The Research Team's key role will be to act as liaison between researchers and those with research needs and ideas. The goal is to facilitate critical research to further the Soil Survey and ES Programs. Also, to increase awareness and application of previously conducted research to address current issues and permit research to provide support for Soil and Plant Science Division activities. Under each heading research needs will be listed as well as any current ongoing research projects.
Provide input on cutting edge research that could benefit soil survey
Review existing research and provide internal guidance
Act as a repository for NCSS priorities, inputs, reports
Coordinate activities with NCSS and other external entities
Communicate with Soil Survey Regions, MLRA SSOs and state level staff on requests for assistance
Work with staff to refine assistance requests and assure that they are clear and complete, well-documented etc.
Refer field and regional staff to appropriate contacts at NSSC (e.g. research staff, others) for areas outside of one’s expertise
For lab sampling requests
Work with field/state/area staff to be sure request is well founded and complete: includes well defined purpose, equipment needed, analyses requested etc.
Assist in filling out Lab analysis worksheet, persons submitting samples for analysis are responsible for completing Lab analysis worksheet
Advise field staff of potential issues related to sampling and transport of soil materials (e.g. sampling protocols, agricultural quarantine, etc.)
Coordinate with the KSSL staff to ensure that samples arrived in Lincoln (with all required documentation) and are “in the queue” – update field as appropriate
Provide preliminary review of laboratory data (consult with other NSSC staff as appropriate for areas outside of personal expertise)
Work with field/state/areas staff to help them understand and interpret the data (consult with other NSSC staff as appropriate for areas outside of personal expertise)
For field assistance requests
Work with field, state and regional staff to ensure that request for field assistance is well documented, specific, and addresses a documented need
Work with other NSSC staff as needed to identify the appropriate person(s) to provide the requested field assistance
Overview
