Information on research focus areas and projects.
Relevance
Legislative Mandate PL 89-560:
Soil Survey Program “promotes the soil survey and provides technical assistance in its use for a wide range of community planning and resource development issues related to non-farm and farm uses.”
Soil Research:
- collecting high quality soil data to support soil survey and deepen knowledge and understanding of soil landscapes;
- generating and improving soil interpretations by providing in depth research;
- providing training and supporting documents for the successful conductance of field soil surveys; and
- developing new standards and methodologies for soil investigations.
Major Goals
Conducts research on soil genesis, functions and behavior under natural and anthropogenic influences. Provides soil characterization data and develops standards and training in support of the U.S. National Cooperative Soil Survey at national and international levels. Provides data and technical information support for conservation programs.
Topical Areas
Soil Systems and Landscapes
- Soil Systems
Soil Modeling and Forecasting
- Digital Soil Mapping
- GlobalSoilMap
- Development of a Tool to Predict New Soil Moisture and Soil Temperature Regimes
- Evaluation of Watershed Models
Soil Environmental Functions and Benefits
- Characterization of Soil Phosphorus
- Dynamic Soil Properties Under Cultivated and CRP Land Uses
- Water Quality in the US Great Plains
Develop Standards and Methodology for Supporting Soil Survey and Research
Research Liaisons
Research liaisons serve as a point of contact for their assigned region. They can provide general information about the Research Branch and soil science and put regional staff in touch with experts for specific questions or studies. Each scientist can provide technical and academic advice and information in their area of expertise.
Alaska – Travis Nauman
Northwest – Jon Maynard
Southwest – Dylan Beaudette
North Central – Ekundayo Adeleke
South Central – Tiffany Carter
Northeast – Amanda Pennino
Southeast – Ryan Hodges
Links
Kellogg Soil Survey Laboratory (KSSL)
Mission: Measure soil properties that are critical to soil survey and conservation efforts of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and the National Cooperative Soil Survey.
Learn MoreSoil Climate Research Stations
Links to data from soil climate research stations in Alaska and Antarctica.
Learn MoreRapid Carbon Assessment (RaCA)
The Rapid Carbon Assessment (RaCA) was initiated by the USDA-NRCS Soil and Plant Science Division in 2010.
Learn MoreContact Soils
Please contact us if you see something that needs to be updated, if you have any questions, or if you need accessibility assistance.