NRCS staff use tools to gain information about the ground and soils. Listed below are a few tools used:

Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR)

The United States Department of Agriculture (Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) has been using ground-penetrating radar (GPR) technology to study subsurface soil features since 1979.  GPR is a broad band, impulse radar system that has been designed to penetrate earthen materials. 

The radar transmits high frequency, short duration pulses of energy into the ground from a coupled antenna.  Electromagnetic waves are reflected, refracted, and diffracted in the subsurface by changes in electrical conductivity and dielectric properties of the soil material.  The travel time of the waves are analyzed to give depths of soil layers. Read more about GPR.

The effectiveness of GPR is highly site specific and dependent on soil properties.  Ground-penetrating radar soil suitability maps can be developed based on Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) data using Web Soil Survey.     

NRCS Uses of GPR:

• Investigating the variability of soil properties 
• Mapping geologic deposits
• Locating buried objects and pipelines
• Determining depth to bedrock
• Locating contamination plumes
• Cultural resources/ Archeological investigations
• Sedimentation surveys
• Earthen dam surveys

Portable X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (pXRF)

USDA-NRCS Connecticut soil scientists apply Portable X-ray Fluorescence (PXRF) technology to quickly assess trace metal concentrations in soils. Portable x-ray fluorescence spectrometry is possible through a low-power, self-contained, x-ray “gun” which enables the user to make elemental determinations in specific spots in a soil profile, either in a soil pit or excavated soil sample. This technology provides real-time or near real-time decision support for soil management decisions and provides a cost-saving alternative to classical laboratory analysis programs.  This information will help urban farmers and community gardeners better understand and address environmental issues associated with potentially hazardous metals in soil.

Connecticut NRCS soil staff also participate in regional soilSHOP events in partnership with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR).  ATSDR promotes health education and outreach events called soilSHOPs to help people learn if their soil is contaminated with lead, and how to reduce exposures to contaminated soil and produce. The name soilSHOP stands for Soil Screening, Health, Outreach and Partnership.