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Block diagrams from published soil surveys.

Block Diagrams

Locator map and list of block diagrams from published soil surveys.

More than 3,700 block diagrams (line drawings) from published soil surveys are available. Most of the diagrams relate soils to landscape positions. You may search for diagrams in two ways: a comprehensive spreadsheet or an interactive map. The comprehensive spreadsheet is linked to the diagrams in PNG format. Users can search the spreadsheet for specific key words, such as a series name or a county. The interactive map shows the location of survey areas for which a diagram is available.

Spreadsheet with links to PNG block diagrams (2.36 MB)
Example of a block diagram from an Iowa soil survey.

Interactive Map

See the block diagrams available in your state and soil survey area.

Open Map

Historical References

Block Diagrams for Soil Survey Interpretations

  • Includes instructions on how to draw block diagrams.
  • Compiled by Robert W. Eikleberry. 1968. United States Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, Lincoln, Nebraska.

The Art and Science of Soil-Landscape Block Diagrams: Examples of One Picture Being Worth More Than 1000 Words

  • Soil Survey Horizons (Fall 2011)
  • Written by Samuel J. Indorante, Soil Scientist/Project Leader, Carbondale MLRA Soil Survey Office, USDA-NRCS, Carbondale, IL

 

Additional Information

Soil Surveys by State

Historical soil surveys have been scanned, converted to portable document format (pdf), and archived on a public download site.

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Soils Tools

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Contact Soils

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