, worked together with the Tribes’ Historical Preservation Committee, Cultural Resource Committee, and Language specialists to name the new soil series. Read more and watch the YouTube video ...
Soil Data Metrics
Prove It – Measuring Success of Our Soil Data and Information Services
Most of the world’s food and fiber production directly depends on soil as a growth medium, nutrient supply mediator, and buffer against daily changes in available moisture. While erosion can contribute to surface water contamination, most sources of drinking water benefit from filtration through the soil and underlying geologic strata. Soil scientists continuously update national soil survey products to provide the best available soil properties and interpretations to support relevant land management decisions. Read more ...
Annual Report
The Soil and Plant Science Division (SPSD) provides a unique source of comprehensive, up-to-date, science-based data and information concerning all aspects of soil, plant, and ecological sites across the United States and its trust territories.
The SPSD is pleased to share its annual report for Fiscal Year 2023.
Urban Soil Survey Project is Planned for the City of Pittsburgh
The Soil and Plant Science Division announced plans for an Urban Soil Survey of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, during NRCS Chief Terry Cosby’s visit to the city in mid-October. The Allegheny County Conservation District hosted Chief Cosby, Soil and Plant Science Division staff, NRCS Pennsylvania staff, and conservation partners to a roundtable discussion and field tour to highlight urban agriculture in Pittsburgh. Chief Cosby said, “Urban agriculture changes communities — neighbors meeting for the first time and coming together to help one another. It changes the city, and it changes lives!” Read more ...
Technical Soil Services (TSS) Reports
These reports are provided by resource soil scientists working in USDA area offices and by soil scientists working in soil survey project offices.
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