NSSH.RmdThe Soil Science Division provides leadership and service to produce and deliver scientifically based soil information to help society understand, value, and wisely manage global resources.
-The National Soil Survey Handbook and other technical and procedural references provide the standards, guidelines, definitions, policy, responsibilities, and procedures for conducting the National Cooperative Soil Survey (NCSS) in the United States.
-NCSS standards are common or shared procedures that enhance technology transfer, data sharing, and communications among soil survey participants. They apply to various soil survey functions. The references listed in part 600, subpart B, section 600.10, contain standards.
-A. The three principal publications guiding the NCSS are the Soil Survey Manual, "Soil Taxonomy," and the National Soil Survey Handbook. Part 600, subpart B, section 600.10, lists other technical references that are important in gathering and applying soil knowledge. The following paragraphs describe how these publications are revised and how they apply to the NCSS in the United States.
-B. The Soil Survey Manual
-C. "Soil Taxonomy" and "Keys to Soil Taxonomy" Agriculture Handbook 436, second edition (1999), "Soil Taxonomy: A Basic System of Soil Classification for Making and Interpreting Soil Surveys," provides the common base for the organization of knowledge about soils and the standards for their classification. "Keys to Soil Taxonomy," which is periodically revised, provides excerpts of "Soil Taxonomy" that can be readily used in the field and contains all the approved revisions and amendments to "Soil Taxonomy." Procedures to amend "Soil Taxonomy" are outlined in part 614 of this handbook.
-D. The National Soil Survey Handbook
-Unlike manuals in eDirectives, which "issue policies and procedures on a specific subject," the National Soil Survey Handbook provides guidelines, definitions, responsibilities, and how-to procedures for conducting the NRCS part of the NCSS (Title 120, National Directives Management Manual (NDMM)). It contains information relative to planning and managing soil surveys, collecting and maintaining soil survey information, and distributing the information to users. The National Soil Survey Handbook provides specific information about the field activities, correlation, interpretation, publication, and dissemination of soil surveys of the NCSS.
The National Soil Survey Center updates the National Soil Survey Handbook on a periodic basis. Any member of the NCSS may suggest changes or additions to the handbook. The originating author sends the proposed changes or additions, along with an explanation of and support for the need for the change or addition, to the national leader for soil survey standards at the National Soil Survey Center. The center reviews proposed changes, amendments, and additions at least annually. The director of the Soil Science Division issues approved amendments and notifies users of the National Soil Survey Handbook. This handbook is not to be amended or supplemented by regional or local offices.
E. User Manuals User manuals contain procedures for conducting soil survey activities, such as those related to the electronic storage and display of soil information. Examples are the user guides for the National Soil Information System.
-F. Guides Guides provide special information and criteria for various functions, such as interpreting soils and updating major land resource areas. Regional guides may be developed and used as needed to supplement national guides.
-The following are conventions and terminology used in the National Soil Survey Handbook. Unless otherwise stated, all information provided herein are standards of the National Cooperative Soil Survey.
-Policy.-A principle to be followed to guide decisions to achieve a desired outcome. Policy differs from procedure or protocol in that a policy contains the "what" and the "why" only. Procedures or protocols also include the "what," "how," "where," and "when." Policies are determined and adopted by the Chief and may be delegated to other senior staff within NRCS. Protocols and procedures are developed by the senior managers to implement policy. Title 130, General Manual, Part 407, "National Policy," states that policies are adopted to ensure- (i) Conformance to laws and rules. (ii) Implementation of Executive orders and other Executive direction. (iii) Program quality control. (iv) Accountability. (v) Quality, consistency, and coordination in products and services.
Standard.-An established requirement defining technical criteria, methods, processes, or practices that must be accomplished or adhered to in order to ensure mission objectives are being met. Soil survey standards include sets of definitions and specifications. The definitions are standardized to ensure that everyone is using terminology that has the same meaning. Standards ensure consistency and repeatability of field procedures and analytical procedures so that soil surveys meet user needs and processes are repeatable in all locations. Standards may also apply to the results or performance of the soil survey information and data.
Procedure.-An established or official step-by-step set of instructions for completing a task.
Protocol.-Mandatory steps or a system of rules that detail the correct conduct and procedures to be followed in formal situations to ensure policy is adhered to. An example of this would be the process for amending the National Soil Survey Handbook.
Process.-Chronological set of linked steps or actions for accomplishing a task.
Guideline.-Any document that aims to streamline particular processes according to a set routine. By definition, following a guideline is never mandatory. Guidelines are an essential part of the larger process of governance. They may be issued and used by an organization to make the actions of its employees or divisions more predictable and, presumably, of higher quality.
Method.-An established means for completing an action. There may be more than one method available to accomplish a task.
Exhibit.-An example, typically showing a completed product. Exhibits do not imply that protocols, policy, or standards were followed unless explicitly stated that such is the case. (An exhibit may be an example of what not to do.)
A. The procedures and guidance (a.k.a., "standards") used in the Soil Survey Program are dynamic and may change. Standards are critical to the success of developing and delivering accurate and consistent soil survey information to the public.
-B. Standards are a set of rules or criteria. They serve as the metric to determine if mission objectives are being met. Standards may take on a number of forms and be developed in a number of ways. Soil survey standards include sets of definitions and specifications. The definitions are standardized to ensure everyone is using terminology that has the same meaning. Standards apply to the use of specific processes, procedures, or methodologies in order ensure consistency and repeatability of field procedures and analytical procedures. They can also apply to the results or performance of the soil survey information and data. Many of the standards used by the NCSS are applied nationally and internationally by the soil science discipline.
-C. Soil survey standards should convey requirements clearly and concisely. For standards to be meaningful, they must be written, maintained, and readily available to reference and they must be followed in conducting and delivering soil survey products. Specific rules are followed in the development, modification, and maintenance of standards. Soil survey standards are managed and maintained by the Soil Survey Standards Branch at the National Soil Survey Center. Requests for changes or additions in soil survey standards should be directed to the national leader for soil survey standards.
-D. The flowchart in part 600, subpart B, section 600.11, shows the steps that guide revision of the National Soil Survey Handbook (120-NDMM).
-Aerial-Photo Interpretation in Classifying and Mapping Soils, 1966, USDA Handbook 294, SCS. Agricultural Salinity Assessment and Management, ASCE Manuals and Reports on Engineering Practice, Number 71, 2012, American Society of Civil Engineers. http://ascelibrary.org/doi/book/10.1061/9780784411698 Basic Photo Interpretation: A Comprehensive Approach to Interpretation of Vertical Aerial Photography for Natural Resource Application, 1990, USDA, SCS. Block Diagrams for Soil Survey Interpretation, 1968, USDA, SCS. Checklist of United States Trees (Native and Naturalized), Elbert L. Little, Jr., 1979, USDA Handbook 541, USFS, Washington, D.C. Code of Federal Regulations, Title 7, Volume 6, Part 657, Prime and Unique Farmlands. Field Book for Describing and Sampling Soils (https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/PA_NRCSConsumption/download?cid=nrcs142p2_052523&ext=pd f), USDA, NRCS. Field Guide to Pedoderm and Pattern Classes (https://www.ars.usda.gov/ARSUserFiles/30501000/FieldGuidePedodermPattern.pdf), USDA, ARS and NRCS. Field Indicators of Hydric Soils in the United States, USDA, NRCS. Forest Cover Types of the United States and Canada, F.H. Eyre, editor, 1980, Society of American Foresters, Washington, DC www.fia.fs.fed.us/library/maps/docs/forestcover.pdf Geomorphic Description System, P.J. Schoeneberger and D.A.Wysocki, editors, USDA, NRCS. Glossary of Landform and Geologic Terms, NSSH Part 629, USDA, NRCS. Grazing Lands Technical Publications, USDA, NRCS. The Guy Smith Interviews: Rationale for Concepts in Soil Taxonomy, 1986, Soil Management Support Services, USDA, SCS. Handbook of Soil Survey Investigations Field Procedures, 1971, USDA, SCS. Hydric Soils of the United States (http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/PA_NRCSConsumption/download?cid=stelprdb1248596&ext=xlsx), USDA, NRCS. Hydric Soils Technical Notes, National Technical Committee for Hydric Soils, USDA, NRCS. Inventorying, Classifying, and Correlating Juniper and Pinyon Communities to Soils in Western United States, 1997, Grazing Land Technology Institute, USDA, NRCS. Keys to Soil Taxonomy, Soil Survey Staff, USDA, NRCS Land Capability Classification, 1961, USDA Handbook 210, SCS. Land Resource Regions and Major Land Resource Areas of the United States, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin, 2006, USDA Handbook 296, NRCS. Manual of Septic Tanks, 1969, U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, Public Health Service (PHS), Publication No. 526. Measuring Hydraulic Conductivity for Use in Soil Surveys, Soil Survey Investigations Report No. 38, 1982, USDA, SCS. National Cooperative Soil Characterization Database (http://ncsslabdatamart.sc.egov.usda.gov/), USDA, NRCS. National Soil Information System Documents, Downloads, and Metadata (http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/soils/survey/tools/?cid=nrcs142p2_053552), USDA, NRCS. Official Soil Series Descriptions (OSD) Database, Soil Survey Staff, USDA, NRCS. PLANTS Database, USDA, NRCS. Predicting Soil Erosion by Water: A Guide to Conservation Planning with the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE), 1997, USDA Handbook 703, ARS. Safety and Health Regulations for Construction, Part 1926, Subpart P, Excavations, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA). SC/OSD Maintenance Tool User's Guide, USDA, NRCS. Soil Geochemistry Spatial Database, USDA, NRCS. Soil Quality Publications, USDA, NRCS. Soil Quality Test Kit Guide, 2001, USDA, ARS and NRCS. Soil Series Classification Database, Soil Survey Staff, USDA, NRCS. Soil Survey Field and Laboratory Methods Manual, Soil Survey Investigations Report 51, version 2, 2014, USDA, NRCS. Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) Database, Soil Survey Staff, USDA, NRCS. Soil Survey Investigation Reports, National Soil Survey Laboratory, USDA, SCS. Soil Survey Laboratory Information Manual, Soil Survey Investigations Report 45, version 2.0, 2011, USDA, NRCS. Soil Survey Laboratory Methods and Procedures for Collecting Soil Samples, Soil Survey Investigations Report No. 1, 1984, USDA, SCS. Soil Survey Laboratory Methods Manual, Soil Survey Investigations Report 42, version 4.0, 2004, USDA, NRCS. Soil Survey Manual, 2017, USDA Handbook 18, Soil Science Division Staff, NRCS. Soil Survey Technical Notes, Soil Survey Staff, USDA, NRCS. Soil Taxonomy: A Basic System of Soil Classification for Making and Interpreting Soil Surveys, second edition, 1999, USDA Handbook 436, Soil Survey Staff, NRCS. Standard Practice for Classification of Soils and Soil-Aggregate Mixtures for Highway Construction Purposes, 2015, American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), D 3282-15. Standard Practice for Classification of Soils for Engineering Purposes (Unified Soil Classification System), 2011, American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), D 2487-11. Standard Practice for Description and Identification of Soils (Visual-Manual Procedure), 2009, American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), D 2488-09a. Technical Soil Services Handbook, USDA, NRCS. Testing Methods for Phosphorus and Organic Matter, Soil Survey Laboratory, USDA, NRCS. Title 180, National Food Security Act Manual, USDA, NRCS. Title 190, National Agronomy Manual, 2012, USDA, NRCS. Title 190, National Biology Manual, 2003, USDA, NRCS. Title 190, National Cultural Resources Procedures Handbook, H 190 601- Part 601, USDA, NRCS. Title 190, National Forestry Handbook, USDA, NRCS. Title 190, National Forestry Manual, USDA, NRCS. Title 190, National Range and Pasture Handbook, USDA, NRCS. Title 210, National Engineering Handbook, Chapter 7, Hydrologic Soil Groups, 2009, USDA, NRCS. Title 430, General Manual, USDA, NRCS. Title 430, National Soil Survey Handbook, Title 430-VI, USDA, NRCS.
-U.S. General Soil Map (STATSGO2) Database, Soil Survey Staff, USDA, NRCS. Wind Erosion Forces in the United States and Their Use in Predicting Soil Loss, 1968, USDA Handbook 346, SCS.
-A. The National Cooperative Soil Survey (NCSS) is a nationwide partnership of Federal, regional, State, and local agencies and private entities and institutions. This partnership works to cooperatively investigate, inventory, document, classify, interpret, disseminate, and publish information about soils of the United States and its trust territories and commonwealths. The activities of the NCSS are carried out on national, regional (such as the major land resource area, or MLRA), and State levels.
-B. NRCS is responsible for the leadership of soil survey activities of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, for the leadership and coordination of NCSS activities, and for the extension of soil survey technology to global applications. Additional information about the Soil Survey Program is in the NRCS general manual (http://directives.sc.egov.usda.gov/RollupViewer.aspx?hid=16988) under Title 430, Part 402.
-C. Primary Federal agency NCSS participants include the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Department of Defense (DoD), Forest Service (FS), National Park Service (NPS), and NRCS. Part 601, subpart B, section 601.10, has a short description of the roles of these partners. In addition to these Federal agency partners, there are numerous State and local partners participating in the NCSS. Information about the organization and responsibilities of partner agencies is contained in their policy documents.
-A. This section provides information about many of the responsibilities of various offices within NRCS as they pertain to the National Cooperative Soil Survey Program.
-B. NCSS Responsibilities of the Soil Survey Office (SSO)
-Conducting an inventory and assessment of existing soil survey and ecological site information to identify deficiencies and make recommendations for improvement
Developing a long-range plan and associated project plans for updating soil survey and ecological site information in the MLRA soil survey area
Managing the soil survey and ecological site activities, including fieldwork, correlation, the National Soil Information System (NASIS) database, and geospatial information within the MLRA soil survey area
Supervising and training staff members
Controlling the quality of all phases of the soil survey and ecological site activities to ensure they meet NCSS standards
Conducting progressive correlation during the course of all survey activities
Ensuring seamless soil survey products across political and physiographic boundaries in the survey area
Providing leadership for the technical team by identifying survey update needs and carrying out the completion of priority projects (see part 608, section 608.1G)
Preparing for quality assurance reviews conducted by the soil survey regional office (SSR)
Ensuring that findings and recommendations identified in the SSR quality assurance reviews are addressed and implemented in a timely manner
Preparing drafts of official soil series descriptions (OSDs) and ecological site descriptions (ESDs)
C. NCSS Responsibilities of the Resource Soil Scientist
-Assisting the State soil scientist with the development, coordination, and maintenance of field office technical guides and soil interpretations
Conducting onsite soils investigations according to agency authorities
Evaluating and assisting field offices in maintaining the official soil survey information
Coordinating with the soil survey office and State office to make any needed changes in the official soil survey data
Providing assistance in the use of soil information for the implementation of NRCS programs
Providing interdisciplinary advice and expertise to solve resource problems
Assisting with special soil studies, including collecting additional site and soil information on the performance and behavior of correlated soil map units
Training NRCS staffs and the public to understand and utilize soil survey data and information
Assisting the State soil scientist with the development and dissemination of soil information and in promoting soil survey
Assisting the State soil scientist in evaluating the adequacy of existing soil survey maps, data, and interpretations through participation on the SSO technical team
D. NCSS Responsibilities of the State Soil Scientist
-Providing technical soil services to other staffs and leadership to resource soil scientists
Developing cooperative relationships to enhance the funding, progress, use, and understanding of soil surveys
Serving as the primary liaison to State NCSS cooperators, including hosting an annual meeting to evaluate and document soil survey needs and make recommendations for soil survey and ecological site activities
Planning and prioritizing activities of technical soil services
Periodically hosting the regional or national NCSS conference
Documenting the needs for updating soil survey maps, data, and interpretations
Serve as a member of the management team(s) for the SSRs serving the State (refer to part 608, section 608.1F)
Assisting soil survey users in understanding and applying soil survey information
Coordinating the development of localized soil interpretations
Marketing soil survey information
Providing statewide leadership in the application and use of soil survey information, including general soil maps, geomorphic maps, and block diagrams
Ensuring the technical content, coordination, and quality of soil information in the field office technical guides
Providing advice and expertise on soil-related issues to all NRCS conservation programs
Posting updated soil survey data to the Soil Data Warehouse
Assisting in national soil program initiatives
Interpreting and distributing a State subset of the NASIS data
Providing leadership in identifying the need for new soil survey information and interpretations within the State
Providing leadership for the development of new soil survey applications, technology, and information delivery within the State
E. NCSS Responsibilities of the State Conservationist (STC)
-Serving (or designating someone to serve) on the Board of Advisors to provide advice, counsel, and broad management direction to the soil survey regional director and management team to ensure soil survey operations and ecological site activities are relevant to agency goals, priorities, and conservation needs
Reviewing the progress and performance of soil survey and ecological site activities in the region in relation to agency goals and priorities and provide feedback to the associate director for soil operations for consideration during periodic performance reviews and annual evaluations of soil survey regional directors
Reviewing and concurring with management team recommendations on project priorities for soil survey and ecological site activities, ensuring that local needs are in balance with State and national issues, or providing alternate advice
F. NCSS Responsibilities of the Soil Survey Regional Office (SSR)
-Providing leadership in the production and quality assurance of soil survey and ecological site information
Convening the annual meetings or teleconferences of the Board of Advisors
Developing standard operating procedures for the soil survey region that outline the responsibilities and specifications for conducting soil surveys and ecological site activities
Planning and managing the SSR activities in cooperation with State soil scientists, cooperators, and other stakeholders
Coordinating with National Soil Survey Center (NSSC) soil scientists and other disciplines, as appropriate, to maintain and improve soil surveys
Securing technical advice, expertise, and review from other disciplines for soil interpretations and technical reports
Providing technical support and guidance to soil survey offices
Conducting quality assurance reviews
Providing supplemental training in all aspects of soil survey operations as may be needed (beyond that provided by the Soil Science Division) to soil survey office staffs through technical notes, onsite visits, workshops, and similar activities
Providing quality assurance for NASIS, OSDs and ESDs, the Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) database, the Digital General Soil Map of the United States (STATSGO2) database, and technical reports
Developing soil correlation documents for initial soil surveys
Maintaining the national OSD and soil classification (SC) databases for soil series mapped in the region
Providing MLRA-specific correlation guidelines for technical issues, such as soil temperature and moisture regimes and their associated ecological zones and vegetation, and any other MLRA-specific information
Providing leadership for the coordinated collection of soil characterization data and investigations in the region related to soil survey
Providing leadership in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting soil performance and characterization data
Coordinating proposed revisions to boundaries of major land resource areas with States and the NSSC
G. NCSS Responsibilities of the National Technology Support Center Core Team Soil Scientist
-Providing assistance to States and soil survey regional offices in developing and implementing strategies to coordinate and deliver soil survey data and interpretations to meet specific program needs, such as ranking systems and eligibility criteria for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
Providing technical assistance and guidance in developing interpretive criteria to meet State's specialized interpretive needs
Promoting the use and integration of soil survey information in public and program policies
H. NCSS Responsibilities of the National Soil Survey Center
-Providing leadership in the development of guidelines, standards, and procedures for all technical phases of NCSS work
Maintaining and improving the scientific basis for the NCSS program
Maintaining national soil survey standards, which are contained in the National Soil Survey Handbook, Soil Survey Manual, Soil Taxonomy, Soil Survey Laboratory Methods Manual, and other topical handbooks for mapping, classification, interpretation, investigation, laboratory analysis, and data management
Developing and maintaining the National Ecological Site Handbook
Assisting international, national, SSR, State, and soil survey office staffs in soil survey and ecological site activities
Coordinating with the National Employee Development Center to plan and deliver training for the Soil Science Division, including training in soil survey procedures, soil classification, pedology, geomorphic principles and application, interpretations, investigations, soil survey project management, technical soil services, ecological site inventory, and data management
Supplementing basic soil survey information with laboratory and field data on the properties and behavior of soils
Providing liaisons to each of the NCSS regional conferences
I. NCSS Responsibilities of the Geospatial Research Unit, National Soil Survey Center
-Promoting partnerships with educational institutions, private industry, and government agencies to research and develop technologies that will enhance the production and utilization of soil information
Addressing future soil information dissemination in partnership with the National Geospatial Center of Excellence by developing technologies to support distribution
Implementing functional user-friendly applications by delivering them to the appropriate functional unit for their use
J. NCSS Responsibilities of National Headquarters
-Formulating national policies regarding the Soil Survey Program and Ecological Site Program
Formulating policy regarding the integration of technical soil services within NRCS and with other agencies
Representing NRCS agency interests to the NCSS
Providing leadership for the Federal part of the NCSS
Chairing and coordinating the NCSS and its activities
Developing and maintaining relationships and contacts with NCSS cooperators
Developing soil science-related policies, procedures, and implementation strategies for maintaining and coordinating States' Field Office Technical Guides, with primary emphasis on section II
Developing, reviewing, and recommending program policy
Providing technical expertise to the Agricultural Research Service, university research stations, and others in the use and application of soils and soil survey information for the development of environmental models such as RUSLE2, WEPS, WIN-PST, WEPP, and EPIC
Providing technical expertise to task forces, committees, and work groups dealing with natural resource issues, such as air, water, and soil quality, and related legal, social, and policy concerns
A. This subpart provides brief descriptions of the roles of the five primary Federal partners in NCSS. Descriptions were prepared in 2006 by representatives of each agency. The most current information is contained in each agency's own policy documents.
-B. Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) BIA is the primary contact for soil surveys on the 93.7 million acres of Native American lands. Soil surveys are primarily at 1:24,000 scale to support decision-making processes for land management. Soil surveys are needed for farming, community planning, land development, and grazing and forest management. Soil survey and ecological site data are necessary for land health assessments, grazing permit renewal, energy and mineral permitting and leasing, restoration of natural fire processes, restoration of the health of the land, maintenance of clean water and air, and invasive plant control. Soil information is fundamental in assessing soil capabilities, limitations, and vulnerability to degradation and loss of capacity so that the health of the land can be sustained. Because Native American lands are considered private lands, NRCS has the responsibility to complete soil surveys on Native American lands. Soil surveys are completed in conjunction with BIA soil scientists and other staff.
-C. Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
-BLM manages approximately 261 million acres of public land, located primarily in 12 western States. The mission of BLM is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of public land for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. BLM-administered land include a diverse mosaic of grassland, shrub land, forest, desert, and arctic and alpine ecosystems on extensive landscapes that range from nearly level playas to steep, rugged mountains. These landscapes and ecosystems contain a wide variety of soils with diverse properties that can significantly affect use and management. BLM manages a wide variety of resources and uses, including energy and minerals, livestock forage, fish and wildlife habitat, timber, wild horse and burro populations, watershed values, wilderness and recreation areas, and cultural and other natural heritage values. BLM administers public land within a framework of numerous laws and regulations, including FLPMA, NEPA, and State water- quality laws. Soils are one of the most fundamental natural resources on public land. Soils sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the land. Soil quality and health are the driving forces that determine these factors.
Soil surveys are primarily at 1:24,000 scale to support decision-making processes for land management. Soil survey and ecological site data are necessary for rangeland health assessments, grazing permit renewal, energy and mineral permitting and leasing, restoration of natural fire processes, restoration of the health of the land, maintenance of clean water and air, and invasive plant control. Soil information is fundamental in assessing soil capabilities, limitations, and vulnerability to degradation and loss of capacity so that the health of the land can be sustained. The information and interpretations provided in soil surveys are helpful in managing all activities on public land that disturb the soil. Most soil and ecological mapping on public land has been accomplished through reimbursable agreements with NRCS.
D. Department of Defense (DoD)
-DoD manages about 50 million acres and is divided into five main agencies. The Army has about 17 million acres of mission land, the Air Force has about 9 million acres, the Navy has about 2 million acres, the Marine Corps has about 1 million acres, and the Army Corps of Engineers has about 15 million acres. The remainder is divided up by smaller agencies.
DoD has two missions on its installations. The first mission is to train soldiers, marines, airmen, and sailors in conditions as close as possible to those under which they may have to fight. The second mission is to manage the conservation of natural resources. Managing the conservation of natural resources allows for the first mission.
The Sikes Act, as amended, requires each component service (Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps) to have an integrated natural resources management plan (INRMP) for each installation and training site that has significant natural resources. The INRMP describes the installation's natural resources and its management strategy for sustaining them while supporting the installation's military mission.
Each service's natural resources management implementing guidelines require a soil planning-level survey as part of an installation's INRMP. A soil planning-level survey is equivalent to an NCSS soil survey product at an order-2 level of detail. Each service either names NRCS as the source from which to obtain soils data or requires that the soil survey be done according to NCSS standards and procedures. Each installation's mission normally dictates the level of detail needed. The Army's standard is a 1:12,000-scale soil survey to support installations where millions of miles are used for land-intensive mission training, including vehicle use (from ATVs to main battle tanks). On installations that DoD is closing, those involved in clean-up efforts often require order-2 soil surveys to understand the effects of chemicals and constituents of concern and how to safely manage their transport. Installations that need a soil survey enter into an agreement with NRCS through the SSRs in which the installation is located. At the installation's request, the soil survey may be restricted from public access due to national security concerns.
E. Forest Service (FS)
-The national forests (formerly called forest reserves) originated with the Forest Reserve Act of 1891, which allowed the President to establish forest reserves from timber-covered public domain land. National forests and grasslands encompass 193 million acres of land. There are 155 national forests and 20 grasslands. Congress established the Forest Service to provide quality water and timber for the Nation's benefit. The Forest Service manages national forests for multiple uses (including recreation) and benefits and for the sustained yield of renewable resources such as water, forage, wildlife, and wood. Managing for multiple uses means managing resources under the best combination of uses to benefit the American people while ensuring the productivity of the land and protecting the quality of the environment.
The National Forest System uses soil resource inventories and terrestrial ecological unit inventories to develop land and resource management plans as well as project plans. The Forest Service pursues an ecological approach to land stewardship. This approach has increased the need for soil resource inventories to collect and classify vegetation data in conjunction with progressive inventories. Soil surveys in the eastern United States have been completed primarily through agreements with NRCS. In the western States, soil surveys are typically completed by Forest Service staff.
F. National Park Service (NPS)
-NPS is the steward for natural resources on nearly 85 million acres of public land. Management policies and guidelines for soil resource management are contained in NPS-77, Natural Resources Management. The NPS management policies state: "The NPS will actively seek to understand and preserve the soil resources of parks and to prevent, to the extent possible, the unnatural erosion, physical removal, or contamination of the soil, or its contamination of other resources." The NPS Soil Inventory and Monitoring Program uses the appropriate detailed geospatial soil databases to define the distribution of soil types; determine their physical, chemical, and biological characteristics; provide interpretations needed to assess soil capabilities, limitations, and vulnerabilities to degradation; promote a soil conservation ethic; and support soil resources management, vital signs monitoring, ecological restoration activities, and agency decisions on the development of facilities.
Soil management objectives are to- (i) Preserve intact, functioning, natural systems by preserving native soils and the processes of soil genesis in a condition undisturbed by humans. (ii) Maintain significant cultural objects and scenes by conserving soils in a manner consistent with the associated historic practices and by minimizing soil erosion to the extent possible. (iii) Protect property and provide safety by ensuring that developments and their management take into account soil limitations, behavior, and hazards. (iv) Minimize soil loss and disturbance caused by special use activities and ensure that soils retain their productivity and potential for reclamation. NPS typically works with NRCS, through interagency agreements, to support soil survey crews, which map NPS lands as well as refine or develop ecological site descriptions to meet agency needs.
Article I. Name Section 1.0 The name of the conference is the National Cooperative Soil Survey (NCSS) Conference. Article II. Objectives Section 1.0 The objectives of the conference are to: (1) contribute to the general human welfare by promoting the use and understanding of soil resource information, and (2) develop recommendations for courses of action, including national policies and procedures, related to soil surveys and soil resource information. Article III. Membership and Participants Section 1.0 Participants of the national conference consist of: Section 1.0.1 NCSS members Section 1.0.2 Individuals invited by the steering committee. Article IV. Regional Conferences Section 1.0 Regional conferences are organized in the northeast, north-central, southern, and western regions of the United States. Section 2.0 Each regional conference adopts its own purpose, policies, and procedures, provided these are consistent with the bylaws and objectives of the NCSS National Conference. Article V. Executive Services Section 1.0 The National Headquarters Soil and Plant Science Division Staff of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides the national and regional conferences with executive services. Section 1.1 Responsibilities of the NRCS Soil and Plant Science Division Staff include: Section 1.1.1 Carrying out administrative duties assigned by the national steering committee. Section 1.1.2 Making regional and national committee reports and conference planning documents available on the NCSS website. Section 1.1.3 Issuing announcements and invitations. Section 1.1.4 Preparing and distributing the program. Section 1.1.5 Assigning a recorder to the national business meeting and posting the minutes on the NCSS website. Section 1.1.6 Maintaining the national conference mailing list (specifically, the responsibility of the National Soil Survey Center director). Section 1.1.7 Carrying out duties as assigned in the Timeline of Activities. Section 1.1.8 Distributing bylaws to new chairs and vice-chairs. Section 2.0 The host NCSS University or cooperating partner shall provide logistical support for the conferences. Section 3.0 The Soil and Plant Science Division director assigns a liaison to each of the regional conferences. Liaison responsibilities are described in section 602.15, Coordination Activities. Article VI. Steering Committee Section 1.0 The National Conference Steering Committee organizes and oversees the National Conference. Section 1.1 The steering committee membership consists of: Section 1.1.1 The Soil and Plant Science Division director, NRCS, who is the chair. Section 1.1.2 At least three members from Federal agencies including the U.S. Forest Service and/or the Bureau of Land Management. Section 1.1.3 At least four university NCSS member representatives. These would preferably include one from each respective regional conference, one from the 1890 College from the vicinity of the next conference, and one from the Tribal College from the vicinity of the next conference. Section 1.1.4 NRCS employees selected by the SPSD director. Section 1.1.5 A private sector or professional society soil and/or ecological scientist, as available. Section 2.0 The national conference steering committee vice-chairs shall be the host NCSS University member (or other partner) and the NRCS State soil scientist of host State. The NRCS State soil scientist of the current conference serves in an advisory capacity to the steering committee for the following conference. Section 3.0 Responsibilities of the steering committee, in accordance with the Timeline of Activities in section 602.15, include: Section 3.1.1 Determining the agenda. Section 3.1.2 Ensuring the names of committee chairs are posted on the NCSS website. Section 3.1.3 Assessing prior conference recommendations and assigning any additional charges to the committee chairs. Section 3.1.4 Recommending committee members to committee chairs. Section 3.1.5 Inviting additional individuals or organizations from the United States or other countries with soil science or related professional interests. Section 3.1.6 Determining the place and date of the conference. Section 3.1.7 Organizing the program and selecting the presiding chairs for the sessions. Section 3.1.8 Assembling in joint session to conduct the national business meeting during the conference, including committee reports. All votes shall provide the opportunity for participation of all NCSS membership. Section 3.1.9 Providing conference business meeting minutes for publication on the NCSS website. Section 3.1.10 Ensuring that the charges and objectives for standing and ad hoc committees are defined on the NCCS website. Section 3.1.11 Creating and maintaining a conference planning guide for continuity from conference to conference. The guide is submitted to NRCS Executive Services staff for posting on the NCSS website. Section 4.0 Fifty percent of the national conference steering committee constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business. Items are passed by a majority of members present or corresponding. The chair does not vote except in the case of a tie vote. Article VII. Meetings Section 1.0 The national conference convenes every 2 years, in odd-numbered years, to meet the objectives of the national conference, including the presentation and discussion of committee reports, exchange of ideas, and transaction of business. It consists of committee sessions and general sessions. It also provides opportunity for the discussion of items members bring before the national conference. Section 2.0 The meeting site for the national conference rotates among the four regions of the NCSS. Each region hosts the national conference based on a set rotation. The National meeting will not be held in the same State as a prior regional conference. The rotation among the regions for recent past and future national conferences is the following: Host Region Year Northeast 2019 Southern 2021 North Central 2023 Western 2025 Northeast 2027 Southern 2029 North Central 2031 Article VIII. Standing and Ad hoc Committees Section 1.0 The steering committee publishes the names of standing and ad hoc committee chairs, according to the Timeline of Activities in section 602.15. Regional committee chairs are members of the corresponding national committees. Section 2.0 Committee membership is open to any member of the NCSS partnership. Section 3.0 Responsibilities of the national standing and ad hoc conference committees, in accordance with the Timeline of Activities in section 602.15, include: Section 3.1 Chairs will conduct a committee meeting at the conference to report actions on prior conference recommendations and solicit new recommendations. Section 3.2 Chairs will report to the conference business meeting the progress made on prior and new recommendations. Section 3.3 Each committee establishes an action register for recommendations, including responsible individuals and timelines. Section 3.4 Standing committees of the national and regional conferences are as follows: a. Standards b. Bylaws c. Taxonomy d. Research Priorities e. Technology f. Soils and Ecosystem Dynamics g. Interpretations Standards This committee solicits and reviews proposed changes to existing handbooks, manuals, and soil database elements. The committee proposes new standards with input from the NCSS. Bylaws This committee proposes, solicits, and reviews changes to the bylaws. This committee meets as needed based on proposals brought forward by NCSS members. Taxonomy This committee proposes, solicits, and reviews taxonomy updates. It provides a forum to discuss proposed changes and distributes discussion notes. Research Priorities This committee reviews, identifies, and prioritizes research needs that meet the NCSS objectives. Technology This committee reviews, identifies, and prioritizes technological advances that promote the objectives of all partners. Soil and Ecosystem Dynamics This committee reviews, identifies, and prioritizes data needs, data collection, data storage, standards, and dissemination methods related to ecological site descriptions and dynamic soil properties. Interpretations This committee reviews, identifies, and prioritizes interpretation needs and delivery methods for soils and ecological site information. Section 4.0 Ad hoc committees are proposed by members to the conference steering committee to address emerging issues relevant to the NCSS objectives. Charges shall be defined, and chair and vice-chair recommended. Once approved by the conference steering committee, a notice will go out to conference members. The committee will operate according to the committee responsibilities and Time of Activities in section 602.15. The duration of the ad hoc committee will be determined by whether the objectives and outcomes have been met. Consideration of advancement to a standing committee will be considered at the conference business meetings. Ad hoc committees are listed on the NCSS website. Section 5.0 Each committee has a chair and a vice-chair. The vice-chair becomes the chair of the committee for the following conference and provided a copy of the bylaws. Nominations for the vice-chair are solicited 2 months prior to the conference and a vote is held 1 month prior to the conference. The vice-chair is announced at the meeting and recorded in the minutes. The term of the chair starts when appointed and finishes with the end of the next conference. The outgoing chair ensures the current mailing list is accessible to the new chair. A secretary, or recorder, may be elected by the committee or appointed by the chair. Article IX. Amendments Section 1.0 The bylaws may be amended with a majority vote of the NCSS members. Proposed amendments will be circulated for comment prior to the conference. Voting on the amendments will take place up to the conference. Eligible voters are not restricted to conference attendees. An amendment is, unless otherwise provided therein, effective immediately upon adoption and remains in effect until changed. Amendments to these bylaws will be published in this handbook within 3 months of approval by the members. These bylaws were amended on May 20, 2019, and approved at the business meeting of the NCSS conference on June 10, 2019.
-(Updated June 2012) Article I. Name Section 1.0 Conference Name The name of the conference is the Western Regional Cooperative Soil Survey Conference. It consists of representatives from the area within the boundaries of the following 13 western States and U.S. Territories: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Montana, Oregon, Pacific Islands Area, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. Article II. Objectives Section 2.0 Objectives and Purposes The objectives and purposes of the Western Regional Cooperative Soil Survey Conference are to bring together representatives of the western States in the National Cooperative Soil Survey for discussion of technical and scientific questions. Through the actions of committees and conference discussions, experience is summarized and clarified for the benefit of all; new areas are explored; procedures are synthesized; and ideas are exchanged and disseminated. The conference also functions as a clearinghouse for recommendations and proposals received from individual members and State conferences for transmittal to the National Cooperative Soil Survey Conference. The conference promotes the use of soil resource information by others and develops recommendations for courses of action, including national policies and procedures, that relate to making soil surveys and using soil resource data and information. Article III. Membership and Participants Section 3.0 Permanent Membership Permanent membership of the conference consists of: 1. National leader for Soil Survey Standards who serves as executive secretary for the conference steering committee 2. NRCS State soil scientists 3. Soil survey regional directors 4. Representatives from western State experiment stations and land grant universities 5. Regional soil scientists from the 7 western U.S. Forest Service regions (or their representative) - Northern Region, Rocky Mountain Region, Southwest Region, Intermountain Region, Pacific Southwest Region, Pacific Northwest Region, and Alaska Region 6. USDI, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) State soil scientist or State soil liaison (or their representative) from 11 western States - Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon/Washington, Utah, and Wyoming 7. Representatives from 7 western USDI, Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) regions - Alaska Region, Navajo Region, Northwest Region, Pacific Region, Rocky Mountain Region, Southwest Region, and Western Region 8. NCSS representative from the USDI National Park Service (NPS) 9. President-elect or delegated representative from the Consulting Soil Scientists Division (S12) of the Soil Science Society of America 10. Program Manager for Land Suitability and Water Quality, USDI, Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) 11. A representative from USDI Corps of Engineers (COE) 12. Federal Lands Advisory Group (FLAG) Section 3.1 Associate Membership Invitations may be extended to other individuals to participate in committee work or for a specific conference or conferences. A representative from the NRCS National Geospatial Center of Excellence (NGCE), a representative from the NRCS Information Technology Center (ITC), and a representative from the USFS Remote Sensing Application Center are associate conference members. Any soil scientist, technical specialist, or other individual of any local, State, or Federal agency or interest group whose participation could benefit particular objectives or projects of the conference may be invited to participate. Any permanent member of the conference may invite one additional participant. If a permanent member wishes to invite more than one guest (or associate member), the request should be cleared through the chair or vice-chair of the conference, or the chair of the steering committee. Names of all associate members of a specific conference should be provided to the conference chair. Article IV. Conference Officers Section 4.0 Conference Officers A chair, vice-chair, and secretary are elected to serve for a 2-year term. Their tenure runs from the end of a conference to the end of the following conference. Elections are held during the biennial business meeting. Conference officers are from the State hosting the next conference. Officers rotate among the agencies. That is to say, the chair-elect represents an agency different from that of the past chair. Similarly, the vice-chair and secretary are from agencies different from those of their predecessors. Section 4.0.1 Responsibilities of the Chair (specific tasks may be delegated to the vice-chair) 1. Plans and manages the biennial conference. 2. Serves as a steering committee member. 3. Presides at the conference business meeting. 4. Issues conference announcements and invitations. 5. Organizes the conference program. 6. Selects presiding chair for the various sessions. 7. Develops the conference agenda and has copies of the agenda prepared and distributed. 8. Makes necessary arrangements for lodging accommodations for conference participants, for food functions, if any, for meeting rooms (including committee rooms), for a field trip, and for local transport for other official functions. 9. Assembles, reproduces, and distributes the conference proceedings. 10. Provides for appropriate conference publicity. 11. Arranges for conference guest speakers. 12. Presides over the conference business meeting. 13. Serves on the conference steering committee for the following conference. Section 4.0.2 Responsibilities of the Vice-Chair 1. Serves as a steering committee member. 2. Acts for the conference chair in the chair's absence or disability. 3. Assists the conference chair in carrying out his/her responsibilities and performs other duties as assigned by the conference chair. 4. Compiles and maintains the conference mailing list. Section 4.0.3 Responsibilities of the Secretary 1. Maintains minutes of the conference business meetings and those of other conference meetings as assigned by the conference chair. 2. Obtains copies of all committee reports and papers presented at the conference and makes copies available to all conference members. 3. Compiles the conference proceedings and assists the chair in their duplication and distribution. Article V. Meetings Section 5.0 Time of Meetings The conference convenes every 2 years, in even-numbered years. It convenes the third week in June, unless a different date was selected by the conference steering committee. Section 5.1 Location of Meetings The conference is on a rotational basis throughout the region according to the following schedule. (States may trade years to host the conference for good cause and upon approval by a majority vote of the conference members at the business meeting preceding the next conference.) Year State 2020 Idaho 2022 Montana 2024 New Mexico 2026 Hawaii 2028 Colorado 2030 Wyoming Article VI. Committees Section 6.0 Kinds and Functions of Committees The conference has permanent standing and ad hoc committees. Duly constituted official committees accomplish most conference work. The kinds of committees and their charges are determined by the steering committee, based on the recommendations of the conference members. Committee members are appointed by the steering committee after first determining the interests of conference members. Each committee prepares and makes an official report at the designated time at each biennial conference. Committee reports are duplicated and copies distributed as follows: 1. One copy to each permanent member (whether present or not) and to each participant in the conference. 2. One final copy to the conference secretary for inclusion in the conference proceedings. This copy includes all revisions approved by the conference. Much of the work of committees is, of necessity, conducted by correspondence during the interval between conferences. Section 6.1 Committee Structure Each committee has a chair and co-chair. A secretary, or recorder, may be elected by the committee or appointed by the chair, if necessary. Committee chairs are selected by the steering committee or are elected by the conference. Chairs for the standing committees should rotate at the conclusion of each conference and should be the co-chair of the committee. Chairs are recommended by the committees and approved by the steering committee at least 4 months prior to the conference. Term of responsibility starts at the end of one conference and finishes with the end of the next. The committee chairs are responsible for prompt submission of their reports to the chair of the steering committee, and the chair duplicates and distributes the reports. This should be done prior to the beginning of the conference. Section 6.1.1 Committee Chair Responsibilities Committee chairs are charged with the responsibility of initiating and carrying forward the work of the committee. They provide their committee members with the charges as directed by the steering committee and with additional instructions they deem necessary to complete the committee charge(s). Committee chairs initiate committee work at the earliest possible date to assure completion by the next scheduled conference. Committee chairs also give a verbal summary of committee actions and recommendations at designated times during the conference. Section 6.2 Permanent Standing Committees Permanent standing committees are established by the bylaws of the National Cooperative Soil Survey Conference as contained in part 602, subpart A, section 602.00 and subpart B, Exhibits, section 602.10. - Soil Survey Standards - Bylaws - Research Needs - Applied Technology Section 6.2.1 Conference Steering Committee The conference chair also serves as the chair of the conference steering committee. The national leader for Soil Survey Standards serves as the permanent executive secretary of the steering committee. The steering committee formulates policy on conference membership and participation. Final approval or disapproval of policy changes is by vote, during the biennial business meeting of the conference. The steering committee assures that there is a balance among States and among agencies for each committee so that no one State or agency dominates any single committee. The conference steering committee consists of the following five members: 1. Conference chair 2. Conference vice-chair 3. Conference secretary 4. Executive secretary 5. Past conference chair Section 6.2.2 Responsibilities of the Conference Steering Committee Conference steering committee responsibilities include but are not limited to: 1. Meet about 1 year prior to the conference to plan the meeting agenda, establish conference committees, and develop committee charges. (The steering committee chair calls the meeting.) 2. Formulate statements of conference policy. 3. Formulate committee charges as recommended by the conference. 4. Select a committee chair and committee members as recommended by the conference. 5. Review conference activities and develop an executive summary of conference recommendations. 6. Send applicable conference recommendations to the steering committee chair of the National Cooperative Soil Survey Conference. 7. Send applicable conference recommendations to the soil survey leaders of appropriate agencies for consideration and possible implementation. 8. Establish and maintain liaisons between the conference and: - The national and other regional conferences - State Conservationists of the 13 western States and the Pacific Islands Area - West Regional Soil Consortium - Directors of the western experiment stations - State, regional, and national offices of NRCS, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, American Indian Tribes, and Consulting Soil Scientists Division (S12) of the Soil Science Society of America - NRCS institutes and centers - Other committees or work groups associated with the conference - Others as identified by the steering committee 9. Meet immediately after the conference to summarize recommendations and propose actions to be taken. At least 60 percent of the conference steering committee constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business. Items are passed by a majority of members present. The chair does not vote except in the case of a tie vote. Section 6.3 Ad Hoc Committees Ad hoc committees may be established by the steering committee as needed to meet specific needs and/or goals. Article VII. Conference Advisors Section 7.0 Conference Advisors Conference advisors are invited to the conference and act in an advisory capacity to assist in items related to agency line and policy. Advisors to the conference are the State Conservationist (STC) of the host State, or as selected by the conference, the experiment station director for the host State, or as selected by the conference, and a Forest Service regional forester and a BLM State director as selected by the conference. Article VIII. Historical Records Section 8.0 Conference Historical Records The executive secretary of the conference steering committee maintains a permanent, cumulative file of conference programs, correspondence, committee reports, proceedings, bylaws, and other material generated by or related to the conference. Article IX. Representatives to the National NCSS Conferences Section 9.0 The steering committee chair and at least one permanent member selected by the steering committee chair will represent this conference at the National Cooperative Soil Survey Conference. Representatives will report back to conference. Section 9.1 Each committee of the Western Regional Cooperative Soil Survey Conference will have representation at each national committee during the National Cooperative Soil Survey Conference. Article X. Amendments Section 10.0 Amendments Any part of these bylaws may be amended for purposes, policy, and procedures at any time by ballot with a majority vote of the permanent membership or by the present membership during the Western Conference. An amendment is, unless otherwise provided therein, effective immediately upon adoption and remains in effect until changed or deleted. Bylaws Amended June 2004 Bylaws Amended June 22, 2010 Bylaws Amended April 2011 Bylaws Amended June 28, 2012
-June 2020) Article I. Name Section 1.0 The name of the conference is the Northeast Cooperative Soil Survey Conference, abbreviated as NECSSC. Article II. Objectives Section 1.0 The objectives of the biennial Northeast Cooperative Soil Survey Conference are to bring together representatives of the National Cooperative Soil Survey in the northeastern States to address technical and scientific questions concerning soil resources and contribute to the general human welfare by promoting the use and understanding of soil resource information. Through the actions of committees and conference discussions, experience is summarized and clarified for the benefit of all; new areas are explored; procedures are synthesized; and ideas are exchanged and disseminated. The conference functions as a clearinghouse for recommendations and proposals received from individual members and State conferences for transmittal to the National Cooperative Soil Survey Conference. Article III. Membership and Participants Section 1.0 Members and participants of the conference are: Section 1.1 The NRCS state soil scientist or designee responsible for each of the 13 northeastern States: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland (also representing the District of Columbia), Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia. Section 1.2 The university soil science representatives of each of the 13 northeastern States. Section 1.3 The national NRCS representative assigned by the NRCS director of the Soil and Plant Science Division (SPSD). Section 1.4 The NRCS soil survey regional directors whose regions include any part of the 13 northeastern States. Section 1.5 The lead soil scientist from the Eastern Region Technical Center. Section 1.6 Representatives from the soils staff of the following: Section 1.6.1 The Eastern Region, National Forest System Section 1.6.2 The Southern Region, National Forest System Section 1.6.3 The Northeastern Area, State and Private Forestry entities Section 1.7 Other applicable Federal, State, and university partners. Section 1.8 A designated representative from the host State's consulting soil scientists or applicable regional association, if available, representing the private sector. Section 1.9 Other applicable conference-purpose-related organizations and individuals. Article IV. Executive Services Section 1.0 The NRCS National Headquarters staff for the Soil and Plant Science Division provides the national and regional conferences with executive services. Section 2.0 Responsibilities of the NRCS Soil and Plant Science Division staff include: Section 2.1 Carrying out administrative duties assigned by the national steering committee. Section 2.2 Making regional and national committee reports and conference planning documents available on the NCSS website. Section 2.3 Issuing announcements and invitations. Section 2.4 Preparing and distributing the program. Section 2.5 Posting the minutes on the NCSS website. Section 2.6 Maintaining the national conference mailing list (specifically, the responsibility of the National Soil Survey Center director). Section 2.7 Carrying out duties as assigned in the Timeline of Activities. Section 3.0 The host NCSS university or cooperating partner shall provide logistical support for the conferences. Section 4.0 The Soil and Plant Science Division director assigns a liaison to each of the regional conferences. Liaison responsibilities are described in section 602.15, Coordination Activities. Article V. Organization and Management Section 1.0 Steering Committee The steering committee assists in the planning and management of biennial meetings, including ensuring the selection of the standing and ad hoc committee chairs and the formulation of committee memberships. Section 2.0 Steering Committee Membership The steering committee consists of the following members: Section 2.1 The National NRCS liaison assigned by the NRCS director of the Soil and Plant Science Division. Section 2.2 The steering committee chair who also serves as the conference chair. Section 2.3 The steering committee vice-chair who also serves as the conference vice-chair. Section 2.4 A private sector or professional society soil and/or ecological scientist, as available. Section 2.5 Representatives of NCSS Federal agencies as applicable/available. Section 2.6 Additional membership as determined by the steering committee. Section 3.0 The NRCS state soil scientist of the current conference serves in an advisory capacity to the steering committee for the following conference. Section 4.0 The host State's university NCSS representative and the host State's NRCS state soil scientist will serve as conference chair and vice-chair. The roles are to be determined by the steering committee to best meet conference objectives. Section 5.0 Fifty percent of the steering committee constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business. Decisions are made by majority vote. Section 6.0 Responsibilities of the steering committee, in accordance with the Timeline of Activities in section 602.15, include: Section 6.1 Determining the agenda. Section 6.2 Ensuring the names of committee chairs are submitted to the Soil and Plant Science Division for posting on the NCSS website. Section 6.3 Assessing prior conference recommendations and coordinating charges to the committee chairs. Section 6.4 Recommending committee members to committee chairs. Section 6.5 Determining the place and date of the conference. Section 6.6 Sending invitations to all speakers or panel members and representatives from other regions. Section 6.7 Offering report presentation opportunity to appropriate university representatives. Section 6.8 Notifying all speakers, panel members, and experiment station representatives in writing that a brief written summary of their presentation will be requested to be included in the conference's proceedings. Section 6.9 Facilitating arrangements for lodging accommodations, food functions, meeting rooms, and local transport for official functions. Section 6.10 Organizing the program and selecting the presiding chairs for the conference sessions. Section 6.11 Assembling in joint session to conduct the Northeast Cooperative Soil Survey business meeting during the conference, including committee reports. The opportunity for voting will be provided to all regional conference membership. Section 6.12 Providing conference business meeting minutes for publication on the NCSS website. Section 6.13 Ensuring that the charges and objectives for standing and ad hoc committees are defined and included on the NCCS website. Section 6.14 Compiling and providing the proceedings of the conference to the SPSD for publication on the NCSS website. Section 6.15 Ensuring standing and ad hoc committee and business meeting reports are collected for publication on the NCSS conference website. Section 6.16 Maintaining communications with applicable university leadership, east region's state conservationists, applicable regional and national offices of the U.S. Forest Service and other cooperating and participating agencies, the National Cooperative Soil Survey Conference, and the host State's society of consulting soil scientists or applicable regional association. Section 7.0 The steering committee chair serves as the conference chair. Responsibilities include: Section 7.1 Functioning as chair of the biennial conference. Section 7.2 Presiding over the conference. Section 7.3 Presiding at the conference business meeting. Section 8.0 The steering committee vice-chair serves as the conference vice-chair. Responsibilities include: Section 8.1 Acting for the chair in the chair's absence. Section 8.2 Ensuring that the conference proceedings are assembled and distributed to the SPSD for inclusion on the conference website. Article VI. Conference Business Meeting Section 1.0 A business meeting is held including all interested NCSS members to consider and vote on conference proposals; consider standing and ad hoc committee reports and proposals; establish, dissolve, rename, and/or repurpose standing and ad hoc committees as applicable; vote on acceptance of committee reports; and identify and address issues and determine disposition. Section 2.0 Motions are presented and decided per "Robert's Rules of Order." Section 3.0 Decisions are determined by conference majority. Section 4.0 The conference chair ensures that a recorder documents the proceedings of the business meeting. Article VII. Time and Place of Conference Section 1.0 The conference convenes every 2 years, in even-numbered years. The date and location are confirmed by the steering committee, based on this suggested rotation. They may be adjusted if necessary. Host State(s) Year Virginia 2020 Delaware/Maryland 2022 Massachusetts 2024 New Jersey 2026 Pennsylvania 2028 Connecticut/Rhode Island 2030 Maine 2032 New Hampshire/Vermont 2034 New York 2036 West Virginia 2038 Article VIII. Representatives to the National and Regional Soil Survey Conferences Section 1.0 The University chair/vice-chair is encouraged to attend the national conference the year prior to the regional conference. Section 2.0 One NRCS member of the regional conference steering team is encouraged to attend the national conference prior to the regional conference. Article IX. Conference Standing and Ad Hoc Committees Section 1.0 Standing and ad hoc committees are established to meet conference objectives. Committee establishment, status as to ad hoc or standing, and charges are proposed by conference membership. Standing and ad hoc committees can be established, dissolved, renamed, and/or repurposed at the discretion of the conference members, through a motion at the business meeting. Section 2.0 Each committee has a chair and a chair elect. The chair elect becomes the chair of the committee for the following conference and is provided a copy of the bylaws. Nominations for the chair elect are solicited 2 months prior to the conference, and a vote is held 1 month prior to the conference. The chair elect is announced at the business meeting and recorded in the minutes. The term of the chair starts when appointed and finishes with the end of the next conference. The outgoing chair ensures the current committee membership list is accessible to the new chair. A secretary, or recorder, is elected by the committee or appointed by the chair. Section 3.0 Committee membership is open to any member of the Northeast Cooperative Soil Survey partnership. All conference participants are encouraged, and NRCS participants are expected, to join at least one committee. The steering committee publishes the names of standing and ad hoc committee chairs, according to the Timeline of Activities in section 602.15. Section 4.0 Regional committee chairs are members of the corresponding/applicable national committees. Section 5.0 Responsibilities of the regional standing and ad hoc conference committees, in accordance with the Timeline of Activities in section 602.15, include: Section 5.1 Chairs will conduct committee meetings prior to the conference to review charges based on prior conference proceedings and recommendations and advance work toward objectives. Committees set meetings as needed to accomplish charges and prepare reports for the intervening national conference. Section 5.2 Chairs will conduct committee meetings at the conference to report actions on objectives and prior conference recommendations and solicit new recommendations. Section 5.3 Each committee establishes an action register for accepted recommendations, including responsible individuals and timelines. Section 5.4 Each committee will make a report of their proceedings, including progress made on prior and new recommendations, and specific proposals and decisions for conference approval. The report must identify the committee chair for the following conference and include the names of all committee members and the action register. Section 5.5 Chairs will present committee recommendations, actions, and proposals for conference consideration at the conference business meeting. Section 5.6 The chairs of each committee will submit reports promptly to the conference vice-chair or designee, who ensures that the conference proceedings are assembled and distributed to the Soil and Plant Science Division for inclusion on the conference website. Section 6.0 Standing committees of the Northeast Regional Conferences are as follows: Section 6.1 Bylaws.-This committee solicits and reviews proposed changes to the bylaws. Its objective is to facilitate smooth operation of the conference, ensure continuity of committee work outcomes, and ensure coordination between regional and appropriate national standing and ad hoc committees by outlining procedures for conducting the conference. Section 6.2 Soil Taxonomy and Standards.-This committee maintains a formal mechanism within the Northeast Region to identify, document, prioritize, and address the critical research and development issues related to Soil Taxonomy and standards. Section 6.3 Research Priorities.-This committee maintains a formal mechanism within the Northeast Region to identify, document, prioritize, and address the critical research and development issues related to soil science, soil survey, and technical soil services. Section 6.4 Applied Technologies.-This committee identifies, reviews, assesses, and reports on technologies that can be developed and implemented in soil science, soil survey, and technical soil services within the Northeast Region to increase efficiency and quality. Section 6.5 Hydric Soils.-This committee maintains a formal mechanism within the Northeast Region to identify, document, prioritize, communicate, and address the critical research and development issues related to hydric soils. Section 6.6 Coastal Zone/Subaqueous Soils.-This committee maintains a formal mechanism within the Northeast Region to identify, document, and prioritize the critical research and development needs related to coastal zone and subaqueous soils. Section 6.7 Soil and Ecosystem Dynamics.-This committee identifies, evaluates, and proposes methods, policy and standards aimed at improving the development, efficiency and utility of the Ecological Site Inventory and measurement and interpretations of dynamic soil properties. Section 6.8 Interpretations.-This committee reviews, identifies, and prioritizes interpretation needs within the Northeast Region and delivery methods for soils and ecological site information. Section 7.0 Ad hoc committees are proposed by conference members to address emerging issues relevant to the conference objectives. Ad hoc committee establishment is determined by majority vote at the conference business meeting. Charges shall be defined, and chair recommended. The committee will operate according to the Time of Activities in section 602.15. The duration of the ad hoc committee will be determined by whether or not the objectives and outcomes have been met. Status change to a standing committee, as applicable, will be considered at the conference business meetings. Ad hoc committees are listed on the conference website. Section 8.0 Ad hoc committees of the Northeast Regional Conferences are as follows: Section 8.1 Urban Soils.-This committee develops and maintains support of urban soils. It identifies, reviews, and prioritizes methods to address the critical research, education, conservation, restoration, and sustainable use and demand of issues related to urban soils. Section 9.0 The National Cooperative Soil Survey conference standing committees are: Standards, Bylaws, Taxonomy, Interpretations, Research Priorities, Technology, and Soil and Ecosystem Dynamics. Article X. Silver Spade Award Section 1.0 This award is presented every 2 years at the conference meeting. It is presented to a member of the conference who has contributed outstanding regional and/or national service to soil survey, technical soil services, soils research, and/or soils education. One or two individuals can be selected for the award every 2 years. Section 1.1 The selection committee is made up of past award recipients. The last award recipient acts as chair of the selection committee. If multiple awards were given at the previous meeting, the chair of the selected committee is elected by the committee. Section 1.2 The recipients of the award become members of the Silver Spade Club. Article XI. Amendments Section 1.0 Any part of these bylaws of purpose, policies, and procedures of the NECSS may be amended any time by majority agreement of the conference participants. Bylaws adopted January 16, 1976 Bylaws amended June 25, 1982 Bylaws amended June 15, 1984 Bylaws amended June 20, 1986 Bylaws amended June 17, 1988 Bylaws amended June 10, 1994 Bylaws amended June 13, 1996 Bylaws amended June 22, 2000 Bylaws amended May 25, 2006 Bylaws amended June 5, 2008 Bylaws amended June 10, 2010 Bylaws amended June 21, 2012 Bylaws amended June 24, 2020
-June 7, 2012) Article I. Name The name of the conference is the North Central Regional Soil Survey Conference. The letters NCRSSC may be used as the official acronym of the conference. Article II. Purpose The purpose of the conference is to bring together North Central States representatives of the National Cooperative Soil Survey (NCSS) to discuss technical issues and to provide a means of deciding and communicating the goals of the Soil Survey Program. Through the actions of committees and conference discussions, experience is summarized and clarified for the benefit of all; new areas are explored; procedures are proposed; and ideas are exchanged and disseminated. The conference also functions as a clearinghouse for recommendations and proposals received from individual members and State conferences for transmittal to the National Cooperative Soil Survey Conference (NCSSC). It also acts on recommendations from the national conference and other regional conferences. Article III. Membership Participants of the conference are the National Cooperative Soil Survey soil scientists of Federal, State, and university organizations; local units of government; and private organizations of the North Central Region (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin). The national leader for Soil Survey Research and Laboratory of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Soil and Plant Science Division serves as liaison to the NCRSSC, maintains a membership list for the conference, and provides the list to the incoming chair. If the position of national leader for Soil Survey Research and Laboratory is vacant, the liaison role is filled as designated by the director of the Soil and Plant Science Division. All cooperating agencies and organizations are responsible for providing current membership information to the Soil and Plant Science Division liaison. All soil scientists or other technical specialists of any cooperating agency or organization whose participation would be helpful for particular objectives or projects of the conference, including those from the host State, may be members. Article IV. Meetings Section 1. Time. The conference ordinarily convenes every 2 years, in even-numbered years. Time of year is determined by the conference chair. Additional meetings may be called by request of the steering committee or the conference with the administrative approval of the participating agencies and organizations. Section 2. Host State. The host State is determined two meetings in advance (e.g., the 2006 conference selected the host State for 2010 and the 2008 conference selected the host State for 2012). During the conference, business meeting invitations from the various States are considered and voted upon. A simple majority vote decides the host State. The conference may be held at any suitable location within the host State. The State rotation for the NCRSSC is as follows: North Dakota, Kansas, Ohio, Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois, South Dakota, Missouri, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Indiana. Section 3. Separate Meetings. University agricultural experiment station representatives to the North Central Regional Committee No. 3 (NCERA-3) on soil surveys meet during the conference. Concurrently, soil scientists of the other cooperating agencies meet to discuss their issues. Section 4. Basic Structure of Regional Conference. Although the agenda for each conference varies depending upon current issues and items of interest, the following is a basic recommended list of items that could be included in a North Central Regional Soil Survey Conference. This list can be used as an aid for States planning future conference meetings: 1. Welcome by cooperating host State agencies. 2. Reports by cooperating agencies such as NRCS, NCERA-3, Forest Service (FS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), and others, if applicable. 3. Reports from soil survey regional offices (SSRs) within the North Central Region. 4. Time allotted for breakout sessions for NRCS and NCERA-3, and others as needed. 5. Time allotted for committees to meet and discuss charges presented to them by the steering committee as well as time allotted for conference attendees to make input to each committee's activities. 6. Time allotted for committee reports to the conference. 7. Time allotted for a business meeting toward the end of the conference. 8. A half- or full-day field trip to look at soil-related problems or landscapes of interest in the area. Article V. Steering Committee, Committee Officers, and Committee Chairs Section 1. The conference always has a steering committee. The steering committee consists of: - NRCS State soil scientist of host State - The university representative for host State - NRCS and university representative from the next host State - Past NCRSSC chair and co-chair - National leader for Soil Survey Research and Laboratory of the Soil and Plant Science Division - Soil survey regional director for the host site - The chair of the five standing committees Officers rotate among agencies. That is, the chair must be of a different agency than the past chair. Similarly, the secretary must be of a different agency than the past secretary. At each biennial conference a secretary is elected for the succeeding conference. The secretary (whoever will be the next NCRSSC chair-either the NRCS State soil scientist or university representative) becomes chair when his/her successor is elected. When an officer is unable to complete his/her term of office, the steering committee appoints a successor. Responsibilities of the steering committee include the following: - Meet once after the business meeting of each conference and, if necessary, meet at other times. - Assist in the selection of special participants in a specific regional conference. - Assist in the formulation of charges to committees. - Compile, edit, and distribute the NCRSSC Proceedings to all conference attendees within 120 days after the conference. - Forward action items, recommendations, and resolutions to the national leader for Soil Survey Research and Laboratory of the Soil and Plant Science Division and to the director of Soil and Plant Science Division. Section 2. Conference Officers.
-A. Chair. The chair is from the host State. Responsibilities include the following (specific tasks may be delegated to the secretary): 1. Functions as head of the steering committee. 2. Plans and manages the biennial conference. 3. Determines, in consultation with the steering committee, the kinds of committees; selects the committee chairs and assistant chairs; formulates and transmits charges to committees; and appoints committee members. 4. Issues announcements of and invitations to the conference. 5. Writes the program and has copies prepared and distributed to the members. 6. Makes necessary arrangements for food and lodging accommodations, special food functions, meeting rooms (including committee rooms), and local transport for official functions. 7. Provides appropriate publicity for the conference. 8. Presides at the business meeting of the conference. 9. Makes arrangements for a half- or full-day field trip.
-B. Secretary. The secretary is from the State that will host the next biennial conference. The secretary for the succeeding conference (in 2 years) is elected by simple majority vote at the NCRSSC business meeting. Responsibilities of the secretary include the following: 1. Assists in the planning and management of the conference. 2. Assists in the selection of committee chairs and assistant chairs and in the selection of committee members. 3. Assumes responsibility for taking the minutes of all business meetings, collecting final reports from committees, and collecting any papers or presentations given during the conference. 4. Assumes responsibility for forwarding all conference minutes, reports, and papers to the national leader for Soil Survey Research and Laboratory of the Soil and Plant Science Division for the final preparation and distribution of the NCRSSC Proceedings. 5. Updates the conference membership list (given to him/her by the chair upon conclusion of each conference) and provides the list to the national leader for Soil Survey Research and Laboratory of the Soil and Plant Science Division. Section 3. Committee Chairs. The conference chair in consultation with the steering committee selects the chair and co- chair for each committee. Article VI. Committees Section 1. Most of the technical work of the conference is accomplished by constituted committees. The committees of the conference are determined by the steering committee. Some committees are continued from the previous conference. Permanent or standing committees, ad hoc committees, and task force groups are considered to be committees of the conference. The conference has standing committees on: standards, research priorities, new technology, interpretations, and soil and ecosystem dynamics. These standing committees communicate with their corresponding standing committee of the National Cooperative Soil Survey Conference. Section 2. The committee chair selects a secretary, or recorder. Committee members are selected after considering steering committee recommendations, national conference recommendations, individual interests, technical proficiency, and continuity of the work. They are not limited to members of the National Cooperative Soil Survey. Section 3. Each committee commonly conducts its work by correspondence among committee members. Most of the committee's communications are by correspondence. Copies of all correspondence among members of the steering committee are sent to each member of the committee. Committee chairs provide their committee members with the charges as assigned by the steering committee and procedure for committee operation. Committee chairs are charged with responsibility for initiating and carrying forward this work. Chairs should initiate committee work at the earliest possible date. Each committee meets during the conference and permits other conference attendees to have input into each committee's activities. Section 4. Each committee chair sends copies of a final committee report to the secretary within 30 days after the conference. Section 5. The chairs or representatives of the five standing committees are expected to participate in the corresponding standing committee of the National Cooperative Soil Survey Conference and are expected to attend the next national conference. Their role is to ensure that concerns of the regional standing committee are communicated to the corresponding national standing committee and that information from the national committee is communicated back to the regional committee. Article VII. Representation to the National Soil Survey Conference Voting members of the National Cooperative Soil Survey Conference include the national leader for Soil Survey Research and Laboratory of the Soil and Plant Science Division and a NCERA-3 (State) delegate from the current host State for the NCRSSC. The NCERA-3 representative also serves on the steering committee for the NCSSC. Two additional delegates to the NCSSC include one NRCS soil scientist and one NCERA-3 (State) representative (with appropriate administrative approval). The NRCS soil scientist is chosen by simple majority vote during the separate Federal session. The second NCERA-3 delegate comes from the next NCRSSC host State and is assigned the task of presenting the NCRSSC report at the NCSSC. Both NCERA-3 delegates are chosen by simple majority vote during the separate NCERA-3 session at the NCRSSC. Article VIII. Historical Record A cumulative file of conference programs is turned over to each incoming conference chairman. A cumulative file is kept at the office of the national leader for Soil Survey Research and Laboratory of the Soil and Plant Science Division. Article IX. Amendments The bylaws may be amended at any time by a simple majority vote of the participants attending the biennial business meeting. An amendment is, unless otherwise provided therein, effective immediately upon adoption and remains in effect until changed.
-Article I. Name Section 1.0 Conference Name The name of the conference is the Southern Regional Cooperative Soil Survey Conference. The Southern Region corresponds to the Agricultural Experiment Station Southern Region and includes the Caribbean area and the following 12 States: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas. The Southern Region also corresponds to the U.S. Forest Service Region 8, excluding the State of Virginia. Article II. Objectives Section 2.0 Objective and Purpose The objective and purpose of the Southern Regional Cooperative Soil Survey Conference is to bring together representatives of the National Cooperative Soil Survey in the southern States for discussion of technical and scientific questions. Through the actions of committees and conference discussions, experience is summarized and clarified for the benefit of all; new areas are explored; procedures are synthesized; and ideas are exchanged and disseminated. The conference also functions as a clearinghouse for recommendations and proposals received from individual members and State conferences for transmittal to the National Cooperative Soil Survey Conference. The conference promotes the use of soil resource information by others and develops recommendations for courses of action, including national policies and procedures that relate to making soil surveys and using soil resource data and information. Article III. Membership and Participants Section 3.0 Permanent Membership Permanent membership of the conference will consist of: 1. National leader for Soil Survey Interpretations, who serves as National Soil Survey Center liaison to the conference. 2. Soil technology specialists from the Central and Eastern National Technology Support Centers. 3. Representatives from southern State experiment stations and 1890 land grant universities and other universities in the Southern Region. 4. Regional soil scientists from U.S. Forest Service Region 8. 5. NRCS State soil scientists and soil survey regional directors (or their representatives) from the 12 southern States (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas) and the Caribbean Area. 6. Representatives from U.S. Department of the Interior (USDI), Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Eastern, Eastern Oklahoma, Southern Plains, and Southwest Regions. 7. Representative from Tennessee Valley Authority. 8. NCSS soils representative from the USDI National Park Service (NPS). 9. President-elect or delegated representative from the Consulting Soil Scientists Division (S12) of the Soil Science Society of America. 10. Representative from the National Association of Tribal Historic Prevention Officers (NATHPO). 11. Representative from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE). Section 3.1 Associate Membership Invitations may be extended to a number of other individuals to participate in committee work or for a specific conference or conferences. Representatives from the NRCS National Geospatial Center of Excellence (NGCE), the National Soil Survey Center's Geospatial Research Unit (NSSC-GRU), USDI Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and the NRCS Information Technology Center (ITC) are associate conference members. Any soil scientist, technical specialist, or other individual of any local, State, or Federal agency or interest group whose participation could benefit particular objectives or projects of the conference may be invited to participate. Any permanent member of the conference may invite one additional participant. If a permanent member wishes to invite more than one guest (or associate member), the request should be cleared through the chair or vice-chair of the conference, or the chair of the steering committee. Names of all associate members of a specific conference should be provided to the conference chair. Article IV. Conference Officers Section 4.0 Conference Officers A chair and vice-chair of the conference serve for a 2-year term and on a rotating basis. The rotation schedule is listed in Table 1. Their tenure runs from the end of a conference to the end of the following conference. Conference officers are from the State hosting the next conference. Section 4.0.1 Responsibilities of the Chair (specific tasks may be delegated to the vice-chair) 1. Plan and manage the biennial conference. 2. Serve as co-chair of the regional steering committee. 3. Preside at the conference business meeting. 4. Issue conference announcements and invitations. 5. Organize the conference program. 6. Select presiding chair for the various sessions. 7. Develop the conference agenda and have copies of the agenda prepared and distributed. 8. Make necessary arrangements for lodging accommodations for conference participants, for food functions, if any, for meeting rooms (including committee rooms), for a field trip, and for local transport for other official functions. 9. Assemble, reproduce, and distribute the conference proceedings. 10. Provide for appropriate conference publicity. 11. Arrange for conference guest speakers. 12. Preside over the conference business meetings. 13. Serve as 1 of 2 southern conference voting members at the following National Cooperative Soil Survey Conference. Section 4.0.2 Responsibilities of the Vice-Chair 1. Serve as a steering committee member. 2. Act for the conference chair in the chair's absence or disability. 3. Assist the conference chair in carrying out his/her responsibilities, and perform other duties as assigned by the conference chair. 4. Compile and maintain the conference mailing list. 5. Serve as conference secretary: - Maintain minutes of conference business meetings and other conference meetings as assigned by the conference chair. - Obtain copies of all committee reports and papers presented at the conference and make copies available to all conference members. - Compile the conference proceedings and assist the chair in their duplication and distribution. 6. Serve as 1 of 2 Southern Conference voting members at the following National Cooperative Soil Survey Conference. Article V. Meetings Section 5.0 Time of Meetings The conference convenes every 2 years, in even-numbered years. It convenes in either May or June, unless a different date was agreed to by a majority of permanent conference members at the previous conference. Section 5.1 Location of Meetings The conference is on a rotational basis throughout the region, as indicated in Table 1. (States may trade years to host the conference for good cause and upon approval by a majority vote of the conference members at the business meeting preceding the next conference.) Table 1. Southern Soil Survey Conference Structures Year State Conference Conference Steering Steering Steering NRCS Soil Chair Vice-Chair Committee Committee MLRA Rep Taxonomy Co-Chair Co-Chair & Standards Co-Chair 2020 AR EXP STA - AR SSS-PR East NTSC NSSC Liaison Raleigh Raleigh (SSR-3) 2022 SC SSS-SC EXP STA - SC Central NTSC NSSC Liaison Morgantown Temple (SSR-9) 2024 LA EXP STA - LA SSS-LA East NTSC NSSC Liaison Auburn Morgantown (MO-6) 2026 AL SSS-AL EXP STA - AL Central NTSC NSSC Liaison Temple Auburn (SSR-7) 2028 GA EXP STA-GA SSS-GA East NTSC NSSC Liaison Raleigh Raleigh (SSR-3) 2030 MS SSS-MS EXP STA - MS Central NTSC NSSC Liaison Morgantown Temple (SSR-9) 2032 OK EXP STA-OK SSS-OK East NTSC NSSC Liaison Auburn Morgantown (SSR-6) Article VI. Committees Section 6.0 Kinds and Functions of Committees The conference has permanent standing and ad hoc committees. Duly constituted official committees accomplish most conference work. The kinds of committees and their charges are determined by the steering committee and recommendations from the conference members. Each committee makes an official report at the designated time at each biennial conference. Committee reports are copied and distributed as follows: 1. One copy to each permanent member (whether present or not) and to each participant in the conference. 2. One final copy to the conference vice-chair for inclusion in the conference proceedings. This copy includes all revisions approved by the conference. Much of the work of committees is, of necessity, conducted by correspondence and teleconferences during the interval between conferences. Section 6.1 Committee Structure Each committee has co-chairs, one from NRCS and the other an NCSS cooperator. Section 6.1.1 Committee Co-Chair Responsibilities Committee co-chairs are charged with the responsibility of initiating and carrying forward assigned work. They provide their committee members with the charges as directed by the steering committee and with additional instructions they deem necessary to complete the committee charge(s). Committee co-chairs initiate committee work at the earliest possible date to assure completion by the next scheduled conference. Committee co-chairs are responsible for prompt submission of their reports to the co-chairs of the steering committee, who then duplicate and distribute committee reports in the conference proceedings. Committee co-chairs also give a report of committee actions and recommendations at designated times during the conference. Section 6.2 Conference Steering Committee The conference steering committee is co-chaired by the soil technology specialist from the designated National Technology Support Center (NTSC) (see Table 1) and the liaison from the NRCS National Soil Survey Center. The steering committee formulates policy on conference membership and participation. Final approval or disapproval of policy changes is by vote, during the biennial business meeting of the conference. The steering committee assures that there is a balance among States and agencies on each committee; that is to say, no one State or agency will dominate any single committee. The conference steering committee shall consist of the following seven members: 1. Co-chair: Soil technology specialist from the designated NTSC 2. Co-chair: Liaison from the National Soil Survey Center 3. The soil technology specialist from the NTSC not acting as co-chair 4. Current conference chair 5. Current conference vice-chair 6. Past conference chair 7. Current MLRA representative Section 6.2.1 Responsibilities of the Conference Steering Committee Conference steering committee responsibilities include but are not limited to: 1. Co-chairs call a meeting of the committee about 1 year prior to the conference. 2. Committee plans the meeting agenda, develops charges for permanent standing committees, and formulates statements of conference policy. 3. Committee selects co-chairs and establishes ad hoc committees at least 4 months prior to the conference. 4. Committee reviews conference activities and develops an executive summary of conference recommendations. 5. Committee sends applicable conference recommendations to the steering committee chair of the National Cooperative Soil Survey Conference. 6. Committee sends applicable conference recommendations to the soil survey leaders of appropriate agencies for consideration and possible implementation. 7. Committee establishes and maintains liaisons between the conference and- - The national and other regional conferences - State Conservationists of 12 southern States and the Caribbean Area - Directors of the southern experiment stations - National Congress of American Indians - State, regional, and national offices of NRCS, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, National Park Service, American Indian Tribes, and Consulting Soil Scientists Division (S12) of the Soil Science Society of America - NRCS centers - Other committees or work groups associated with the conference - Others as identified by the steering committee 8. Committee meets immediately after the conference to summarize recommendations and propose actions to be taken. Participation by 50 percent or more of the conference steering committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Items shall be passed by a majority of members present. The co-chairs do not vote except in the case of a tie vote. Section 6.3 Permanent Standing Committees Permanent standing committees are established by the National Cooperative Soil Survey Conference bylaws as contained in part 602, subpart A, section 602.00 and subpart B, Exhibits, section 602.10. 1. Soil taxonomy and standards 2. Research priorities 3. New technology 4. Soil interpretation criteria review Section 6.3.1 Soil Taxonomy and Standards Co-committee The Soil Taxonomy and Standards Co-committee is comprised of the respective directors from the MLRA soil survey regional offices in Raleigh, North Carolina; Morgantown, West Virginia; Auburn, Alabama; and Temple, Texas. The NRCS co- chair will be one of these MLRA soil survey regional directors on a rotating basis, as indicated in Table 1 (see Section 5.1 above). The university co-chair will be selected by the university members and will serve according to the university's desired rotation schedule. Section 6.4 Ad Hoc Committees Ad hoc committees may be established by the steering committee as needed to meet specific needs and/or goals as related to the standing committees. Article VII. Conference Advisors Section 7.0 Conference Advisors Conference advisors are invited to the conference and shall act in an advisory capacity to assist in items related to agency line and policy. Advisors to the conference are the State Conservationist (STC) of the host State, or as selected by the conference, the experiment station director for the host State, or as selected by the conference, and a Forest Service regional forester. Article VIII. Historical Records Section 8.0 Conference Historical Records The National Soil Survey Center liaison will maintain a permanent, cumulative file of conference programs, correspondence, committee reports, proceedings, bylaws, and other material generated by or related to the conference. Article IX. Amendments Section 9.0 Amendments Any part of these bylaws may be amended for purposes, policy, and procedures at any time by ballot with a majority vote of the permanent membership. Participation by 50 percent or more of the conference permanent membership shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. The co-chairs do not vote except in the case of a tie vote. An amendment shall, unless otherwise provided therein, be effective immediately upon adoption and shall remain in effect until changed or deleted. Bylaws Action Date Adopted June 9, 1960 Amended July 11, 1968 Amended May 7, 1970 Amended May 25, 1984 Amended June 22, 1990 Amended April 19, 1996 Amended June 26, 1998 Amended June 15, 2010
-Communication within and between the National Cooperative Soil Survey (NCSS) regional and national conferences is essential. If the conferences are to remain an effective means of conducting business, and all partners are to be afforded effective means to contribute, then direction is needed on how communications happen within the conferences. Steering committees and liaisons should coordinate with committee chairs to help ensure that meeting time is allocated appropriately among important conference activities, including working sessions for standing and ad hoc committees, updates, information exchange, and field trips. Meeting conference objectives requires coordination and continued feedback from the membership and from regular, ongoing work committees throughout the year. Timely execution of planning efforts for regional and national conferences is necessary to ensure participation in the preconference activity. Coordination Activities The Soil and Plant Science Division director assigns a liaison to each of the regional conferences and may be chosen from any NCSS member. The role of the liaison is to help ensure good communication between the regional and national conferences. Activities that can help accomplish this goal include: ensuring all steering committee members are familiar with the specific guidance given in the regional conference bylaws, helping the steering committee develop the agenda for the regional conference and adequately address issues of concern from the past national conference or current national committee deliberations, and helping ensure that all issues from regional conferences are identified in the conference report and that the report is presented and/or made available to participants at the next national conference. The chair of each regional standing committee should attend the next national conference to ensure that issues of concern raised in regional committee deliberations are reported to the national conference and to provide clarification and counsel to the national committee regarding those issues. This individual should also ensure that discussions of the national committee are well understood during deliberations of the regional committee during the year following the national conference. The regional steering committee, with the assistance of the assigned liaison, should ensure that the issues raised by any regional ad hoc committee are directed to all appropriate members of the national conference and that feedback is directed to the ad hoc committee so that committee members are aware of the disposition of their concern. Regional standing and adhoc committee chairs will provide a report to members of the national conference steering committee and the chair of each of the national standing committees or related national conference personnel as follows: within 30 days of the end of the regional conference, 90 days before the next national conference, and within 90 days of the next regional conference. In addition, any individual who has responsibility for a subject matter addressed as an item of concern or a recommendation should be provided a copy. The reports are presented at conference committee meetings. To meet NCSS objectives, it is critical to have continuity from one conference to the next. The Timeline of Activities facilitates continuity. Timeline of Activities Conference date Activity minus 23 months Steering committee and committee chairs provide reports, including names of the new committee chairs and vice-chairs, to the Soil and Plant Science Division for posting on the NCSS website, and to the national conference liaisons for communication to the corresponding national or regional committees. Executive Services staff distribute bylaws to incoming committee chairs and vice-chairs. 22 months Soil and Plant Science Division publishes proceedings on conference websites. Committee chairs solicit new committee members through the NCSS. 20 months Committees convene to review objectives and charges as assigned based on prior conference proceedings and recommendations. Committees set meetings as needed to discuss and accomplish charges and to prepare reports for the intervening regional or national conferences. The steering committee meets to review recommendations and assess further action. 15 months Committees submit mid-term report to the intervening regional or national conference committees; report is published on the NCSS website and in the NCSS newsletter. 12 months Conference steering committee begins holding planning meetings monthly, or more frequently if needed. 9 months Conference, including dates and location, is announced by posting on the NCSS website and sending information to member lists. 6 months Committees meet to review intervening meeting proceedings and begin drafting recommendations. 3 months Committee chairs submit draft reports to steering committee for distribution to NCSS members. Requests for new committee vice-chair nominations are solicited. At conference Committee reports are presented during committee meetings. Report recommendations are submitted to the business meeting for discussion. Committee vice-chairs are chosen by the committees and names are submitted to the business meeting.
-Working agreements are a basis of understanding for cooperative work with other agencies and organizations. These agreements include memoranda of understanding (MOUs) and reimbursable agreements. NRCS or any public agency may initiate working agreements relating to soil survey and ecological site activities. If another Federal agency initiates a working agreement, the name of the document and the format may be different from those used by NRCS. Cooperators operate within their own sphere of authority. Title 120, General Manual, Part 401, provides policy guidelines on agreements. An MOU is not a contract, and the plans and specifications agreed upon and contained therein are not legally binding for the agencies that sign it. The MOU may provide for other working agreements, such as cooperative agreements or interagency agreements, for transfer of funds, services, space, or equipment.
-A. Soil survey and ecological site inventory projects will reference working agreements whenever substantial involvement from a cooperator is required. This includes, but is not limited to:
-Initial soil survey projects.
Field-oriented soil survey and ecological site projects on Federal lands.
Sponsored soil survey and ecological site projects with financial assistance, or in-kind contributions.
B. MOUs record the intent of collaboration between NRCS and one or more cooperators on making and updating soil survey and ecological site information as outlined in the Code of Federal Regulations Section 611.10.
-C. Reimbursable agreements may be initiated to direct funds to soil survey, ecological site inventory, or other projects. When NRCS is to receive outside funds, services, or office space, the director of the Soil and Plant Science Division ensures the preparation of a reimbursable agreement. Common types of reimbursable agreements include:
-Interagency agreements between Federal agencies if program funding authority for each agency provides specific authority.
Cooperative agreements between NRCS and states, counties, soil conservation districts, tribal governments, Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESU), planning agencies, other local government units, or non-governmental organizations (NGO) if program funding authority for each agency provides specific authority.
D. A Statement of Commitment (see part 606B for template) will be prepared for all soil survey and ecological site inventory projects on Federal lands and/or requiring significant interagency cooperation (and not otherwise directed by a reimbursable agreement). The Statement of Commitment identifies agreed to items and points-of-contact on active cooperative projects.
-E. Other Documents Required for Planning and Managing Soil Survey Projects
-Soil survey offices are required to have- (i) Soil survey and ecological site inventory project plans prepared, reviewed, and approved in accordance with administrative guidance. These plans describe the work to be accomplished in addressing priority needs through the duration of the project. (ii) A long-range plan. This plan describes what is needed throughout the assigned area to address soil survey needs and bring all previous work up to a common, modern standard. The highest priority needs are identified and used to develop specific project plans. (iii) An annual plan of operations.
See parts 608 and 610 of this handbook for additional information about these documents.
F. MOUs of national scope reference a Statement of Commitment (see part 606B for template) to document more unique details and technical specifications for specific soil survey and ecological site inventory projects. In circumstances where a national MOU cannot be referenced, a regional MOU may be formed that reference a Statement of Commitment.
-Inventory Projects STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT Between UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE And Name of Cooperating Agency FOR Title of Project as Concurred by Management Team or Approved by Regional Director _________________________ Date of Project Approval 1. BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Project Description: This is an executive summary, or abstract, of the project (see Part 610, Subpart B, Exhibits, Section 610.14 - Project Description: First Section for guidance). Project Extent: Total Project Acres Project Land Category Acres: Breakdown of Acres per Land Category Insert Map of Project w/ Legend Dedicated Project Staff: List Dedicated Staff and Title Note: This can include both NRCS-SPSD and cooperator staff that are dedicated to assisting in the completion of the proposed project when the Statement of Commitment is signed. Do not include any additional resources needed. Additional resources should be included in internal project details. Soil Resource Inventory Methodology: List the method(s) that will be used to develop the deliverables. Desired Outcome: List the deliverables (do not include scale, order, resolution). Example - Initial Soil Survey Mapping, MLRA Soil Survey Update, Ecological Site Development, Raster Soil Survey, Interpretation Review, and etc. Project Milestones and Scheduled Dates: Identify the tasks and their scheduled start and completion dates to outline specifics of an expected project timeline. This includes the field campaign, technical or progress reviews, quality control, quality assurance, and certification. NASIS Pangaea Queries for project templates may provide general assistance with identifying common milestones for specific field projects. Pare down to the most relevant milestones to cooperator. If needed, contact delegated liaison for assistance in completing this portion of the Statement of Commitment. 2. STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will:
-A. Provide staff to conduct work for the duration of the project.
-B. Coordinate with cooperator to design special and ecological investigations, as applicable, including but not limited to: o Dynamic Soil Properties o Soil Hydrology o Ecological Site Development o Dynamic Soil Survey
-C. Draft an appropriate safety plan in coordination with cooperating agency to comply with regulations of both agencies named within the Statement of Commitment. Safety training will be a cooperative effort provisioned by and the responsibility of NRCS and partner agency in accordance with OSHA regulations.
-D. Collect field documentation according to the standards of the National Cooperative Soil Survey (NCSS) found in approved reference publications such as the Soil Survey Manual (SSM; 2017) and National Soil Survey Handbook (NSSH).
-E. Where needed or requested, furnish detailed sampling plans (locations or zones) to cooperating agency contacts with at least/at minimum two weeks' advance notice to facilitate clearance and cooperative work.
-F. Conduct operations with care to minimize landscape impact and comply with laws and regulations applicable to the project area.
-G. Provide technical review of special interpretive criteria as requested by Cooperating Agency. The criteria must be designed to use existing soil database elements within the structure of the National Soils Information System database (NASIS) and must be delivered through Web Soil Survey (WSS) for correlated map units that have undergone quality control and quality assurance following NSSH standards.
-H. Provide quality control and quality assurance of the data collected and posted to Web Soil Survey and other publications means.
-I. Periodically (no more than bi-annually in frequency) make available certified soil mapping when complete throughout the term of the project. Where adequate quality control (QC), quality assurance (QA) and data certification has been completed, correlated soil information will be delivered annually through the refresh of official data as part of agency mission to make available data to facilitate practical use.
-J. Provide sufficient technology, hardware, software and digital data to produce spatial and tabular databases meeting standards defined in the SSM (2017) and NSSH. Provide field equipment, supplies, vehicles for transportation, and office space for staff assigned to this project.
-K. Develop timelines and workload analyses to be maintained and updated annually and attached to progress reviews and/or reports. Report all progress promptly and keep progress records and maps current. Invite personnel from cooperating agency to all progress and final field review. Progress field reviews and final field reviews will be conducted and reported to cooperating agency prior to any final publication.
-L. Provide annual review of all information specified in this document and amend annual progress report with adjusted timelines, as needed, to inform cooperating agency points-of-contact.
-M. Provide training opportunities (including OJT) in Soil Survey and Ecological Site Inventory. The (Name of Cooperating Agency) will:
-A. Make accessible any existing remote sensing data, special studies, research reports, range production data, habitat type data, cover data, pedon descriptions, or other inventory data to enhance and accelerate the soil survey mapping process. Collaborate with NRCS personnel and other cooperators on technology transfer.
-B. Furnish background environmental knowledge and provide technical interdisciplinary support in the field and in consultation. This includes, but is not limited to, assistance with inventory, data collection and technical content to support the development of Ecological Site Descriptions (ESDs). Where available, provide seasonal staff or agency staff to assist with field work.
-C. Provide technical interdisciplinary support and documentation for any specialized interpretations. Specialized interpretative requests involving ratings, properties, or interpretations must be provided to NRCS.
-D. Arrange for cultural, biological or facilities clearance as necessary to implement furnished NRCS sampling plans. Return clearance of furnished sampling plans with adequate planning time for field sampling to be completed.
-E. Provide NRCS staff safety training as part of a cooperative effort deemed necessary for completion of project as outlined.
-F. Provide assistance with logistics as well as use of lodging or camping facilities on- site, if available, for ecologists and soil scientists during the field mapping portion of the soil survey. This includes assistance with radio communication where deemed necessary, and keys or gate combinations to access areas normally off limits to the public.
-G. Provide assistance with access, including trails, roads, locked gates, etc. Where available, provide pack animals and guides, or allow Soil Survey staff to travel on already planned pack trips.
-H. Provide information regarding laws and regulations applicable to the jurisdiction or project area.
-I. Alert NRCS staff of any existing or potential logging projects taking place, and of any road closures due to washouts, etc. 3. KEY POINTS OF CONTACT All communications and notices regarding this Statement of Commitment shall be directed to the following key administrative and technical points of contact for each party. For the "Cooperating Agency": Administrative Point of Contact: Technical Point of Contact: For the NRCS (Servicing Agency): Administrative Point of Contact: Soil Survey Regional Director Technical Point of Contact: MLRA Soil Survey Leader or Local Point of Contact Responsible Liaison: Soil & Plant Science Division Delegated Liaison 4. ACCEPTANCE AND APPROVAL The following authorized representatives of the parties have signed below, thereby executing this Statement of Commitment. For the Cooperating Agency: ____________________________________________ Administrative Point of Contact For the Natural Resource Conservation Service: ____________________________________________ Soil Survey Regional Director
-This part of the National Soil Survey Handbook (NSSH) is focused on initial soil surveys. In rare cases, existing soil surveys require such extensive revision that complete remapping is required. The extensive revision of non-MLRA soil survey areas has been phased out and replaced with the process of updating map units on an MLRA basis. Updating soil surveys is addressed in part 610 of this handbook. The purpose of initial soil survey preparation is to ensure the efficient use of staff time and equipment and to meet the intent of the soil survey. The preparations help the soil survey office staff understand the intent and specifications detailed in the memorandum of understanding (MOU) and the specific timeline and deliverables detailed in the plan of operation.
-A. The MLRA Regionwide MOU The MLRA regionwide MOU outlines technical standards and responsibilities of cooperators within the soil survey region and is applicable to initial soil survey projects being conducted within the region.
-B. The Soil Survey Project Long-Range Plan The soil survey project long-range plan (along with the project soil survey area MOU, if one is used) specifies the deliverables and sets the time period for the completion of the soil survey. The time period specified for an initial soil survey project is recorded in the NASIS "Legend" table. Although initial soil surveys are planned and organized to complete a defined soil survey area, these survey areas are essentially a subset of the MLRA soil survey area and need to be managed within that larger physiographic context. Initial soil survey projects are scheduled for completion within about a 5-year period. Staffing should correspond to this scheduled completion period. If estimated completion time of an initial soil survey project is more than about 5 years, staffing should be reconsidered or the project should be subdivided into more manageable areas.
-C. The State Soil Scientist The State soil scientist fosters relationships with the cooperators in the project and provides input on the technical soil survey needs of the area.
-D. The Soil Survey Regional Office The soil survey regional office (SSRO) provides technical support and guidance for conducting the survey in a coordinated fashion within the MLRA soil survey region. It also provides quality assurance as the project progresses (see part 609 for more information).
-E. The Soil Survey Office The soil survey office (SSO) is responsible for- (i) Reviewing the MLRA regionwide MOU and the soil survey area MOU (if applicable). (ii) Preparing both long-range and annual plans of operation to complete the initial soil survey project. (iii) Preparing and indexing the base maps (options may include contact prints of aerial photos, digital orthophoto quadrangle images for on-screen digitizing, etc.). (iv) Collecting and reviewing reference material, including digital data analysis. (v) Acquiring and assembling equipment. (vi) Making preliminary field studies. (vii) Preparing an initial descriptive legend based on the field studies. (viii) Initiating the collection of soil performance data to support soil interpretations. (ix) Ensuring that map unit design meets program needs. (x) Preparing to perform progressive correlation in a manner that ensures that the initial soil survey project is coordinated with the overall MLRA soil survey project.
-A. MOU and the Long-Range Plan
-After the soil survey field staff has gained some familiarity with the survey area, the MLRA regionwide MOU, the long-range plan, and the local MOU are reviewed jointly with the soil survey regional office, the State soil scientist, the line officer representing the lead agency, and representatives from each major cooperator. The following items are reviewed: (i) Survey objectives and specifications (ii) The role and function of each cooperating agency (iii) The mapping base suitability in relation to landforms and soil complexity of the area (iv) Interpretation needs for regulations and programs (v) Needs for laboratory and soil investigations for soil classification and soil interpretations (vi) Adequacy of plans to digitize, map finish, and electronically publish (vii) Any directive to restrict information deemed to be sensitive to national security (see part 606, section 606.1, of this handbook)
If changes are needed later, the soil survey regional director or the appropriate supervisor of the lead agency is notified. If the soil survey regional director and appropriate supervisor concur, the long-range plan and, where applicable, the MOU for the survey area are amended as outlined in part 606, section 606.1B, of this handbook. The board of advisors for the MLRA soil survey region, or similar management body as applicable, is consulted as necessary.
B. Preparation of Aerial Photo Field Sheets (if used) Use of digital map base materials is preferred because of their inherent efficiencies, but in some cases paper copies of aerial photo field sheets are used. (i) The field sheets are properly identified to aid in their use and to ensure recovery of the sheets if they are lost. If NRCS is the lead agency, each field sheet displays the following information: - USDA, NRCS, and the full names of the cooperating agencies - The total acreage of the soil survey area on the field sheet - The soil survey area name and State and the field sheet number - The names of the soil scientists who mapped the sheet and the date that the field sheet was completed - The telephone number of the soil survey office - The email address of the MLRA soil survey leader (ii) The note "ADVANCE COPY SUBJECT TO CHANGE," the name of the soil survey area, the field sheet number, a bar scale, and a north arrow are placed on the front of all field sheets distributed to users.
-C. Preparation of Digital Data Mapping Base
-The NRCS, Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, or other lead agency identifies and acquires the appropriate spatial data layers necessary to create and maintain a soils map digitally. Responsibilities include- (i) Locating sources and obtaining geospatial data for production soil survey. (ii) Checking for correct spatial data extent (location). (iii) Reviewing metadata for usability. (iv) Processing and preparing the digital spatial data layers using appropriate map projections and file format conversions. When available, all digital layers should have the same- - Coordinate system - Quality standards - Portable format - Scale
The soil survey regional office provides guidance on the appropriate procedures to be used to ensure consistency in developing the geodatabase, naming and archiving files, and performing quality assurance activities. See part 607, subpart B, section 607.11, for an example.
D. Reference Material Reference material is gathered, reviewed, and summarized before the preliminary fieldwork begins. The kinds of reference material that may be available and useful are listed in part 607, subpart B, section 607.10. Sources of reference material are as follows: (i) The U.S. Department of the Interior, Geological Survey, and State geological surveys or comparable State agencies with other names (ii) The U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Agriculture Statistics Service (iii) The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service (iv) The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agriculture Research Service (v) The U.S. Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation (vi) The U.S. Department of Commerce's United States Census Bureau (vii) The U.S. Department of the Interior's Bureau of Indian Affairs (viii) The U.S. Department of the Interior's Fish and Wildlife Service (ix) The U.S. Department of the Interior's Bureau of Land Management (x) The libraries of local schools, universities, municipalities, historical societies, and State agencies (xi) Local weather stations (xii) Knowledgeable people such as faculty members of universities; representatives of NRCS, the soil conservation district, the cooperative extension service, and the Farm Services Agency; vocational agriculture teachers; local representatives of planning boards, sanitation departments, and State and county highway departments; agricultural product dealers; the State organization of professional soil scientists; and State and local geologists (xiii) Local and State data clearinghouses (xiv) State university and college data sets
-E. Assembly of Equipment
-The kinds and use of equipment are discussed in chapter 4 of the Soil Survey Manual.
A digital camera is necessary in all soil survey areas. The camera should be available to take photos when opportunities arise. Labeling and filing photographs in a systematic manner allows easy retrieval.
Office computers, scanners, plotters, field data collection and recording devices, and similar equipment improve and enhance data analysis, revision, and summary.
At minimum, an office laboratory space and equipment is necessary to conduct basic soil analyses for such properties as reaction (pH), conductivity (EC), analysis of particle-size distribution, carbonate equivalence, and similar tests. Ovens, scales, and measuring and mixing equipment, as well as chemicals necessary to support such analyses, are required.
A. Soil Surveys in the MLRA Older soil surveys of the current survey area and nearby areas Soil surveys of adjoining areas Soil surveys for conservation planning Soil survey quality control data, including field notes and documentation Soil survey quality assurance documents Soil correlation memoranda and amendments
-B. Reference Maps Original field sheets Maps of major land resource areas General soil map All available aerial photography and other remote-sensing coverage
-U.S. Geological Survey topographic and slope maps Public land surveys Maps and text on geology, geomorphology, geography, and water resources Maps and text on vegetation and land use Climatic maps and data Maps of flood plains Maps and text on air resources
-U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wetland maps
-C. Reports and Inventories Census reports Reports of crop-reporting services River basin reports State, regional, or county land use plans and regulations Resource conservation and development work plans Public lands management reports and inventories Bulletins and reports of State agricultural experiment stations National Food Security Act Manual and similar manuals National Resource Inventory data Field office technical guides Soil laboratory data
-D. Scientific and Research Reports and Data Theses and dissertations of college or university students International Taxonomy Committee reports, such as those on wet soils, Aridisols, and Andisols Articles in scientific and technical journals Well logs from local or State agencies NRCS drainage, irrigation, and erosion-control guides and maps Percolation test results from local agencies Highway soil test data Climate data Geomorphology studies
-E. Forestry, Range, and Wildlife Inventories and Studies Forest inventories Range inventories Studies and reports on wildlife habitat recreational sites
-F. Official Soil Series and Soil Interpretations Soil interpretations information in the databases for the taxa assumed to be in the survey area Official soil series descriptions Archived copies of previous official series descriptions and soil interpretation records
-G. Databases Pedon database National Soil Information System Digital General Soil Map of the United States Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) database
-H. Digital Data Digital orthophotography Digital raster graphic Digital elevation model Multi-spectral data Common land units USFS terrestrial ecological unit inventories Digital hydrography, transportation, etc. Digital remote sensing, such as Landsat and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS)
-A. Geodatabase Development
-Set up geodatabases with topology and import data layers. - Use the standards for file naming - Create a geodatabase - Import data into the geodatabase - Project data to the desired geographic location - Create a feature dataset - Import template feature classes - Set up domains
Set up the map environment for creating digital soils data. - Create a map and add data layers - Customize a map, using- – Toolbars and menus – Symbology – Image display - Create a layer overview - Add or delete fields and calculate values - Set selectable layers
Utilize various software in combination with appropriate data sets to accurately draft and revise soil mapping on screen.
Import, create, and display georeferenced information to validate soil map accuracy.
Create metadata to capture data sources and processes used in the development of digital mapping.
B. File Naming System The geodatabase is named as follows: State abbreviation followed by county or parish FIPS code, "OFFICIAL," and the current date (two-digit month, day, and year) (e.g., PG695_OFFICIAL_072105).
-C. Archiving In order to protect electronic data from accidental loss or software or hardware failure, certain archiving procedures are implemented.
-The MLRA soil survey leader or project leader establishes an office archive procedure and communicates it to all soil scientists working on the project.
The project leader adds metadata notes into the geodatabase, compacts the geodatabase, and makes a copy of it using the copy and paste function in ArcCatalog. The copy is then renamed by changing "OFFICIAL" to "GIS" and using the current date (e.g., PG695_GIS_072205).
The project leader confirms that metadata notes are kept to record scale of digitizing and imagery used. Brief metadata entries are made in the "Abstract" section of the metadata in ArcCatalog for each geodatabase version that is sent for archiving. Notes in the "Abstract" and "Purpose" sections may also be made for feature classes.
The following schedule should be followed to safeguard the geodatabase: - Daily.-All new or edited soil mapping data is backed up to hard drive storage at the soil survey office. A separate copy of the geodatabase is therefore saved on a hard drive separate from that of the active file being edited. – Edits are frequently saved during an edit session in case the software crashes. Saving edits is different from saving the geodatabase. – Topology is frequently validated, and errors are fixed while editing. – The geodatabases are compacted in ArcCatalog. - Weekly.-All new or edited soil mapping data is copied onto a CD or DVD and stored offsite for security. Updates can be added to previous media in order to maintain an archive of edited versions. - Monthly.-When soil mapping data are being updated, a copy of the geodatabase is sent by compressing it into a WinZip file and attaching this file to an email (or on a CD or DVD) to designated GIS staff. If no edits have been made, this is not necessary. - Annually.-After completing a 100-percent quality control review of the digital data, the project leader sends a copy of the overall geodatabase to the soil survey regional office for quality assurance.
D. Quality Assurance
-The MLRA soil survey leader completes a 100-percent quality control review of digital data, validates topology for the entire feature class, and fixes identified errors. After the quality control review is completed, a copy of the geodatabase is renamed (e.g., PG675_QA_current date) and then sent to the soil survey regional office for quality assurance.
A soil data quality specialist compares digital data with the field sheets during annual reviews or field assistance visits and discusses differences. For soil survey offices that use only digital mapping data, the review evaluates landscape registration and map unit concepts. An additional brief review is completed at the end of the survey.
The soil survey regional office reviews monthly copies for quality of boundary line work and geodatabase properties.
Offices that have soil mapping on paper field sheets perform a 100-percent review of progressive digitizing when the soil survey is completed or when interim data are finalized.
A. Definition Soil Survey Program management is the administrative phase of the National Cooperative Soil Survey (NCSS) that provides guidelines for a systematic approach to administering and coordinating soil survey activities.
-B. Purpose Soil Survey Program management ensures that the effective planning, scheduling, coordination, and organization needed to produce and maintain quality soil survey information are initiated as timely and as efficiently as possible. All initial soil surveys and all update soil surveys of major land resource areas (MLRAs) are managed on a project basis.
-A. The NCSS is directed, administered, managed, performed, and supported at various organizational levels within NRCS. Soil scientists and other specialists carry out soil survey activities at numerous management and technical support levels within NRCS and through coordination with NCSS partners. Additional information about responsibilities at various levels of the organization can be found in section 608.7C and in Title 430, General Manual, Part 402.
-B. National Headquarters Office (NHQ)
-The director of the Soil Science Division- (i) Provides overall direction, policy, guidance, and leadership for the NCSS within NRCS. (ii) Coordinates the National Cooperative Soil Survey with NCSS partners. (iii) Distributes fund allocations for Soil Survey Program activities to the States and soil survey regional offices (SSRs). (iv) Establishes soil survey goals for the program and monitors progress made. (v) Ensures the Soil Science Division is represented and soil survey information is incorporated into external agency and all applicable NRCS business and programs at the national level. (vi) Supervises senior staff of the Soil Science Division, including the director of the National Soil Survey Center, associate director for soil survey programs, associate director for soil operations, national leader for world soil resources, and other functional branches.
The associate director for soil operations- (i) Provides management, direction, and administrative support for soil survey activities in the SSRs to ensure compliance with agency goals and priorities. (ii) Supervises the soil survey regional directors. (iii) Approves the MLRA regionwide memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the soil survey regions, including any proposed amendments, and ensures that the soil survey needs of the regions are addressed. (iv) Approves annual business plans for SSRs. (v) Serves as an ex officio member of the board of advisors for the SSRs.
The associate director for soil survey programs- (i) Develops annual Soil Survey Program budget (President's Budget) and allocations. (ii) Develops responses to congressional, White House, and departmental enquiries on the Soil Survey Program. (iii) Manages Soil Survey Program allocation transfers and agreements at a national level. (iv) Develops agency goals and annual and long-range plans and conducts performance analysis for the Soil Survey Program. (v) Conducts Soil Survey Program civil rights analysis and compliance. (vi) Serves as the lead contact for the NCSS activities, including coordination with other national leaders, States, regional soil survey offices, and NCSS partners, for planning and coordinating regional and national NCSS conferences.
C. National Soil Survey Center (NSSC)
-The director of the NSSC supervises seven functional branches grouped under six national leaders for- (i) Soil Survey Research and Laboratory. (ii) Soil Survey Standards. (iii) Soil Business Systems. (iv) Soil Survey Interpretations. (v) Technical Soil Services. (vi) Soil Quality and Ecosystems.
The activities of the functional branches of the NSSC include- (i) Leading program functions in their respective areas. (ii) Coordinating national technical standards. (iii) Developing procedures that guide soil survey operations. (iv) Developing and delivering technical training. (v) Performing soil survey research, investigations, and laboratory assistance. (vi) Providing leadership and support to States for technical soil service activities. (vii) Maintaining soil survey data and information systems. (viii) Providing National Soil Information System (NASIS) technical support. (ix) Coordinating with the Information Technology Center. (x) Maintaining soil survey area symbols, names, and acreage. (xi) Maintaining the Web pages for the Soils Hotline and Soil Science Division. (xii) Developing and integrating spatial science and technologies to assist soil survey users. (xiii) Researching and developing field-based technologies for efficient and accurate data collection.
D. Soil Survey Regional Offices The directors of the SSRs- (i) Lead the production and quality assurance of soil survey and ecological site information and products. (ii) Lead the classification, correlation, interpretation, and joining of spatial and attribute data within and between soil survey areas. (iii) Coordinate and support activities of the board of advisors (BoA) by communicating soil survey region priorities, work plans, and progress to ensure that soil survey operations are relevant to agency goals and priorities and to conservation needs. (iv) Coordinate activities of the management teams and ensure development of standard operating procedures that identify business steps, structure, and team member responsibilities. (v) Review and approve project plans. (vi) Coordinate mapping goals and progress reporting throughout the soil survey region. (vii) Provide quality assurance for the development and correlation of ecological site descriptions. (viii) Support State soil scientists in coordinating with Federal land management agencies to ensure that NCSS standards are followed and partner needs are met. (ix) Supervise SSR staff and the MLRA soil survey office (SSO) leaders located within their soil survey region. (x) Provide administrative support to the SSOs within their soil survey region. (xi) Provide legend administration for the soil survey areas. (xii) Develop standard operating procedures as necessary for quality assurance within their soil survey region. (xiii) Report progress related to field reviews and correlations. (xiv) Where applicable, report compilation certification status.
-E. Board of Advisors
-The BoA consists of the State Conservationist, or designee, from each State served by the SSR. Representatives from Federal, State, university, and other NCSS partners are invited to serve as members, as applicable. The soil survey regional director provides the necessary staff to plan work, conduct meetings, and present information. Specific operating procedures are developed by the BOA members as necessary.
The BoA members- (i) Serve as a review board to provide advice, counsel, and broad management direction to the soil survey regional director and management team to ensure soil survey operations and ecological site activities are relevant to agency goals, priorities, and conservation needs. (ii) Review the progress and provide feedback of soil survey and ecological site activities in the region in relation to agency goals and priorities and provide feedback to the associate director for soil operations for consideration during periodic performance reviews and annual evaluations of soil survey regional directors. (iii) Review and concur with management team recommendations on project priorities for soil survey and ecological site activities, ensuring that local needs are in balance with State and national issues, or provide alternate advice.
F. Soil Survey Management Team
-The management team consists of the soil survey regional directors, State soil scientists, State resource conservationists, and appropriate other State technical leaders as needed. Representatives from Federal, State, university, and other partners are invited to serve as members, as applicable. The management team develops specific operating procedures, which outline structure, chairmanship, and roles, to best serve the needs of the soil survey region.
The management team- (i) Reviews and concurs with technical team recommendations on project priorities for soil survey and ecological site activities, ensuring that local needs are in balance with State and national issues, or provide alternate advice. (ii) Review technical team recommendations regarding approval of project plans, SSO annual plans of operation, and soil survey memoranda of understanding within the soil survey region, including any proposed amendments, and provides concurrence or alternate advice. (iii) Assist the soil survey regional director in administering the technical soil service activities of the soil survey offices.
G. Soil Survey Technical Team
-The technical team for the SSO consists of the SSO staff, SSR staff (i.e., senior regional soil scientist, soil data quality specialist, and regional ecological site specialist, as appropriate), applicable resource soil scientists, applicable NCSS partners, and other applicable discipline specialists from field, area, State, or regional offices. The SSO leader serves as chair. Specific operating procedures are developed by the technical team as necessary for their assigned MLRAs.
The technical team- (i) Gathers and consolidates each State's needs in an SSO long-range plan of operations. (ii) Develops proposed project priorities. (iii) Assists the MLRA SSO leader in developing draft project plans and SSO annual plans of operation for management team review, then formulates recommendations for approval by the SSR. (iv) Participates in quality control activities, as appropriate.
H. National Geospatial Center of Excellence (NGCE) The director of the NGCE- (i) Assists in the acquisition and processing of imagery and other digital data layers. (ii) Stores and distributes geospatial data. (iii) Develops standards and specifications and provides quality assurance for spatial soil data capture. (iv) Develops geospatial Web services. (v) Maintains print-on-demand map services. (vi) Provides assistance to the NCSS Program in the development and application of new technology related to cartography, remote sensing, GPS, and geospatial data.
-I. State Offices The State soil scientists (SSSs) and State resource conservationists (SRCs)- (i) Advise and assist the State Conservationist in allocating resources to soil survey, ecological site, and technical soil services in their area of responsibility. (ii) Provide technical soil and ecological site services within their State. (iii) Develop local soil and ecological site interpretations. (iv) Direct (and in some cases, supervise) resource soil scientists and other technical specialists. (v) Develop cooperative relationships and serve as liaisons to the State's soil survey and ecological site cooperators, Federal land management agencies, and soil survey regional offices. (vi) Ensure that existing soil surveys and ecological site descriptions in their State are evaluated effectively by having the SSO staff, technical team, cooperators, resource soil scientists, and other technical specialists identify needs to be addressed in the long-range plan (see part 610 of this handbook). (vii) Serve as a member of the management teams for the SSRs serving the State (the specific role is identified in the management team's operating procedures). (viii) Assist the soil survey regional director in monitoring progress to ensure that work schedules and timelines are being met according to the plan of operations. (ix) Coordinate with State office staff and regional soil survey office to develop schedules to meet soil and ecological site program objectives and to assist the State Conservationist in technical soil and ecological site service activities for conservation operations. (x) Provide legend certification for delivery of soil survey information to customers. (xi) Assist the State Conservationist and soil survey regional director in identifying needs for imagery, orthophotography, digital elevation models (DEMs), and other data layers. (xii) Host annual meeting of State NCSS cooperators to gather input for workload planning. (xiii) In general, assist all users of soil survey and ecological site information.
-J. Area Offices and Field Offices Resource soil scientists and other specialists- (i) Provide coordinated soil survey and ecological site information to all users. (ii) Respond to user needs for new interpretations and collect performance data. (iii) Evaluate the adequacy of soil survey and ecological site information. (iv) Provide soil survey support for USDA programs. (v) Provide technical soil and ecological site services within their assigned area. (vi) Update and maintain the field office technical guide (FOTG). (vii) Train field personnel in the use of soil survey and ecological site information. (viii) Participate as a member of appropriate soil survey technical teams.
-K. Soil Survey Offices The MLRA SSO leader- (i) Develops the SSO long-range plan based on findings from an MLRA-wide soil survey and ecological site inventory and assessment. (ii) Schedules routine work activities in plans of operations and monthly and weekly schedules, as appropriate, in consultation with the SSR. (iii) Supervises the SSO staff. (iv) Assesses training needs of the SSO staff and requests training through the SSR, State offices, and national technical support centers. (v) Provides leadership for the SSO technical team. (vi) Conducts activities on classification, correlation, interpretation, and joining of spatial and attribute data within and between soil survey areas. (vii) Provides management and support of soil survey and ecological site activities over a large geographic region (assigned MLRAs). (viii) Keeps soil survey maps and ecological site data throughout their assigned area current to meet the changing needs of users. (ix) Checks the quality of digital line work, ensuring lines conform to the landscape. (x) Performs investigations throughout their assigned area, maintaining soil survey and ecological site datasets and preparing and revising official series descriptions and ecological site descriptions. (xi) Conducts quality control of all soil survey activities in the MLRA soil survey area, including any initial soil surveys conducted from soil survey project offices. (xii) Coordinates quality control for ecological site description development and correlation. (xiii) Develops project plans and annual plans to address the goals and activities identified by the management team and board of advisors as priority work. (xiv) Provides and documents technical soil services to supplement State programs. (xv) Conducts work in a manner that follows NCSS standards, policy, and procedure. (xvi) Collects data in support of NCSS initiatives.
-A. Definition A soil survey area is a geographic area that has a size and shape defined for efficient field operations and timely release of products. A soil survey area is an administrative unit for project management (staffing and equipment), progress reporting, and delivery of products. Soil survey area coverage includes all lands of the United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Pacific Basin Territories.
-B. Purpose
-National Soil Survey Center personnel follow the guidance set out in this section to identify soil survey areas in the NASIS database. Each soil survey area receives a unique area name and alphanumeric area symbol that are used in NASIS, the Soil Data Warehouse and Soil Data Access sites, cooperative agreements, memoranda of understanding, all survey area publications, correlation documents, and other official reports and correspondence. There are two types of soil survey areas recognized for managing soil surveys: (i) MLRA soil survey area (MLRA SSA) (ii) Non-MLRA soil survey area (non-MLRA SSA)
Refer to part 608, subpart B, section 608.12, for guidance on project administration and acreage management in the NASIS database.
C. MLRA Soil Survey Area (MLRA SSA)
-In 2008, the NCSS Program was reorganized with soil survey areas based on MLRAs formally recognized across the Nation rather than on political boundaries, such as counties, and Federal land ownership. The MLRA soil survey areas follow physiographic boundaries reflecting natural features such as similar soils, geology, land use, and climate. They are the basis for the development of the soil survey legend used for interpretive needs and for all related classification, correlation, quality control, and quality assurance functions. The goal is to provide a seamless soil survey.
The boundaries of the MLRA SSA may encompass all or parts of one or more MLRAs. Changes in boundaries of the MLRA SSAs and office locations are approved by the director of the Soil Science Division.
MLRA SSAs are identified with an area symbol consisting of the SSR area number to which they are assigned, followed by the first three letters of the city in which the office is located. Examples are Asheville, North Carolina (6-ASH) and Elko, Nevada (2-ELK).
D. Non-MLRA Soil Survey Area (Non-MLRA SSA)
-These areas are the county-based areas (or other similar areas based on political boundaries, such as a parish, national forest, or military base, or parts of a county subdivided or combined into more convenient-sized project areas) that have been traditionally used in the Soil Survey Program. They are used for exporting datasets from NASIS to the Soil Data Warehouse for product delivery to the Web Soil Survey. They are also used for completion of the initial soil survey. These areas are subsets of MLRA SSAs.
Boundary Designation (i) Cooperating agencies of the NCSS designate the boundaries of non-MLRA soil survey areas in consultation with major users of soil information. (ii) The boundaries may correspond to county boundaries, physiographic boundaries, Tribal boundaries, Federal agency management boundaries, or other land management areas. - Two or more small counties may be combined to form the survey area. - Large counties and physiographic areas may be subdivided for efficiency of field operations and publication of a final product. (iii) The boundaries used for non-MLRA soil survey areas may be changed by the SSR director in consultation with NCSS cooperators, State soil scientists, and the National Soil Survey Center, as needed. Refer to section 608.2D. (iv) Considerations for defining boundaries include- - Efficiency of managing legends and databases for different and overlapping spatial areas in the information system. - Timely and efficient delivery of the products. - Other factors important to cooperators.
Naming and Symbolization (i) The RSS director coordinates with the NSSC and affected State soil scientists in creating area names and symbols for soil surveys designated non-MLRA soil survey areas for registration in NASIS. The area names should not exceed 135 characters. (ii) For non-MLRA soil survey areas that correspond to a single county, parish, or independent city boundary, the symbol consists of the State abbreviation followed by the Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) code for the county, parish, or independent city. The FIPS codes are in the Federal Information Processing Standards Publication Series of the National Bureau of Standards, U.S. Department of Commerce. (iii) For all other non-MLRA soil survey areas, the symbol consists of the State abbreviation and a unique 600-, 700-, or 800-series number that is assigned in lieu of the FIPS code. (iv) Below are examples of names and symbols for non-MLRA soil survey areas that have differing boundary designations: - Soil Survey Area That Corresponds to a Single County Boundary - Baldwin County, Alabama (AL003) - Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana (LA109) - Soil Survey Area That Corresponds to Two or More County Boundaries - Beaver and Lawrence Counties, Pennsylvania (PA603) - James City and York Counties and the City of Williamsburg, Virginia (VA695) - Soil Survey Area That Includes Only Part of a Single County Select a name that clearly distinguishes the survey area from other survey areas in the county or from adjoining counties. If a clear designation cannot be made, use the words "part" or "area" to indicate that the survey area boundary does not include the entire county. – Washoe County, Nevada, South Part (NV628) – Socorro County Area, New Mexico (NM664) - Soil Survey Area That Includes Parts of Two or More Counties in One State Use the name of a well-known place or geographic feature and list the counties. – Jicarilla Apache Area, New Mexico, Parts of Rio Arriba and Sandoval Counties (NM698) – Wenatchee National Forest, Naches Area, Washington, Parts of Kittitas and Yakima Counties (WA680) - Soil Survey Area That Includes All of One or More Counties and Part of Another - Soil Survey of Curry County and Southwest Part of Quay County, New Mexico (NM669) - Menifee and Rowan Counties and Northwestern Morgan County, Kentucky (KY632) - Soil Survey Area That Includes Parts of Two or More Counties in Adjoining States - Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee and North Carolina (TN640) - Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee and North Carolina (NC640) - Shiprock Area, Parts of San Juan County, New Mexico, and Apache County, Arizona (NM717) - Shiprock Area, Parts of San Juan County, New Mexico, and Apache County, Arizona (AZ717) Note: In order to maintain acreage integrity for all States, separate project entries are made in NASIS for survey areas that cross State boundaries. - Soil Survey Area That is in a Region With No Counties Use the name of a well-known place or geographic feature in the area. – San German Area, Southwestern Puerto Rico (PR787) – North Star Area, Alaska (AK642)
E. Small Geographic Areas
-Special management areas, such as small political subdivisions, areas of Tribal lands, and Federal management areas (e.g., National Park Service units, national forests, and Bureau of Land Management lands), are ordinarily handled as special projects or subsets (overlaps) of a larger soil survey area.
Soil survey regional directors in consultation with State soil scientists designate small geographic areas as soil survey areas. Legends for these areas are linked to the appropriate area types in NASIS, as needed.
A. Definition Many survey areas include parts that have difficult or limited access for personnel conducting field operations, and occasionally landowners deny access to their property. The goal of the NCSS is to survey all lands, and soil survey area coverage includes all lands (refer to section 608.2). Some survey areas that are only partially mapped may be posted to the Web Soil Survey.
-B. Purpose Land should not be excluded from a soil survey area based on difficult or limited access or because of difficulty in obtaining permission to gain access. All available resources should be used, such as old soil survey maps (if available), geology and topographic maps, aerial photography, and other available remote-sensing materials, to apply common field procedures and techniques in delineating map units. For relatively small areas, mapping surrounding lands and projecting soil lines across the area of denied access may be feasible. For relatively large areas, more broadly defined map units may be appropriate. In these cases, the reduced reliability in the map unit description should be described.
-C. Surveying in Denied Access Areas
-Soil survey regional directors, in consultation with the State Conservationist, State soil scientist, and local cooperators, determine the feasibility of mapping areas of denied access. Reliability of the mapping for anticipated use and interpretations should be the final determining factor.
Use judgment in deciding whether to attempt to gain permission to map areas of denied access. In some cases, such as when areas are restricted for national security purposes or where Native American officials desire that Tribal lands remain unmapped, the decision may be made to not pursue the issue further.
In situations other than those described in paragraph (1) above, use all reasonable means to obtain permission to map. Enlist the aid of community leaders, district cooperators and supervisors, county and State officials, and others, as appropriate.
If reasonable efforts to gain access are unsuccessful, apply techniques and resources discussed in section 608.3B to map the area.
D. Reporting Denied Access Areas (ANS)
-Delineate the area with the map unit symbol "ANS" for a map unit with the name "Area not surveyed, access denied." This is a national map unit that is queried in NASIS and added to the survey area through a linkage in the NASIS "Legend Mapunit" table. The map unit status is identified as "correlated" because an attempt was made to map the area but access was denied.
In the map unit description, simply state "Area not surveyed, access denied." Include the symbol and the acreage in the soil survey acreage table of the final report. Acreage for small or isolated areas of ANS is reported as mapping progress using standard progress reporting procedures. In rare cases where the area of denied access is very large, acreage of the unmapped area (ANS) is not reported as mapping progress.
E. Identifying Areas Not Completed (NOTCOM)
-The purpose of identifying NOTCOM areas is to provide a consistently displayed map unit symbol for progressively correlated information published to the Web Soil Survey that identifies those areas yet to be completed.
The map unit designation "NOTCOM" is used to identify spatial areas that have not been surveyed. This designation does not include areas of limited access or denied access areas.
Delineate the area with the national map unit symbol "NOTCOM" and the map unit name "No digital data available." This is a national map unit that is queried in NASIS and added to the survey area through a linkage in the NASIS "Legend Mapunit" table. The map unit status is identified as "approved" though the area has been neither mapped nor correlated.
F. General Soil Maps The STATSGO2 map is the basis for the survey area general soil maps. Do not exclude any areas, even those areas excluded from detailed mapping, from the general soil map for the survey area and the U.S. General Soil Map (STATSGO2) database. Use standard procedures for delineating general soil map units and STATSGO2 map units.
-A. Definition Title 340, General Manual, describes agency policy for strategic workload planning and continuous process improvement. Other cooperating agencies have their own policy for workload planning.
-B. Purpose The workload planning process considers the work to be done, which is identified as projects. Estimates are made of the amount of time required to complete each project, and a timetable is made for completing the work. The workload process will vary slightly depending on the type of survey operation, either initial or update.
-C. Initial Soil Survey
-A long-range plan for initial soil survey projects details the activities needed to complete the project in a realistic amount of time (i.e., about 5 years or less). See part 608, subpart B, section 608.10.
An annual plan of operations for initial soil survey projects is used to guide and provide specific focus to staff as the long-range plan is being implemented. See part 608, subpart B, section 608.11.
D. Update Soil Survey
-The SSO long-range plan considers all aspects of bringing all soil surveys in the area to a common standard to meet user needs. An inventory and assessment of the MLRA soil survey area is completed prior to development of a long-range plan (see part 610, subpart B, sections 610.10 to 610.12). In addition to the needs of the private lands in the area, it should include the needs identified by the cooperators responsible for the Federal lands within the area so that a coordinated effort is achieved in all soil survey work. The format and level of detail for the long-range plan may vary. The purpose is not to develop detailed plans to accomplish all of the needs but rather to identify the needs in enough detail to allow them to be prioritized effectively. Detailed planning to accomplish the highest priority needs then takes place through project plans.
Project plans for the SSO (see part 610, subpart A, section 610.4, of this handbook) are developed for one or more of the highest priority needs. The actual length of time needed to complete the project depends on the scope of the project and how it is defined. When possible, projects of very large extent should be redesigned as several smaller projects of shorter duration. Shorter-term projects are preferred because they can be managed and delivered more effectively. Some projects might be completed in weeks or months while others might require up to 2 years. Project plans are broken down into reportable milestones to identify annual progress. See part 610, subpart B, section 610.16, for an example.
An SSO annual plan of operations (or business plan) is used to identify objectives, goals, responsibilities, and timelines during a fiscal year.
A. Definition State cooperative soil survey conferences, led by the State soil scientist, convene annually to discuss soil survey activities, consider cooperator priorities, and recommend action. Other interested user groups recommend priorities for such things as special or interim soil reports. Considerations for preparing the priority list are- (i) The status of initial soil surveys. (ii) NRCS needs for carrying out Farm Bill and technical or financial assistance programs and projects. (iii) Cooperating agency needs for meeting their program and project needs. (iv) Requests for soil surveys by local people. (v) Needs of Federal partners on Federal lands. (vi) Needs of State, Tribal, county, city or other local units of government for information that aids in land use planning and decisions. (vii) Rapid land use changes in areas where critical soil problems are expected. (viii) Contributions of funds or staffing. (ix) Needs for assessing land productivity value. (x) Other factors of specific local importance.
-B. Purpose
-The management team, in cooperation with the MLRA SSO leader, works with the above information to identify the needs for each SSO. Long-range plans are then refined to address the needs of the MLRA soil survey area (see part 610, subpart A, section 610.2, of this handbook). Where Federal lands are included within the MLRA soil survey area, it is important to coordinate with the appropriate representatives of those agencies.
The MLRA SSO leader, with input from the technical team, consolidates each State's needs for the SSO long-range plan.
The long-range plan is used by the management team and technical team to develop priorities. Priorities are then reviewed by the soil survey regional director for approval. The MLRA SSO leader incorporates the priorities into one or more individual MLRA project plans.
The SSO long-range plan is maintained as work progresses and new information or unforeseen circumstances arise. Additional issues to be addressed may come from a variety of sources, such as resource soil scientists, field offices, cooperators, customers, the SSR, and State soil scientists. Reports from Web Soil Survey or NASIS may also reveal issues and deficiencies that need to be prioritized and addressed in the future.
A. MLRA project plans direct the use of resources to accomplish identified activities as described above. An SSO will typically have multiple plans in progress each year. The plans are managed in NASIS and identify the activities that need to be accomplished by the plan. Each plan includes the name of the person or staff responsible for each activity, projected completion dates, and goals.
-B. Part 608, subpart B, sections 608.10 and 608.11, provide sample formats for a long-range plan and annual plan of operations for initial soil surveys. In part 610, subpart B, sections 610.10 to 610.16, examples of documents used for planning MLRA update soil surveys are provided. These documents may be adapted to fit the needs identified for the soil survey area.
-A. Definition The establishment of performance goals and progress reporting is required by policy and outlined in the general manual (340-GM, Part 400, "Strategic Planning and Accountability"). NASIS includes a number of tables and data elements for planning, managing, and tracking status, milestone events, and progress of activities of the NCSS and Technical Soil Services (defined in part 600 of the Technical Soil Services Handbook). These data are stored in the "Project" object and in the "Technical Soil Services" object in NASIS. Projects for initial soil survey work are linked to "Non-MLRA Soil Survey Areas." Projects for update work are defined by map units and are linked in NASIS through the data field "MLRA Soil Survey Office Area." No entries are populated for update project work in the data field "Non-MLRA Soil Survey Area."
-B. Purpose
-Managers use goals and progress information recorded in NASIS to assess workloads, develop activity schedules and budgets, and plan for resources needed to complete the national soil inventory and related databases. Included as projects in NASIS are all active initial mapping on non-MLRA soil survey areas, as defined in section 608.2, and all updating of survey information, as defined in part 610 of this handbook.
Initial projects that are linked in NASIS to each "Non-MLRA Soil Survey Area" contain administrative and other data that track the key business processes of the initial survey from field data collection through final publication.
Update projects are linked to the "MLRA Soil Survey Office Area" and contain administrative and other data that track the key business process for updating map units from the field data collection through final publication. The map units in an update project are listed in the "Project Mapunit" table.
A "milestone" is an item or task identified to be completed during the initial or update project. Milestones are process steps, such as the number of transects collected, number of pedon descriptions gathered, amount of spatial line work edited, number of OSDs revised, etc. The milestone information is entered into the NASIS "Project Milestone" table. Milestones allow the manager to divide the project into reportable items and track the progress. Progress towards completion of each milestone is entered into the NASIS "Project Milestone Progress" table.
The scheduled activities and progress of technical soil services are reported in NASIS. See section 608.8B for more information on scheduling.
C. Responsibilities
-Data stewards for the various soil survey business areas are responsible for populating data elements and ensuring data quality in NASIS. Soil survey business areas perform all inventory-related activities at the field level and support and enable activities done in the generation of soil survey products.
The business area responsible for either initiating or completing a soil survey business process also is responsible for populating appropriate data elements and reporting progress associated with the process.
Part 608, subpart B, section 608.11, identifies broad soil survey business areas along with associated NASIS tables and data elements, and section 608.13 specifies the organizational office levels in NRCS that are responsible for populating the data. Some data elements in the exhibit indicate more than one responsible office level. For these situations, the appropriate business area program managers designate the responsible data steward. See section 608.1 for additional information.
Program managers may delegate the responsibility of populating some data elements to the SSO. For example, MLRA soil survey leaders may be designated to report mapping and compilation progress for their respective area.
D. Accessibility of the Data Soil survey area legends and projects are accessible through the NASIS interface. The interface enables authorized users with full capability to create, edit, and report data. Extreme care should be taken to avoid populating or changing data that falls under the responsibility of another business unit. Various reports are available in NASIS to summarize the data.
-E. Data Management Part 608, subpart B, section 608.11, identifies soil survey business areas and related data elements, including key terminology and protocols, necessary for administration and maintenance of the data. Section 608.13 provides an overview of the data elements and responsible soil survey business areas.
-F. Soil Survey and Ecological Site Performance Measurement
-The NRCS Performance Results System (PRS) is the official progress reporting instrument used by the agency to prepare national-level reports. Agency-accountable items, such as soil mapping on initial acres and progress on updating data, are assembled from NASIS nightly and automatically uploaded to PRS. Acres of ecological sites inventoried are entered directly into PRS by staff in the States.
NASIS data is used to assess program performance and analyze budgets. Examples include signed MOUs, progress reviews and correlations completed, manuscripts edited, acres compiled and digitized, and the status of imagery and orthophotography acquisition. Both individual and business area performance can be analyzed.
Performance Goals (i) At the beginning of the fiscal year, individual and team goals for soil survey business activities should be established. (ii) In addition to initial and update soil surveys, mapping goals may be set for nonproject survey areas based on anticipated requests for conservation planning. (iii) Supervisors- - Base performance goals on the individual's job description, experience, and training, on complexity, and on other factors. - Monitor progress throughout the year. - Revise individual or team performance goals, as needed, in consultation with the employee. (iv) On initial soil survey projects, the soil survey office leader sets goals based on acres mapped (including data population in NASIS and geospatial components). In addition, goals for other aspects of soil survey can be established, especially for local project management. (v) In update soil survey work, the soil survey office leader sets goals based on completing milestones tracked in NASIS. (vi) The goals for technical soil services are assigned to resource soil scientists by supervisors at the State office or area office level. (vii) Performance goals may be set for- - Technical soil services and soil survey support activities. - Mapping goals (although large water bodies, such as census water, should not be included, census water acres should be reported as a land category in the "Project Land Category Breakdown" table). - Gathering of field documentation. - Database development. - GIS analysis. - Correlations. - Manuscript development.
Progress and Progress Reporting (i) Soil survey progress records the inventory of the Nation's soil resources, development of related databases, soil survey products, and interpretative materials. (ii) Soil survey regional directors are responsible for ensuring that progress is reported. (iii) Reportable items are all activities, including intermediate products (e.g., milestones) that lead to a final product that meets NCSS standards. These items are: - Acres mapped - Correlations completed - Acres compiled and digitized - Ecological site description development and inventory - Documentation collected (e.g., pedon descriptions, transects, photographs, monitoring data, laboratory samples, vegetation data, and special studies) (iv) Progress should be reported in NASIS as it occurs. As a minimum, mapping progress should be reported quarterly and all other progress monthly.
Mapping Progress (i) Initial Projects - Refer to part 608, subpart B, section 608.11, for further discussion on reporting mapping progress. - The regional soil survey director should discuss progress reporting issues with the associate director for soil survey programs and associate director of soil operations at Soil Science Division headquarters before significantly revising performance goals. - For each non-MLRA soil survey area, create, if not already created, a project in NASIS and enter mapping progress into the "Project Mapping Progress" table by land category (refer to acreage accountability below). - Enter the reporting date in the "Project Mapping Progress" table. This date determines the fiscal year for which progress is counted. - Report progress as initial mapping. - Distinguish NRCS personnel from cooperator personnel. - Enter each individual's progress or the project team's progress as a whole. - Closely monitor initial soil surveys. Report initial mapping progress only one time and never delete it from the system once it is reported, except when data entry errors are immediately recognizable and easily corrected. - Upon completion of the initial soil survey, ensure that all initial acres reported as progress equal the land category acres and that the sum of all land category acres equals the area acres for the respective non-MLRA soil survey area. (ii) Update Projects (See part 610, subpart A, section 610.3, of this handbook) - Report milestones upon completion of the task. - Distinguish NRCS personnel from cooperator personnel. - Enter each individual's progress or the project team's progress as a whole. - Report project acres upon publication of the project map units to the Soil Data Warehouse.
G. Project Administration and Acreage Management
-NASIS provides a variety of ways in which data can be managed. Therefore, if the system is to function optimally, a uniform approach is required.
In NASIS, the data field "Non-MLRA Soil Survey Area" provides data about goals and progress for mapping and other milestone activities for initial soil survey work. A project is created for each initial soil survey project. Projects for soil survey update activities should be developed as needed (see part 610, subpart A, section 610.4, of this handbook).
Unique Spatial Areas (i) All "Non-MLRA Soil Survey Areas" represent a unique geographical (spatial) area, such as an entire county, multiple counties, or parts of one or more counties. They receive a unique area symbol and area name (see section 608.2). (ii) In NASIS 6.0, a project was created for each legend linked to a "Non-MLRA Soil Survey Area." The resulting project was named for the survey area and the status shown in the "Legend" table (e.g., Allen County, Kansas - Update needed). Data from the "Legend Data" object related to goals and progress in NASIS 5.4 were moved to this new project and related tables. Acreage data in the various tables for these specific, completed projects are not to be edited. (iii) Section 608.12 provides additional information and examples of various project scenarios and protocols.
Acreage Accountability NRCS, as Federal lead for the NCSS, maintains records of soil survey mapping for all lands of the Nation. - Seven land categories distinguish non-Federal ownership from Federal ownership. Additionally, Federal lands are categorized according to the responsible Federal land management agency. The seven land categories are: - Native American land - Other non-Federal land - Bureau of Land Management - U.S. Forest Service - National Park Service - Other Federal land - Census water - Refer to part 608, subpart B, section 608.12, for definitions of the land categories and for additional information on acreage management and accountability.
Acreage Allocation Federal and private land ownership and acreages constantly change. State soil scientists must periodically review land ownership for all soil survey areas. This information is maintained in the "Project Land Category Breakdown" table in NASIS. - If ownership acres have changed in a soil survey area, the State soil scientist reports changes and discrepancies to the soil survey regional director. The soil survey regional director- - Reallocates acreage assigned to the seven land categories. - Reallocates progress assigned to each land category. - The sum of all land category acres within a project for a "Non-MLRA Soil Survey Area" must equal the area acreage for the survey area. - The sum of all land category acres within a project for a "Non-MLRA Soil Survey Area" must equal the State total acreage from the 1992 National Resource Inventory. - To reallocate acres for soil surveys that have more than one project or that partially overlap another survey, refer to the discussion of acreage management and accountability in part 608, subpart B, section 608.12.
Acreage Base County-based 1992 National Resources Inventory (NRI) data for total surface area (land and water) is used within NRCS as the official acreage for non-MLRA soil survey areas that coincide with county or parish boundaries and for State totals. Acreages for non-MLRA soil survey areas that do not coincide with county or parish boundaries must be balanced with the respective State totals. - Use the exact county-based figures or round to the nearest hundred. - Coordinate acreage assigned to all survey areas with the national NASIS data steward at the National Soil Survey Center for inclusion in NASIS.
A. Soil Survey Operations
-Schedules and timelines for soil survey activities are detailed in long-range plans, project plans, annual plans of operation, and monthly or weekly schedules. Part 608, subpart B, section 608.10, is an example of a long-range plan for initial soil surveys, and section 608.11 is an example of an annual plan of operations for initial soil surveys. Part 610, subpart A, section 610.6, of this handbook discusses how long-range plans address identified needs for MLRA soil survey areas.
MLRA SSO leaders schedule soil survey activities and coordinate routine work in consultation with the responsible soil survey regional director. Quality control activities are carried out and documented by the MLRA SSO leader per guidance in part 609 of this handbook.
SSR staff schedule quality assurance reviews and field assistance visits in consultation with the SSO, State offices, and NCSS partners per guidance in part 609 of this handbook.
B. Technical Soil Services
-State, area, and field offices develop annual plans of operation and monthly or weekly schedules, as appropriate, for activities related to technical soil services.
Resource soil scientists and soil scientists assigned to nearby SSOs provide soil information as needed for conservation planning and other special local needs. These efforts ensure efficient use of soil scientist time and timely delivery of soil information. These activities should be reported in the "Technical Soil Service" table in NASIS. A choice list of activities is provided. New activities can be added to the list by coordinating with the national leader for technical soil services and the NASIS data steward at the National Soil Survey Center. Scheduled start and end dates can be recorded for each service provided, as well as the actual start and end dates. The person providing the service, the geographic location where the service was provided, the name of the person or entity receiving the service, and the benefits realized should also be documented.
C. Individual Schedules Individual soil scientists prepare monthly or weekly schedules, as required by supervisors. These schedules include- (i) Routine soil survey activities. (ii) Training to be given and received. (iii) Staff conferences. (iv) Information and public relations needs. (v) Planned leave.
-A. Maps indicating the progress and status of soil surveys and soil survey products are important management and public relations tools. Maps may be on a national, regional, major land resource area, or State basis.
-B. Source Data
-The primary sources of attribute data are NASIS and the Soil Data Access. Sections 608.7D- F identifies the soil survey business areas that are responsible for populating and maintaining the data.
Base map cartography and spatial data for soil survey areas is maintained by the NSSC.
C. Responsibilities
-The NSSC maintains a digital file of soil survey area boundaries for all non-MLRA soil survey areas listed in NASIS. Boundaries are taken from SSURGO data archived on the Soil Data Warehouse where SSURGO data is complete.
State soil scientists- (i) Ensure the accuracy and completeness of non-MLRA soil survey area boundaries. (ii) Initiate revisions and corrections to the boundaries, as needed.
D. Data Availability
-Soil Data Availability Status Map (i) The Soil Data Availability Status Map portrays the availability of SSURGO data in the Web Soil Survey. This map is updated at least annually by staff of the NSSC based on the contents of the Soil Data Warehouse. The map legend indicates the data available for each soil survey area. Partial surveys are also shown. The map can be accessed online at http://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/DataAvailability/SoilDataAvailabilityMap.pdf. (ii) The standard map legend colors and categories are as follows: - Green - digital spatial and tabular data are available - Orange - only digital tabular data are available - White - no digital data are available
Other Status Maps Program managers at the national, soil survey region, and State levels may determine other types of soil survey status maps useful for management and information purposes within their operational area.
United States Department of Agriculture - Natural Resources Conservation Service __________________________County, _________________________________________________ Date _______________________Project staff ______________________________________________ Narrative of Plan Items FY- FY- FY- FY- FY- __ 1. Memo of understanding (optional with MLRA regionwide MOU on file) a. Meet with locals _____________________________________________________________ b. Prepare draft MOU ___________________________________________________________ c. Obtain review _______________________________________________________________ d. Obtain signatures ____________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ 2. Collection of references a. Geology ____________________________________________________________________ b. Water resources ______________________________________________________________ c. Statistical reports ____________________________________________________________ 1. Farm __________________________________________________________________ 2. NRI ___________________________________________________________________ 3. SWCD _________________________________________________________________ 4. Climate ________________________________________________________________ 5. Other __________________________________________________________________ d. County roads ________________________________________________________________ e. Adjoining soil survey data _____________________________________________________ f. Topo quad sheets, DEMs ______________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ 3. Preparation of field sheets (if used) a. Edging ____________________________________________________________________ b. Identification _______________________________________________________________ c. Advance copy identification ____________________________________________________ d. Acreage determination ________________________________________________________ e. Other ______________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ 4. Preliminary field studies a. Perform area reconnaissance ___________________________________________________ b. Develop landform map ________________________________________________________ c. Field test STATSGO2 for GSM use ___________________________________________________________________ d. Test map areas ______________________________________________________________ e. Correlate studies and field observations ________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ 5. Preparation of descriptive legend (ensuring NASIS is populated) a. Taxonomic descriptions _______________________________________________________ b. Map unit descriptions _________________________________________________________ c. Features and symbols legend ___________________________________________________ d. Identification legend __________________________________________________________ e. Classification of soils _________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ 6. Documentation and supporting data a. Transect studies _____________________________________________________________ b. Field notes _________________________________________________________________ c. Identification of problem areas __________________________________________________ d. Field descriptions ____________________________________________________________ e. Pedon program ______________________________________________________________ f. Transect program ____________________________________________________________ g. Soil-ecosite correlation h. Soil-landscape models _________________________________________________________ i. Other ______________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ 7. Special studies a. Crop yields _________________________________________________________________ b. Forestland sites ______________________________________________________________ c. Geomorphology _____________________________________________________________ d. Characterization _____________________________________________________________ e. Surficial geology ____________________________________________________________ f. Other ______________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ 8. Field mapping a. Joining ____________________________________________________________________ b. Acreage goals _______________________________________________________________ c. Sheet compilation (if needed) ___________________________________________________ d. Digitize ____________________________________________________________________ e. SSURGO AMLs _____________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ 9. Sampling and lab data a. Sampling for NSSC-KSSL _____________________________________________________ b. Sampling for university _______________________________________________________ c. Sampling for highway dep. ____________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ 10. QA reviews & field visit assistance a. Pre-initial review ____________________________________________________________ b. Initial review _______________________________________________________________ c. Progress reviews _____________________________________________________________ d. Final review ________________________________________________________________ e. Preliminary correlation ________________________________________________________ f. Final correlation _____________________________________________________________ g. Field assistance visit __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ 11. General soil map (STATSGO2) (revision and update) _____________________________________________________________ a. Adjust delineation of units _____________________________________________________ b. Develop legend ______________________________________________________________ c. Describe units _______________________________________________________________ d. Develop diagrams ____________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ 12. Development of survey area soil handbook a. Introduction to area __________________________________________________________ b. General nature ______________________________________________________________ c. Crops and pasture ____________________________________________________________ d. Forestland and windbreaks _____________________________________________________ e. Rangeland __________________________________________________________________ f. Engineering ________________________________________________________________ g. Recreation __________________________________________________________________ h. Wildlife ____________________________________________________________________ i. Factors of soil formation ______________________________________________________ j. Classification of soils _________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ 13. Interpretation tables a. Prepare & update data elements _________________________________________________ b. Generate tables for review______________________________________________________ c. Review tables with technical specialists __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ 14. Manuscript photos a. Select sites _________________________________________________________________ b. Review photos with editors ____________________________________________________ c. Select final photos ___________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ 15. Preparation of soil survey manuscript a. Select from survey area soil handbook or generate from NASIS _____________________________________________________________________ b. Obtain technical review _______________________________________________________ c. Obtain English edit ___________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________
-United States Department of Agriculture - Natural Resources Conservation Service __________________________County, _________________________________________________ Date _______________________Project staff ______________________________________________ Respon- Number/ Hours Per Quarter FY Narrative of Plan Items sibility Amount 1 2 3 4 Total of ________________________________________________________________________________________ Section A: Long-Range Plan of Operations ________________________________________________________________________________________ 1. Memo of understanding (optional) a. Meet with locals ___________________________________________________________________ b. Review specifications _______________________________________________________________ c. _____________________________________________________________________ d. _____________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. Collection of references a. Geology reports ___________________________________________________________________ b. Flood data ________________________________________________________________________ c. Local history ______________________________________________________________________ d. County road maps __________________________________________________________________ e. Land use _________________________________________________________________________ f. Water quality info __________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 3. Preparation of field sheets (if used) a. Edging __________________________________________________________________________ b. Identification _____________________________________________________________________ c. Advance copy identification __________________________________________________________ d. Designation of acreage ______________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 4. Preliminary field studies_________________________________________________________________ a. Develop landforms map _____________________________________________________________ b. Draft initial STATSGO2 update _______________________________________________________ c. Test map areas ____________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 5. Descriptive legend (completion of data in NASIS) a. Prepare taxonomic unit descriptions __________________________________________________________________ b. Prepare map unit descriptions _____________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 6. Documentation and supporting data a. Record transects ___________________________________________________________________ b. Collect yield data___________________________________________________________________ c. Make forest transects ________________________________________________________________ d. Describe pedons ___________________________________________________________________ e. Analyze transect data _______________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 7. Field mapping a. Acreage goal by individual ___________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 8. Field reviews a. Pre-initial review __________________________________________________________________ b. Progress review ____________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ Section B: Soil Management and Interpretation Support Services a. Onsite investigations _______________________________________________________________ b. FOTG ___________________________________________________________________________ c. Special evaluation _________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ Section C: Information Activities a. Talk to service club ________________________________________________________________ b. Prepare news article ________________________________________________________________ c. Report to cooperators _______________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ Section D: Leave and Holidays a. Annual leave ______________________________________________________________________ b. Sick leave ________________________________________________________________________ c. Holidays _________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________
-This exhibit provides additional guidance for administering data in NASIS related to goals and progress reporting. It is primarily intended for Soil Survey Program managers and data stewards. It is divided into four major Soil Survey Program business areas for ease of reference. Data elements relevant to the business areas are listed and discussed. Also refer to section 608.13 for a quick- reference companion that provides a snapshot of business area responsibilities for NRCS offices. The four business areas are: (1) project administration and acreage management; (2) mapping goals and progress; (3) imagery, orthophotography, map compilation materials, and other data layers; and (4) initial and update survey operations. Definitions of data elements are in NASIS and therefore are not provided in this document. Additional explanations are provided for some data elements.
-I. Project Administration and Acreage Management Timely administration of projects and acreage accountability are critical functions in assuring the usefulness of the NASIS database as a management tool. Projects serve as "place holders" to plan future needs, identify progress, and track milestone events leading to completion of soil survey products. Guiding Principles: 1. The tables and data elements related to goals and progress are imbedded in the NASIS database, which is a multiuser database. They serve as the official reporting instrument for production soil survey activities of the National Cooperative Soil Survey. 2. Administration is the responsibility of State offices; updating maps and data is the responsibility of data stewards of the soil survey business area. 3. For the initial soil survey, data are maintained in projects linked to the "Non-MLRA Soil Survey Areas" owned by the NASIS site "NSSC Pangaea." - Each "Non-MLRA Soil Survey Area" is linked to a project in NASIS. All geographic areas of the Nation are covered in at least one such survey area. - With the data conversion to NASIS 6.0, a project was created for each legend linked to a non-MLRA soil survey area. The resulting project was named for the survey area and the status shown in the "Legend" table (e.g., Allen County, Kansas - Update needed). Data from the "Legend Data" object related to goals and progress in NASIS 5.4 were moved to this new project and related tables. Acreage data in the various tables for these specific, completed projects are not to be edited. - Mapping progress and milestones may be reported continuously but, as a minimum, are reported at the end of each quarter. Other data entries may be maintained continuously but, as a minimum, are current at the end of each month. 4. For update soil survey work, a project is created for each project plan developed for the "MLRA Soil Survey Office Area." - Projects are linked to the appropriate "MLRA Soil Survey Office Area" in NASIS. - Mapping progress and milestones may be reported continuously but, as a minimum, are reported at the end of each quarter. Other data entries may be maintained continuously but, as a minimum, are current at the end of each month.
-A. Administrative Data Elements - Area Table o Area Name (This data element applies to the "Area," "Project," "Legend," and "Legend Area Overlap" tables.) o Area Symbol (This data element applies to the "Area," "Project," "Legend," and "Legend Area Overlap" tables.) o Area Acres - Legend Table o MLRA Office (This data element pertains to the 12 soil survey regional offices.) o MOU Agency Responsible o Legend Description o Geographic Applicability (This data element specifies the currency of soil survey information, including both attribute and spatial data.) - Legend Certification History Table o Legend Certification Status o Certification Date o Certification Kind - Legend Export Certification History Table o Export Certification Status o Export Certification Date - Project Table o Project Name o Project Description o MLRA Soil Survey Office Area (This column header pertains to the MLRA soil survey offices and is composed of two underlying data elements labeled "MLRA SSO Area Symbol" and "MLRA SSO Area Name.") o State Responsible - Project Product Table o Product Availability Status - Project Data Type Table o Product Data Type Name o Project Data Type Description - Milestone Type Table o Milestone Type Name o Milestone Type Description - Technical Soil Service Type Table o Tech Soil Service Type Name o Tech Soil Service Type Description
-B. Acreage Management Protocols for Initial Soil Survey Projects Linked to Non-MLRA Soil Survey Areas Seven land categories are used to identify the ownership of all lands of the United States and its trust territories. The land categories are: Native American land, other non-Federal land, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, other Federal land, and census water. Accordingly, acreage is assigned in each project linked in NASIS to a "Non-MLRA Soil Survey Area," subject to the following conventions: 1. Land categories reflect the current land ownership in the survey area. 2. The sum of all land category acres from all projects linked to "Non-MLRA Soil Survey Areas" in a State equals the 1992 NRI acres for the State. 3. Land category acres are balanced across projects that cover the same geographic area so that each acre is recorded only once. 4. Survey areas that cover parts of two or more States will have a separate project for each State. Each project will have land categories, land category acres, goals, and progress for the respective State. A "Non-MLRA Soil Survey Area" will be needed for each State involved. The area symbol will be assigned for the respective State. The area name will be the same for both. Area acres will be for the whole survey area and will be recorded as the same in each State. 5. Acres are recorded to the actual acre or rounded to 100 acres. 6. Areas in Alaska identified as Alaska Native Lands or in Hawaii as Hawaiian Homelands are included in the meaning of Native American land. 7. Census water applies to all contiguous water polygons that are 40 acres in size or larger. If a water polygon is less than 40 acres in size in the survey area but extends into an adjoining survey area such that the total extent in both survey areas is more than 40 acres, then the water qualifies as census water. Census water acreage is not to be part of mapping goals; it is administratively managed in NASIS as a land category in the "Project Land Category Breakdown" table to account for total survey acres and progress. Project Scenarios and Protocols: 1. Survey Areas With One Project. Only one project is linked to a "Non-MLRA Soil Survey Area" in NASIS and no other survey areas have been established that coincide geographically with any part of the survey area. The actual (or best estimate of) land category acres are recorded in the "Project Land Category Breakdown" table. The sum of all acres recorded in the table are to equal the survey area acreage. 2. Survey Areas With Two or More Projects. These areas typically have an older out-of-date legend and corresponding project and a newer update or published legend and project. Acres in the "Project Land Category Breakdown" table should be rebalanced so that the older project shows zero acres in each land category. The newer project should reflect the actual (or best estimate of) land category acres in the "Project Land Category Breakdown" table. Thus, land category acres will be recorded only once for the survey area. Mapping progress should be retained in both the older and newer projects as appropriate (see the section on mapping goals and progress). 3. Survey Areas That Partly Coincide With Another Survey Area. These areas typically consist of a newer survey area that covers part of an older survey area or a newer survey that covers all or parts of two or more previous survey areas. Acres in the "Project Land Category Breakdown" table should be rebalanced in all affected survey area projects so that current land category acres are recorded in the newest project and subtracted from older projects. The sum of land category acres in the newest project will equal the survey area acreage. The resulting sum of land category acres in each of the other affected projects will total less than their respective survey area acreage. Mapping progress should be retained in both older and newer projects as appropriate (see the section on mapping goals and progress).
-C. Acreage Management Protocols for Update Soil Survey Projects Linked to MLRA Soil Survey Areas Seven land categories are used to identify the ownership of all lands of the United States and its trust territories. The land categories are: Native American land, other non-Federal land, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, other Federal land, and census water. Accordingly, acreage is assigned in each project linked to a "Non-MLRA Soil Survey Area," subject to the following conventions: 1. Land categories reflect the current land ownership in the survey area. 2. For each such project developed, the appropriate land categories and acres will be entered into the "Project Land Category Breakdown" table. 3. As these projects stand on their own and the same acre of land may be covered by more than one project, there is no need to balance land category acres across projects or within a State. The same acre may be reported as being updated more than once. 4. Acres are recorded to the actual acre or rounded to 100 acres. 5. Areas in Alaska identified as Alaska Native Lands or in Hawaii as Hawaiian Homelands are included in the meaning of Native American land. 6. Census water applies to all contiguous water polygons that are 40 acres in size or larger. If a water polygon is less than 40 acres in size in the survey area but extends into an adjoining survey area such that the total extent in both survey areas is more than 40 acres, then the water qualifies as census water. Census water acreage is not to be part of mapping goals; it is administratively managed in NASIS as a land category in the "Project Land Category Breakdown" table so that total survey acres and progress are accounted for. II. Mapping Goals and Progress Goals and progress are recorded in the "Project Mapping Goal" and "Project Mapping Progress" tables for each defined project. Goals and progress may be recorded for each individual project staff member or for the project staff as a whole. Use the following protocols: 1. Project Staff. First, enter individual project member names in the "Project Staff" table before entering goals or progress. A choice list is provided based on user names in the NASIS "User" table. If a name needs to be added to the list, contact the Soils Hotline (SoilsHotline@lin.usda.gov) to request a NASIS user account. For more information on requesting NASIS user accounts, see part 639, subpart A, section 639.2, of this handbook. 2. Goals. Enter fiscal year goals in the "Project Mapping Goal" table at the beginning of each fiscal year. 3. Progress: a.) Enter mapping progress and show the effective progress reporting date in the "Project Mapping Progress" table under the appropriate land category. Note: The reporting date determines the fiscal year for progress reporting. Show initial and update mapping under NRCS or cooperator columns, as appropriate. Update acres may be reported in any project where update activity has occurred. b.) Once initial soil survey mapping progress has been reported in a project, that progress should not be moved to another project, unless an error was made in data entry. In order to show the current progress for all land categories, however, progress may need to be reallocated among land categories within the same project to reflect any changes in land ownership. Note: For situations where land category acres have been rebalanced across projects, acres of mapping progress reported for a land category may be more than the land category acres shown for that project and, in some cases, the land category acres may even be zero.
-A. Goal Setting. - Project Staff Table o Project Staff Member - Project Mapping Goal Table o Fiscal Year o Initial NRCS Acres Goal o Initial Cooperator Acres Goal o Update NRCS Acres Goal o Update Cooperator Acres Goal o Project Staff Member
-B. Reporting Mapping Progress - Project Mapping Progress Table o Progress Reporting Date o Initial NRCS Acres o Initial Cooperator Acres o Update NRCS Acres o Update Cooperator Acres o Project Staff Member Initial Acres. This item refers to mapping a soil survey area and reporting progress for the first time. The cumulative initial acres reported for a completed survey area always equals 100 percent of the survey area acres. The item applies to all lands of the Nation and mapping by both NRCS and cooperator personnel and to mapping at any order of detail or scale. Typically, initial acres are reported only for surveys having a nonproject or initial status but may apply to surveys with update status where areas that were not mapped during the initial survey are mapped and reported for the first time. Initial acres are reported only once for a given geographic area. All subsequent mapping on the same ground is reported as update acres. Update Acres. This item refers to updating and reporting progress on acres previously reported for the Nation. All update acreage reported must be a part of a project plan entered in NASIS that was approved by the MLRA management team for the soil survey region. Acres are reported when revised data is posted to the Soil Data Warehouse. Update projects consist of work that leads to significant changes in data or to work that confirms the quality of the existing attribute data. This work typically, but not always, results in the recorrelation of map units and their components. Update acres are reported even if the data and correlation are not changed. Update projects are based on an inventory and assessment of existing soil survey information and the deficiencies identified for correction. Refer to part 610 of this handbook for guidance on conducting the inventory and assessment. An update project is established after consideration of the work needed based on a project evaluation (described in part 610, subpart A, section 610.4). The project is designed to address, either all or a reasonable subset of, related needs that are identified for the area. One hundred percent of a map unit's acres are reported if update work was conducted on all components. Update acres are not reported for map units for which the edited component is used as a minor component. This situation pertains to map units that were not part of field investigation but for which revisions were extrapolated to the attribute data for the minor component. Updates are based on field observations, which are either new observations or existing documentation. All documentation used as the basis for updating official soil survey information is populated in NASIS, either as recorded point data or as text notes indicating where the data is located. The documentation is used as the basis for a change or to confirm the accuracy of the official data. III. Imagery, Orthophotography, Map Compilation Materials, and Other Data Layers These data elements are primarily the responsibility of State offices in their administrative and liaison capacity between soil survey regional offices and National Cooperative Soil Survey partners within a State. Field imagery, orthophotography, and map compilation materials may be needed for project survey operations or SSURGO initiatives. Beginning with NASIS 6.0, these needs are recorded in the "Project Data Need" table. Each type of product or data needed should be recorded on a separate row in the "Project Data Type" column using the choice list provided. Applicable dates need to be recorded in the "Date" columns. - Project Data Need Table o Project Data Type o Date Needed o Date Ordered o Date Received IV. Initial and Update Survey Operations These data elements relate most directly to production soil survey operations and therefore are the responsibility of the soil survey regional offices. Data elements relative to the memorandum of understanding for project areas and product types are jointly shared by State offices and soil survey regional offices.
-A. Administrative and Field Activities - Legend Table o MOU Signed o MOU Projected Completion o Project Scale.-Standard National map scales are 1:12,000 in quarter quad format or 1:24,000 in full quad format. Puerto Rico is approved for 1: 20,000 and Alaska is approved for 1: 25,000. Any other scale or format must be approved by the director of the Soil Science Division prior to development of the long-range plan for the survey area. - Project Field Review Table o Correlation Event = "Initial Field Review" o Correlation Event = "Final Field Review" o Date = date of the respective correlation event report - Project Table o English Edit Site o Digital Map Finishing Site
-B. Map Finishing - Project Table o Map Finish Method = either digital (preferred) or manual - Project Milestone Table o Milestone Type Name = "Digital map finishing" o Milestone Date Started = date map finishing project was started o Milestone Date Completed = date map finishing project was completed - Project Milestone Progress Table o Milestone Progress Amount o Milestone Progress Unit = "percent" - Project Milestone Table o Milestone Type Name = "Maps to NGCE" o Milestone Date Started = date map finishing project was sent to NGCE o Milestone Date Completed = date map finishing project was received at NGCE o Milestone Type Name = "Maps to printer" o Milestone Date Completed = date finished maps were sent to printer
-C. SSURGO Digitizing, Certification, and Archiving SSURGO Operations. As part of the National Cooperative Soil Survey, a SSURGO database is developed for all areas. The Soil Science Division coordinates with NGCE in SSURGO database development. Soil survey regional offices have soil business responsibilities for the correlation and quality assurance of SSURGO products. The dataset is archived in the Soil Data Warehouse and delivered via the Web Soil Survey and Geospatial Data Gateway. SSURGO Progress Reporting. Progress and status for SSURGO development are tracked continuously in NASIS. Business areas with responsibilities for SSURGO development also have responsibility for populating the appropriate data elements in NASIS (refer to Section 608.13, "Business Area Responsibilities for Goals and Progress"). Data stewards are designated to ensure timely and accurate progress reporting. SSURGO Certification. These data elements are the primary responsibility of the soil survey regional office. If actual digitizing is not done by the soil survey regional office, States have responsibility for populating "digitizing started," "digitizing percent," and "digitizing completed" prior to sending the job to the digitizing unit for certification review. Dates and progress for the following milestones are recorded in the "Project Milestone" and "Project Milestone Progress" tables as outlined in section 608.13. - "Project Milestone" Table o Milestone Type Name = "Digitize maps" o Milestone Date Started = date the digitizing was started (The final correlation document, compilation certification, and attribute data are on file at the digitizing unit before the work is started. Correspondence that grants an exception is on file at the soil survey regional office.) o Milestone Date Completed = date the digitizing was completed (Quality control work by the State or the digitizing unit and quality assurance by the soil survey regional office are typically done after the digitizing is complete and before the SSURGO review is started.) - "Project Milestone Progress" Table o Milestone Progress Amount o Milestone Progress Unit = "percent" - "Project Milestone" Table o Milestone Type Name = "SSURGO Digital review" o Milestone Date Started = date the digital review was started o Milestone Type Name = "SSURGO Certification" o Milestone Date Completed = date the SSURGO dataset was certified o Milestone Type Name = "SSURGO Archived" o Milestone Date Completed = date the SSURGO dataset was archived
-D. Manuscript and Product Development 1. Manuscript Technical Edit and Review - "Project Milestone" Table o Milestone Type Name = "Technical Edit" o Milestone Date Started = date the technical edit was started o Milestone Date Completed = date the technical edit was completed o Milestone Type Name = "Technical Review" o Milestone Date Completed = date the technical review was completed 2. English Edit - "Project Milestone" Table o Milestone Type Name = "English edit received" o Milestone Date Completed = date the manuscript was received by the editor - "Project Milestone" Table o Milestone Type Name = "English Edit" o Milestone Date Started = date the English edit was started o Milestone Date Completed = date the English edit was completed - "Project Milestone" Table o Milestone Type Name = "Text received at NGCE" o Milestone Date Completed = date the manuscript was received by NGCE - "Project Milestone" Table o Milestone Type Name = "Text to printer" o Milestone Date Completed = date the manuscript was sent to the printer 3. Products Data Elements - "Project Product" Table o Product Type.-Six final product types are available from a choice list. All that apply for a survey area are identified according to their publication date. Choices are: - Interim Report - Soil Attribute/Spatial on CD-ROM - Soil Survey Report on CD-ROM - Three Ring Bound Manuscript - Traditional Bound Manuscript - Web Publication o Product Description o Scheduled Delivery (date) o Actual Delivery (date) o Availability Status
-NASIS Table Name Data Element State SSR NSSC NHQ SSO NGCE Office
-I. PROJECT ADMINISTRATION and ACREAGE MANAGEMENT
-A. Administration Area area name X X X Area area symbol X X X Area area acres X X X Legend MLRA office X Legend MOU agency responsible X Legend legend description X Legend geographic applicability Legend Mapunit mapunit symbol Legend Mapunit total acres Legend Certification legend certification status X History Legend Certification certification date X History Legend Certification certification kind X History Legend Export export certification status Certification History Legend Export export certification date Certification History Project project name X X Project project description X X Project MLRA soil survey office X X area Project State responsible X X Project Product availability status Project Data Type project data type name X Project Data Type project data type description X Milestone Type milestone type name X Milestone Type description X Technical Soil tech soil service type X X Service Type name Technical Soil tech soil service type X X Service Type description
-B. Acreage Management Legend Area Overlap area overlap acres X Project Land land category acres X Category Breakdown Project Land land category X Category Breakdown NASIS Table Name Data Element State SSR NSSC NHQ SSO NGCE Office II. MAPPING GOALS and PROGRESS
-A. Goal Setting Project Staff project staff member X X Project Mapping Goal project staff member X X Project Mapping Goal fiscal year X X Project Mapping Goal initial NRCS acres goal X X Project Mapping Goal initial cooperator acres goal X X Project Mapping Goal update NRCS acres goal X X Project Mapping Goal update cooperator acres X X goal
-B. Reporting Mapping Progress Project Mapping project staff member X X Progress Project Mapping progress reporting date X X Progress Project Mapping initial NRCS acres X X Progress Project Mapping initial cooperator acres X X Progress Project Mapping update NRCS acres X X Progress Project Mapping update cooperator acres X X Progress
-C. ESD Development Progress Project Milestone ESI Quality Assurance - X X Field Assist Project Milestone ESI Quality Assurance - X X Progress Review Project Milestone ESD approval date X X Project Milestone ESI Quality Control Review X X III. IMAGERY, ORTHOPHOTOGRAPHY, MAP COMPILATION MATERIALS, and OTHER DATA LAYERS
-A. Field Imagery Project Data Need project data type = "field imagery" Project Data Need date needed Project Data Need date ordered X Project Data Need date received
-B. Orthophotography Project Data Need project data type = "digital orthophoto quads" Project Data Need date needed Project Data Need date ordered X Project Data Need date received
-C. Compilation Materials Project Data Need project data type = "compilation materials" NASIS Table Name Data Element State SSR NSSC NHQ SSO NGCE Office Project Data Need date needed Project Data Need date ordered Project Data Need date received IV. INITIAL and UPDATE SURVEY OPERATIONS
-A. Administrative and Field Activities Legend MOU signed X Legend MOU projected completion X Legend project scale X Project Field Review correlation event = "initial X field review" Project Field Review date X Project Field Review correlation event = "final X field review" Project Field Review date X Project English edit site X X X Project digital map finishing site X X X
-B. Map Finishing Project map finish method X Project Milestone milestone type = "digital map X finishing" Project Milestone milestone date started X Project Milestone milestone progress amount X Progress Project Milestone milestone progress unit = X Progress "percent" Project Milestone milestone date completed X Project Milestone milestone type = "maps to X NGCE" Project Milestone milestone date started X Project Milestone milestone date completed X Project Milestone milestone type = "maps to X printer" Project Milestone milestone date completed X
-D. SSURGO Digitizing, Certification, and Archiving Project Milestone milestone type = "digitize X maps" Project Milestone milestone date started X Project Milestone milestone progress amount X Progress Project Milestone milestone progress unit = X Progress "percent" Project Milestone milestone date completed X Project Milestone milestone type = X "SSURGO digital review" Project Milestone milestone date started X Project Milestone milestone type = X NASIS Table Name Data Element State SSR NSSC NHQ SSO NGCE Office "SSURGO certification" Project Milestone milestone date completed X Project Milestone milestone type = "SSURGO archived" Project Milestone milestone date completed
-E. Manuscript and Product Development 1. Technical Edit and Review Project Milestone milestone type = "technical X edit" Project Milestone milestone date started X Project Milestone milestone date completed X Project Milestone milestone type = "technical X review" Project Milestone milestone date completed X 2. English Edit Project English edit site X X Project Milestone milestone type = "English X edit received" Project Milestone milestone date completed X Project Milestone milestone type = "English X edit" Project Milestone milestone date started X Project Milestone milestone date completed X 3. Products Project Product product type X Project Product product description X Project Product scheduled delivery X Project Product actual delivery Project Product availability status
-A. Soil Survey Quality Control
-Soil survey quality control is the collective set of activities described in National Cooperative Soil Survey (NCSS) standards and procedures whose purpose is to achieve a high level of quality. Controlling quality involves providing direct review and inspection, direction, and coordination of soil survey production activities to ensure that soil survey products meet the defined standards for content, accuracy, and precision. The quality of soil survey products is controlled at the level where each of the soil survey process steps (from field-level work through publication) takes place.
Decisions made at the field level have a broad effect, and errors are not easily detected or corrected. Responsibility for quality control of soil survey products, such as maps, descriptions, point and component data, texts, photographs, etc., rests with the major land resource area (MLRA) soil survey leader.
B. Soil Survey Quality Assurance Soil survey quality assurance is the process of providing technical standards and guidelines, oversight and review, and training to ensure that soil survey products meet NCSS standards. Responsibility for ensuring the quality of soil survey products such as maps, descriptions, data, texts, photographs, etc., rests with the soil survey regional office (SSR).
-C. Purpose Quality control and quality assurance are important at all levels in the preparation, publication, and update of a soil survey. Their purpose is to ensure that soil survey products are accurate and consistent, meet the objectives outlined in the memorandum of understanding or project plan, and satisfy the needs of the majority of soil survey users. Quality control and quality assurance activities also are carried out at other locations where soil survey products are developed, such as the National Soil Survey Center's Kellogg Soil Survey Laboratory (KSSL) and the National Geospatial Center of Excellence (NGCE).
-A. Policy
-NRCS ensures the quality and integrity of soil surveys through a system of quality control and quality assurance at all levels of activity.
NRCS has leadership responsibility for nationwide soil correlation within the NCSS.
For soil surveys on Federal lands, NRCS works closely with partner agencies in carrying out these responsibilities.
B. Responsibilities
-Soil Survey Office (SSO) The MLRA soil survey leader is responsible for- - Controlling the quality of all soil survey products developed by the SSO within the MLRA soil survey area. - Periodically conducting quality control reviews to ensure that all products meet NCSS standards. - Ensuring that all soil survey products submitted for quality assurance review and certification have passed prior quality control inspections. - Making initial correlation decisions for the survey area using NCSS standards and supplemental guidelines provided by the SSR. - Conducting progressive soil correlation during the course of all soil survey activities. - Coordinating ecological site description development and correlation. - Ensuring that all changes to map unit names and legends, and the reasons for the changes, are recorded in the National Soils Information System (NASIS). - Ensuring seamless soil survey products across political and physiographic boundaries in the survey area as defined in section 609.3. - Timely preparation of agendas, soil descriptions, lab data, maps, and other information needed for quality assurance reviews conducted by the SSR. - Ensuring that findings and recommendations identified in the SSR quality assurance reviews are addressed and implemented in a timely manner. - Developing soil survey publications that meet NCSS standards as outlined in part 644 of this handbook. - Developing digital spatial information that meets NCSS standards as outlined in part 647 of this handbook. - Ensuring that draft or revised official soil series descriptions (OSDs) meet NCSS standards as outlined in part 614 of this handbook and have passed the validations of the OSD Check Program prior to being submitted to the SSR for a quality assurance review.
MLRA SSR The SSR is responsible for- - Coordination of soil survey activities and quality assurance for soil survey information, including data collection, NASIS data population, interpretation, correlation, publications, and digital map development, to ensure that all soil survey products developed in the MLRA soil survey region meet NCSS standards. - Making broad regional decisions to determine where to separate soils based on performance, classification, and other factors to ensure a seamless and scientifically credible soil survey for the Nation. - Conducting quality assurance reviews to- - Ensure that information developed by the SSO has passed quality control inspections and meets NCSS standards, - Ensure that progressive correlation is being implemented and followed by the SSO staff, and - Identify training needs and management and performance issues. - Providing States with findings, recommendations, and commendations from quality assurance reviews. - Providing timely quality assurance review reports and followup from other assistance activities to soil survey offices and State offices. - Providing or coordinating training for soil survey office staff in data collection and analysis, mapping techniques, map unit design and naming, soil classification, legend management, NASIS data population, interpretations, soil technologies, quality control procedures, concepts and techniques of progressive soil correlations, and overall management of the soil survey. - Conducting quality assurance of all attribute data residing in NASIS. - Conducting quality assurance of all OSDs developed or revised in the MLRA region to ensure that they meet NCSS standards as outlined in part 614 of this handbook and have passed the validations of the SC/OSD Maintenance Tool prior to being uploaded to the OSD file share for public access. - Quality assurance and maintenance of the OSD file share and soil classification (SC) database for the MLRA region. - Conducting quality assurance of all spatial data developed in the MLRA soil survey region. - Quality assurance of ecological site description development and correlation. - Ensuring the development of seamless soil survey products across political and physiographic boundaries in the MLRA soil survey region as defined in section 609.3. - Developing a regionwide memorandum of understanding for the entire MLRA soil survey region that outlines the responsibilities and specifications for conducting soil surveys in the region. - Providing guidance to the SSOs in the region for implementing soil survey update policies as listed in part 610, subpart A, section 610.1, of this handbook. - Providing MLRA-specific correlation guidelines on soil temperature and moisture regimes and their associated ecological zones, vegetative communities, and any other MLRA-specific information. - Providing leadership for the coordinated collection of soil survey-related soil characterization data and investigations in the region. - Approving final correlation documents for initial soil surveys.
State Offices (i) The state soil scientist is responsible for- - Actively participating as a member of the SSO management team. - Serving as liaison to NCSS cooperating agencies to coordinate soil survey program activities. - Participating in quality assurance review activities sufficiently to support and concur with findings and recommendations. - Providing leadership with NCSS partners in identifying the need for new soil survey information and interpretations within the State. (ii) The State conservationist is responsible for- - Participating as a member (or through a designated appointee) of the board of advisors (BOA) for the MLRA soil survey region. - Certifying that the soil survey products (SSURGO) are the official soil survey data and maps for conservation planning and agricultural program implementation (e.g., the Farm Bill).
National Soil Survey Center The National Soil Survey Center is responsible for- - Formulation and coordination of national guidelines, procedures, and criteria for producing soil survey information. - Quality control of the criteria for classifying soils and of training in soil taxonomy. - Quality control of the standards for making soil interpretations. - Quality control of standards and criteria and of training for the soils portion of geographic and information systems. - Quality control of analytical procedures used in both laboratory and field investigation of soils.
National Geospatial Center of Excellence NGCE is responsible for- - Ensuring the cartographic quality of soil survey maps for archiving and distribution. - Providing technical guidance specific to cartography and map production. - Providing subsets of the U.S. General Soil Map (STATSGO2). - Coordinating requests for cartographic products. - Developing the techniques, standards, and specifications that ensure quality in spatial soil data capture. - Providing training in SSURGO quality assurance activities. - Assisting SSRs in the quality assurance of SSURGO, digital map finishing, and other cartographic soil survey products. - Providing geospatial Web map services, image map services, feature map services, and the Geospatial Gateway for soil survey data distribution and application.
A. NRCS has leadership for soil correlation within the NCSS. Each SSR ensures the quality of soil surveys through a formal process of soil correlation within their assigned area. For soil surveys on Federal lands, NRCS works closely with partner agencies in carrying out these responsibilities. Soil correlation-
-Addresses the natural geographic distribution and extent of specific soils to ensure consistent and accurate mapping, naming, classification, joining, database population, and interpretation within the MLRA.
Ensures that data entered into the NASIS database meets NCSS standards.
Ensures that all adjacent soil survey maps sharing the same purpose, scale, and order of survey exactly join.
Documents that soil properties and qualities of map unit component are populated using standards provided in part 618 of this handbook.
Ensures that each map unit is distinguished from all others and that proper interpretations are assigned to each map unit component.
Facilitates the effective transfer of technology.
B. Progressive Soil Correlation Progressive soil correlation is a process that identifies and records all the issues and decisions surrounding information at the soil map unit level throughout the course of a soil survey. It is used in initial soil surveys as well as in MLRA soil surveys. It is practiced throughout the course of a soil survey, keeping pace with progress. Field reviews and field assistance visits are vehicles through which the SSO and the SSR promote progressive correlation, maintain quality control and quality assurance, and ensure that technical standards are met. Progressive correlation requires that during each review or field assistance visit, any changes, deletions, or additions to taxonomic units and map units recognized since the last review or assist are evaluated and, if appropriate, certified. For soils that extend beyond the project area, data and descriptions representing the soil on similar landforms and parent materials are used. Documentation, such as ranges for soil properties and map unit composition, is evaluated and used for the survey in progress. All soil survey activities, including interpretation, legend development, joining, soil investigation, and report development, are concurrent with mapping.
-C. Recording Progressive Soil Correlation Decisions All progressive soil correlation decisions and their reasoning are recorded in NASIS. Any change or addition to legends, taxonomic units, or map units must be recorded. In addition, significant changes to soil property data and interpretive data, such as ecological site designation, farmland classification, land capability classification, or crop yields, should be recorded. The reasons for the decision should be recorded if they are relevant and important to future users of the information.
-D. Final Correlation
-Final correlation is a process that is used when an initial soil survey is near completion. If, during the course of an initial soil survey, effective progressive soil correlation has taken place, the final correlation is primarily a review of the progressive soil correlation decisions that have been previously made. The final correlation serves as a data check and also identifies any incomplete work that needs to be completed prior to the soil survey being certified.
After the final field review, the SSO and SSR schedule a time for a final correlation conference, the outcome of which is the draft correlation document. Although the final correlation is a joint effort between the SSO and SSR, it is the responsibility of the SSO to ensure that all data to be reviewed has passed prior quality control inspections. The SSO also is responsible for gathering and preparing all materials needed for the final correlation.
At the final correlation, the SSO and SSR- (i) Review and confirm the classification of each pedon that has been analyzed in a soil survey laboratory or engineering laboratory and revise the classification as needed (also, if needed, update appropriate site and classification elements of soil laboratory data for all pedons sampled in the survey area). (ii) Review taxadjuncts and taxons needing a correlation note and record the reason for the taxadjunct or correlation note in NASIS (e.g., unique or unusual information about a taxon that may prove useful to future users of the information). (iii) Review and confirm taxonomic units and their classification and summarize and process final edits and changes to taxonomic unit descriptions. (iv) Review and confirm the validity and classification of series and summarize and process final edits and changes to OSDs. (v) Review and confirm map unit names and ensure their conformity with current naming conventions and consistency in the survey area, and summarize and process final edits and changes to map unit descriptions. (vi) Review NASIS database entries for accuracy, completeness, and consistency. (vii) Review interpretations for accuracy and consistency. (viii) Review the draft report and identify any needed edits or changes. (ix) Review and examine maps for joins, proper labeling, and line conformity with the landform imagery. (x) Prepare a join statement that documents failures to join mapping units and polygons across survey boundaries, and identify how, where, and when field maps will be compiled, digitized, and map finished. (xi) Prepare and review other supporting documents or information to be included in the correlation document (such as soil-vegetation-climate schema or models, special investigative studies, and lists of references used throughout the course of the survey). (xii) Record where all field documentation, field maps, and other supporting materials and information will be archived. (xiii) Prepare a draft correlation document. (The soil survey regional director approves the final correlation.)
E. Correlation Document A correlation document, also referred to as a correlation memorandum, is a hardcopy product that is developed and distributed after the completion of an initial soil survey (see part 609, subpart B, section 609.10, for the format and content). The correlation document serves as a record of the final technical decisions made for a soil survey project. It provides- (i) The history and linkage from any previous survey information and to adjoining soil survey areas. (ii) List of all correlated map units, their components, and their taxonomic classifications. (iii) List of series that are established, dropped, or made inactive. (iv) Data on pedons sampled for laboratory analysis. (v) Specific instructions related to the publication of maps and the list of map and special symbols. (vi) If appropriate, the legend of the general soil map.
-F. Development, Distribution, and Amendment Policy for the Correlation Document
-All changes to legends, map units, or taxons for a soil survey area, either initial or update, are documented and recorded in NASIS. Recording changes to legends, map units, or taxons in NASIS will ensure that portions of the correlation document can be generated directly from NASIS.
For initial soil surveys, a correlation document will be produced by the SSR and distributed per the following guidelines: (i) The soil survey regional director signs the final correlation document. The signature of the regional director certifies that the soil survey is complete and accurate. (ii) The regional director distributes copies of the signed classification and correlation document and of any subsequent amendments to the document, as follows: - One copy to each SSR that has responsibility for soil series used in the survey area - One copy to the State in which the survey area resides - One copy to each State that adjoins the survey area - One copy to Director, NGCE - One copy to Director, National Soil Survey Center - One copy to NCSS cooperating agencies, as appropriate - Copies to NRCS staff within the State (at the discretion of the State Conservationist) (iii) The final correlation document is archived in the "Project Correlation" table in NASIS. (iv) Prior to SSURGO certification, the archived final correlation document can be amended and hard copies redistributed for an initial soil survey area. Amendments to the final correlation document receive the same signatures and distribution as the original document. (v) Once a survey is SSURGO certified and deemed to be in update status, the correlation document and amendments are archived in NASIS. Subsequent correlation decisions are recorded in NASIS, and the original correlation document is no longer amended.
For update soil surveys- (i) All changes to legends, map units, or taxons must be documented and recorded in NASIS; however, the archived correlation document will not be amended and redistributed each time a change occurs as part of update activities. (ii) In lieu of amending and redistributing a hardcopy of the correlation document, a report will be generated from NASIS that lists and identifies all changes to legends, map units, and taxons. This report may be printed and distributed as the SSR deems necessary. (iii) A formal correlation document may be prepared and distributed for an MLRA soil survey area or a special project or to satisfy an agreement item with a cooperator.
A. The goal of soil survey is a seamless product across political and physiographic boundaries. A seamless product entails an exact join of attribute and spatial data between soil survey areas. In some situations, an exact join may not be possible but an acceptable join can be achieved.
-B. Exact Joins An exact join between soil survey areas occurs when soil polygon lines and features are continuous across and along the common boundary and joined soil polygons share the same basic soil properties and selected soil qualities (see part 609, subpart B, section 609.11). Sharing basic properties and selected qualities includes major and minor component composition, basic property ranges (high, low, and representative values), and layer depths. An exact join should be achieved between two surveys with the same, or nearly the same, vintage, stated purpose, scale, and order of survey.
-C. Acceptable Joins
-When employing the acceptable join, the SSR must affect the best join possible and document the need for future improvement to the join as appropriate. Acceptable joins are employed primarily when joining previously correlated surveys that would require field investigations to resolve the join discrepancies.
An acceptable join between soil survey areas occurs when soil polygon lines and features are continuous across and along the common boundary and soil properties and selected soil qualities share the same basic soil properties and selected soil qualities (see part 609, subpart B, section 609.11) for most polygons.
Where map unit components do not match, they fit the concept of similar soils.
Rationale for the nonjoined polygons (map units) must be documented.
D. Joining Requirements
-When completing a soil survey, map unit delineations along the boundary with each of the adjacent survey areas are to be joined. To achieve this goal, soil landscape features must be identified, mapped, and described consistently across political and physiographic boundaries. Data collection, analysis, and summary must represent these natural landscapes.
In most cases, an exact join should be achieved. An acceptable join may be the best join that can reasonably be achieved at the current time. If two soil surveys of different investigation intensities (orders) of mapping are adjacent, an exact join is in effect since the boundary between soil survey areas also serves as soil map unit boundaries. On hardcopy maps, a note is printed parallel to the boundaries that separate the areas of each survey order, such as "Limit of Order 3 Soil Survey." Chapter 4 of the Soil Survey Manual provides more information. Each soil line in the survey of lower intensity must have a corresponding soil line in the adjacent survey of higher intensity, but the converse is not required.
If an ongoing soil survey borders a survey area that is out-of-date and therefore acknowledged as being obsolete, the SSR should effect the best join possible using available knowledge and tools. It is not required to revise any part of the out-of-date survey until such time as an update project is initiated. The joining statement in the correlation document should state the situation.
The SSO prepares a statement regarding map unit joining with adjacent survey areas. The join statement document records all discrepancies from an exact join and any changes made to enact an exact or acceptable join between map unit polygons. Reasons for these changes should also be included in the join statement. This join statement documentation is included in the final correlation document and in NASIS.
Changes in map unit names or additions and deletions of map units or delineations to an existing soil survey as part of the SSURGO certification process are documented with an amendment to the final correlation document. Section 609.2E provides information on amending the final correlation document.
Minor adjustments to soil polygon lines are performed during SSURGO compilation and digitizing to facilitate a best possible join without benefit of field investigations. These adjustments generally involve moving lines slightly (so that they conform to new imagery and come together at the same point along the survey boundary) and coordinating the boundary between the two surveys. Changes in map unit names or additions and deletions of map units or delineations are documented with a correlation amendment. Digital soil surveys and discrepancy documentation and statements recorded in NASIS are tools for future update activities to implement MLRA legends and exact joins.
A. Each individual involved in soil survey operations, regardless of their role, has a great influence on the quality of the overall soil survey product. All are expected to perform their duties so that the resulting soil survey products meet NCSS standards and are of high quality.
-B. The MLRA soil survey leader is the first-level manager responsible for ensuring that all work performed within their assigned geographic area (including any satellite offices) is of high quality and meets NCSS standards. Much of this quality control responsibility is carried out on a day-to- day basis through direct interaction with subordinate staff members, such as scheduling activities and making work assignments, reviewing completed work, providing on-the-job training, and other related activities. In addition to these routine management activities, systematic reviews are periodically conducted to document the success of the quality control procedures used. The specific details of the items to be reviewed will vary with the kind of activities being carried out as described in the project plan of operations.
-C. Part 609, subpart B, section 609.12, contains a template to use for a quality control review for an initial soil survey. The SSRs are encouraged to use this template or a similar form that reflects the activities to be reviewed in a particular SSO. Activities reviewed may include the following:
-Administrative activities and scheduling
Progress reporting
Review of mapping
Legend development and progressive correlation
Adequacy of field documentation
Field investigations and sampling
Database development
Digital map development
Publication development
D. The template (section 609.12) provides separate sections for various soil survey process steps and a set of specific items to be reviewed and certified for each. Each SSR should work with the SSO in their region to implement a quality control review process appropriate to their needs.
-A. Quality assurance reviews are scheduled on a regular basis to ensure that technical standards of the NCSS are met. They also can evaluate and certify that progress is consistent with timelines agreed upon in the work plan. In addition, they can serve to help the SSO staff solve problems or provide on-the-job training for the project staff (however, these goals are best achieved through separate field assistance visits).
-B. Title 340, General Manual, Part 404, Subpart E, "Internal Management Reviews," contains NRCS policy for and content of other reviews. Access is through the NRCS eDirectives System at http://policy.nrcs.usda.gov. NRCS conducts five types of reviews: oversight and evaluation studies, leadership reviews, operations management reviews, program operations reviews, and functional reviews. Each type may include soil survey issues. Part 609, subpart B, section 609.13, lists potential items for these reviews.
-C. Leadership and Participation The SSR or the lead agency for quality assurance conducts the review. The soil survey regional director leads the quality assurance review. Other suggested participants are- (i) Soil scientists from other nearby areas. (ii) Members of the SSO. (iii) The local district conservationists. (iv) The representatives of cooperating agencies. (v) The State soil scientist or their designee. (vi) Resource soil scientists familiar with the area. (vii) Discipline specialists such as engineers, geomorphologists, plant scientists, and geologists.
-D. Kinds of Reviews for Initial Soil Surveys
-Each initial survey requires one initial and one final field review. Most initial surveys also require a yearly progress review. MLRA soil survey activities are reviewed for the status of progress toward meeting the goals and objectives set out in the project plan and annual plan of operation. The field review report is a record of such items as the current status of the fieldwork, observations and decisions, digital map and database development, and recommended actions. This working document guides future operations and certifies that completed work meets NCSS standards.
Initial Field Reviews (i) The purpose of the initial field review is to guide the soil survey project at the start of mapping, to review the collection and recording of soil data, and to complete preparation of the first formal draft of the descriptive legend, based on the mapping completed and data collected. Part 609, subpart B, section 609.14, lists important items to check before and during the initial field review. (ii) Preparation for an Initial Field Review.-An approved soil survey memorandum of understanding (MOU) must be available for the initial review. The MLRA regionwide MOU satisfies this requirement, but an MOU may also be developed for an individual project area. The long-range plan of operations must be available. The SSO assembles, reviews, and summarizes existing information about the MLRA and the subset survey area. The staff should be in place and have worked within the area long enough to become familiar with the project area and the surrounding surveys. The SSO staff prepares- - Preliminary concepts of the major soil-landscape models within the context of the larger MLRA region. - Test mapping of sample areas for the provisional legend. - Notes that support tentative judgments about the range of important soil properties within the most important kinds of mappable soil areas. - Information on the kind and amount of mapping components. - Information on geomorphology, surface features, and kinds of vegetation that provide clues to the kinds of soil and soil boundaries. - A test of the initial interpretations. - A first draft of the descriptive legend. - Preliminary data to support judgments about the kinds and number of map units needed for the project area. - Equipment, supplies, and base maps. (iii) Conduct of the Review - Initial Preparations.-The review team appraises all initial preparations to ensure that they are adequate and takes necessary action if they are not. - Field Study.-The review team evaluates the draft descriptive legend against mappable bodies of soil in the field and reviews the collected soil data. It checks the accuracy of descriptions and the adequacy of map units for making soil interpretations. It evaluates and comments on the mapping done in sample areas in relation to the adjacent surveys. The team checks the joining of soil maps and selected soil properties or qualities within the soil survey area to adjoining survey areas to ensure they meet the joining specification in the memorandum of understanding. It makes decisions on soils for which the classification is doubtful. - Descriptive Legend.-As a minimum, the descriptive legend consists of the taxonomic and map unit descriptions, the classification of the soils, the general soil map (U.S. General Soil Map - STATSGO2) and legend, the identification legend, and the features and symbol legend. After the field study, the review team evaluates the draft descriptive legend and makes necessary revisions. It examines the naming of the kinds of map units, the classification of the kinds of soil identified in the map units, the general soil map and legend, the list of features and symbols for the soil survey, and the definitions of ad hoc features. The team ensures that the design and description of map units meet the objectives of the survey. The descriptive legend includes only the map units and features that are actually identified and described before or during the initial field review. - Scheduling.-The review team discusses and schedules long- and short-range activities necessary for completing the survey. Part 609, subpart B, section 609.14, identifies many of the items to check before and during the initial field review. The team discusses activities and schedules for- - Preparation of parts of the soil handbook for the survey area. - Plans for soil investigations and collection of samples for laboratory analysis. - Collection of data on yields and soil performance in all land uses. - Recording of field notes. - Preparation of the soil survey publication. (iv) Preparation of the Report.-The leader of the initial field review prepares a report that is approved by the soil survey regional director. The report schedules subsequent progress field reviews and special studies. It includes arrangements for completing laboratory work and a quality assurance worksheet (see part 609, subpart B, section 609.15). It also includes- - The identification legend. - A progress map. - Draft descriptions of proposed new soil series. - A statement on the accuracy of map unit composition and attribute data. - Notes recording important observations made during the field study. - Instructions and items agreed upon for the field soil scientists and others, which concern conduct of the survey and the assignment of responsibilities, priorities, and dates of accomplishment. - A list of the classification of taxa in the survey area. - A subset of the U.S. General Soil Map (STATSGO2) database for the survey area as a general soil map. - A letter transmitting the report to the MLRA soil survey leader and others as appropriate, in which the soil survey regional director highlights significant issues and items that are agreed upon.
Progress Field Reviews (i) The purpose of this review is to assess progress and ensure that NCSS standards are being met. Progress field reviews emphasize progressive correlation in a manner consistent with the larger MLRA soil survey area and certification of the work completed to date. Help also may be provided to the soil survey staff on problems of soil classification; field mapping; data collection, storage, and retrieval; and soil interpretation. However, these problems are generally best addressed during a separate field assistance visit. (ii) The frequency of progress reviews depends on the rate of progress, the complexity of the soil survey area, and the experience of the SSO staff. Part 609, subpart B, section 609.16, lists some important items to check before and during progress field reviews. (iii) Conduct of the Review - The review team spends at least some of the time in the field observing examples of mapping, field descriptions, and associated data and interpretations to ensure that the local quality control procedures are effective. - The review team examines maps for correct soil identification, proper placement of boundaries, legibility, and kinds and amounts of components in delineations. - The team checks the maps and databases for joins with adjacent surveys. - The team compares findings with statements in the descriptive legend. Where problems are noted, it assists the staff in avoiding similar future problems. - The progress field review team reviews the recommendations of the soil survey staff for progressively correlating completed mapping. They make a record of the reasons for any correlation decisions and any work needed to update field sheets. - The review includes a check of all interpretations. The review team cross-checks field data, such as forestry productivity, for use. It recommends changes and additions to soil property records. - The review includes the quality and status of the descriptive legend and the soil survey handbook. The review team recommends revisions for the descriptive legend as necessary to meet the objective of the survey. - The review team checks the adequacy of field notes and the rate and progress of mapping and other scheduled survey activities. - The review team determines if action has been taken to correct deficiencies and complete items agreed upon that were noted in previous field reviews. (iv) Preparation of the Report.-The leader of the progress field review prepares a report of the review. The report includes a quality assurance worksheet (see part 609, subpart B, section 609.15) that has been approved by the SSR. In addition to the worksheet, the report includes the following: - A list of commendable activities of the soil scientists assigned to the survey area - A list of items agreed upon, persons assigned responsibility, and the dates for completion - A statement of the accuracy of map unit component and attribute data - A progress map - An updated list of the classification of taxa in the survey area - Notes recording important observations made during the field studies - A record of additions, deletions, or other changes to the descriptive legend - A complete updated identification legend - A letter transmitting the report to the MLRA soil survey leader and others as appropriate, in which the soil survey regional director highlights significant issues and items that are agreed upon - An evaluation and comments on the status of scheduled actions from earlier progress reviews
Final Field Reviews (i) The purpose of the final field review is to evaluate the entire survey to ensure that the work is of acceptable quality and to complete necessary modifications before field operations end. The final field review is held about 1 year before the completion of mapping in initial soil surveys. Part 609, subpart B, section 609.17, lists some important items to check before or during the final field review. (ii) Activities Completed Prior to the Final Field Review.-The activities include completing the mapping, checking the consistency and quality of mapping throughout the survey area, collecting soil sample and interpretation data for correlation, finishing the complete draft of the soil survey report and database entries, revising the U.S. General Soil Map (STATSGO2) database and (if one is to be prepared) the general soil map, completing laboratory analysis and soil investigations, providing correlated names and classifications for pedons in the laboratory database, taking photographs, and preparing illustrations. (iii) Conduct of the Review.-The major portion of the final field review occurs in the office. Field visits take place if needed. Those activities that were noted as needing corrective action during the last progress review receive special attention. Items scrutinized by the review team include the descriptive legend and supporting information; map unit names, composition, and associated data; the joining of the U.S. General Soil Map (STATSGO2) database; the draft soil survey report; and interpretative tables. (iv) Preparation of Report.-The leader of the final field review prepares a report. The report includes a quality assurance worksheet (see part 609, subpart B, section 609.15) that has been approved by the SSR. In addition to the worksheet, the report includes the following: - An identification legend - A feature and symbol legend - A progress map - A record of soil characterization samples that were collected for laboratory analysis in the survey area - A record of soil samples that were collected for engineering tests - A statement on the accuracy of map unit component and attribute data - An updated list of the classification of taxa in the survey area - An evaluation of the soil survey report - A list of commendable activities of the soil survey office staff - A list of actions agreed upon - A record of the decisions made during the review - A preliminary correlation memorandum - A letter transmitting the report to the MLRA soil survey leader and others as appropriate, in which the soil survey regional director highlights significant issues and items that are agreed upon - An evaluation and comments on the status of scheduled actions from any earlier progress reviews (v) Final Field Activities for Initial Soil Survey Projects.-The soil survey office schedules time between the final field review and the final correlation in order to complete the mapping, perform final checks, review the fieldwork and soil survey database, complete the final draft of the soil survey publication, and update all supporting records and data, such as map unit acreage data, map compilation, and statistical analysis for map unit composition information. Preparation of the final correlation memorandum requires completion of these activities. The final correlation memorandum is finalized upon signature by the soil survey regional director. Section 609.2 discusses preparing and distributing a correlation memorandum. Part 609, subpart B, section 609.10, discusses the format of the final correlation memorandum.
E. MLRA Soil Survey Quality Assurance Reviews
-MLRA Soil Survey Progress Reviews (i) Progress field reviews emphasize evaluation of activities of the field staff to ensure that the staff are carrying out soil survey update activities as described in the project plan of operations for the area, that NCSS policy and procedures are followed, and that the completed work meets NCSS standards. They may also provide help to the staff on problems such as soil classification; updating of maps; data collection and analysis, storage, and retrieval; and soil interpretation. (ii) The frequency of progress reviews depends on the rate of progress, the complexity of the project area, and the kinds of update activities being conducted. Part 609, subpart B, section 609.18, lists some important items to check before and during project reviews. (iii) Conduct of the Review.-Activities are tailored to reflect the nature of the work being performed. Commonly, the review team spends part of the time in the field reviewing the collected soil data. They also examine digital maps for correct soil identification, proper placement of boundaries with landforms and imagery, and validity of models used in revising the soil maps. As necessary, the team concentrates on solutions to problems brought to their attention by the field staff or discovered during the review process. It checks the adequacy of documentation and the rate and progress of scheduled survey activities. It determines if action has been taken to correct deficiencies and complete items agreed upon that were noted in any previous field reviews. (iv) Preparation of the Report.-The leader of the project review prepares a report of the review. The report includes a quality assurance worksheet (see part 609, subpart B, section 609.19) that has been approved by the SSR. In addition to the worksheet, the report includes the following: - A list of commendable activities of the soil scientists assigned to the survey area - A list of items agreed upon, persons assigned responsibility, and the dates for completion - A statement of the accuracy of map unit component and attribute data - An updated list of the classification of taxa in the survey area - Notes recording important observations made during the field studies - A complete updated identification legend for the project area - A letter transmitting the report to the MLRA soil survey leader and others as appropriate, in which the soil survey regional director highlights significant issues and items that are agreed upon - An evaluation and comments on the status of scheduled actions from any earlier progress reviews
MLRA Soil Survey Completion Reviews (i) The purpose of the project completion review is to evaluate the activities to ensure that the work meets NCCS standards and to complete necessary modifications before individual project operations end. This review is held when activities described in the current plan of operations are nearing completion. Part 609, subpart B, section 609.18, lists some important items to check before or during the project review. (ii) Activities Completed Prior to Project Completion Reviews.-Activities include completing the digital revisions, checking consistency and quality of previous mapping throughout the project area, collecting soil sample and interpretation data for correlation, completing laboratory analysis and soil investigations, and providing correlated names and classification for all applicable pedons in the laboratory database. (iii) Conduct of the Review.-The major portion of the review occurs in the office. Field checks generally are covered under field assistance visits (see section 609.6). Those activities that were noted as needing corrective action during any project progress review receive special attention. Items scrutinized by the review team include supporting information, the validity of map units and their names, and the tabular database. A check is made to ensure that correlation decisions are recorded in NASIS. (iv) Preparation of Report.-The leader of the project completion review prepares a report. The report includes a quality assurance worksheet (see part 609, subpart B, section 609.19) that has been approved by the SSR. In addition to the worksheet, the report includes the following: - An identification legend of revised map units020 - A feature and symbol legend020 - A record of soil characterization samples that were collected for laboratory analysis in the survey area020 - A record of soil samples that were collected for engineering tests020 - A statement on the accuracy of map unit component and attribute data020 - An updated list of the classification of taxa in the survey area020 - A list of commendable activities of the soil survey office staff020 - A record of the decisions made during the review020 - A letter transmitting the report to the MLRA soil survey leader and others as appropriate, in which the soil survey regional director highlights significant issues and items that are agreed upon020 - An evaluation and comments on the status of scheduled actions from any earlier progress reviews020
F. Signature and Approval of Review Reports
-Review Team Leader.-The SSR, or a cooperating agency, leads the review and is responsible for preparing and signing all review reports and transmitting copies of the review report to the MLRA soil survey leader and others as appropriate. The soil survey regional director signs the transmittal letter.
Representatives of Cooperating Agencies.-The representatives may also sign all review reports, such as the quality assurance worksheet. When other partner agencies (for example, the U.S. Forest Service) lead the review, NRCS participates in a quality assurance role, which does not replace the responsibilities assigned to the partner agency. Field review reports and other documentation regarding survey quality on Federal land require the signature of a representative of the agency who participates in the review activity, or a designated representative of the agency, to document agreement or disagreement by signing the report.
G. Distribution and Review of Review Reports The soil survey regional director distributes copies of all field reviews within 30 days after the final day of the review. The director sends at least one copy of the field review report and attachments and a letter of transmittal to the MLRA soil survey leader and others as appropriate, such as cooperating agencies and the State office in which the survey area resides.
-A. The soil survey office, State office, or a cooperating agency office may request help from the SSR. The SSR may also schedule field assistance visits.
-B. A written trip report is to be prepared documenting the activities from the field assistance visit and distributed to the participants, as well as the state soil scientist and any appropriate cooperating agencies. Decisions that affect the legend, data collection or recording, classification of soils, or interpretations become part of the permanent and formal record of the survey upon inclusion in the final field review or MLRA project completion report.
-A. The soil survey office schedules time between the final field review and the final correlation to complete the mapping, perform final checks, review the fieldwork and soil survey database, complete the final draft of the soil survey report, and update all supporting records and data, such as map unit acreage data, map compilation, and statistical analysis for map unit composition information. Preparation of the final correlation memorandum requires completion of these activities.
-B. Final Correlation Memorandum.-The draft of the final correlation memorandum is prepared at the final correlation conference. The final correlation memorandum is finalized upon signature by the soil survey regional director. Section 609.2 discusses preparing and distributing a correlation memorandum. Part 609, subpart B, section 609.10, discusses the format of the final correlation memorandum.
-C. Final Draft of the U.S. General Soil Map (i.e., Digital General Soil Map of the United States).- The soil survey office prepares the general soil map for the final field review on its publication scale base map in final form. This map is from the Digital General Soil Map of the United States database. Inclusion of this map in the soil survey publication is optional. The general soil map unit names are revised as needed to agree with the general soil map legend in the correlation memorandum.
-A. The SSR ensures the technical quality of general soil maps, index maps, and location maps. The general soil maps are optional in soil survey publications, but index maps and location maps are required. If a general soil map (GSM) is not to be included, cooperators should agree with the decision. Also, an up-to-date U.S. General Soil Map (STATSGO2) database map of the survey area should be readily available to the public. The availability of the U.S. General Soil Map should be noted in the publication, such as in the section "How To Use This Soil Survey."
-B. General Soil Maps and Index Maps
-Each soil survey publication includes an index to map sheets, which is available from the NGCE staff. By request, a soil survey area subset of the U.S. General Soil Map is provided by NGCE as one of the map sources for the GSM. The other source for GSM development is SSURGO. NGCE assists in determining format and the number of maps needed. A draft of the general soil map developed from the U.S. General Soil Map or SSURGO and the associated legend are completed to the extent possible after correlation decisions have been finalized. The soil data quality specialist reviews the GSM and legend to verify that- (i) Soil map boundaries are accurate. (ii) GSM map unit names conform to the correlated names on the detailed maps. (iii) The map legend and manuscript are in agreement. (iv) The general soil map legend matches adjoining survey areas (this ensures that all delineations are closed and symbolized, that the area of each map unit compares with the percentage given for the survey area, and that the organization and levels of generalization of the map and legend are appropriate). (v) Map delineations and legends join the U.S. General Soil Map for adjacent surveys. (vi) If the percentage of each component in the GSM is given, the total acreage of each is not more than that in the acreage table for the detailed map units.
Once the draft general soil map is approved, the detailed soil legend and feature and symbol legend can be ordered. To order: (ii) Go to NGCE online at http://www.ftw.nrcs.usda.gov/ncgcos/. (ii) Order the color check print of the general soil map, the index to map sheets, the feature and symbol legend, and the detailed soil legend. List the headnote to accompany the detailed soil legend if it is different from that shown in the final correlation memorandum. If the headnote is different, amend the final correlation memorandum to reflect the change. (iii) Indicate additional instructions for completing the order. Include special instructions needed by the cartographic staff to prepare the symbol legend. Show suggestions for colors identifying soil groupings or levels of generalization on the supplement or on the edited legend. Attach a copy of the final correlation memorandum and any amendments, the electronic file of the U.S. General Soil Map, and a copy of the edited general soil map legend to the order.
NGCE completes the order and sends the general soil map color check print, the index to map sheets, and the legends to the SSR for final review and approval. The SSR checks- (i) The GSM legend against the edited copy, (ii) The detailed soil map legend against the final correlation memorandum and any amendments. (iii) The names of cooperating agencies on maps and legends against the final correlation memorandum and any amendments. (iv) The name of the survey area on maps and legends against the final correlation memorandum and any amendments. (v) The conventional and special symbol legend for agreement with maps and the final correlation memorandum.
The SSR makes needed changes and corrections on the U.S. General Soil Map and returns them to NGCE. The NGCE staff makes the corrections identified.
C. Location Maps Each soil survey publication requires a location map. This map shows the location of the survey area in the State. The SSR orders the location map at the time the soil survey manuscript is received for technical review. The NGCE staff prepares the location map.
-The following outline shows the order and character of items and data ordinarily contained in a correlation document. It does not preclude the inclusion of other information pertinent to the survey or the explanation of actions taken in the correlation. An example follows each item. 1. Heading UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Natural Resources Conservation Service Classification and Correlation of the Soil Survey of Any Area, Any MLRA, Any State The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is an equal opportunity provider and employer. 2. Introductory Paragraph In this paragraph cite persons participating in the correlation, the date, the location, data reviewed, the basis for the correlation, and other items if pertinent. For example: "John C. Smith, soil data quality specialist, and David G. White, MLRA soil survey leader, of the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Joseph I. Black, associate professor, Anytown State University at Any Town, Any State, prepared this correlation the week of October 21-25, 2000. The soil survey database, soil survey publication, field notes, interpretations, laboratory data, correlation samples, field map sheets, and materials from the adjacent soil surveys provide the basis for this correlation." 3. Headnote for Detailed Soil Survey Legend This headnote is an explanation of the symbols on the detailed soil maps in the published survey. It appears on the SOIL LEGEND in the published report and precedes the list of map unit symbols and map unit names. For example: "Map unit symbols consist of numbers or a combination of numbers and letters. The initial numbers represent the kind of soil. A capital letter following these numbers indicates the class of slope. Map unit symbols without a slope letter indicate nearly level soils or miscellaneous areas." 4. Field and Publication Names and Symbols The correlation of soil map units is formatted into four columns. List map unit symbols for publication alphabetically or numerically in sequence. The heading and format are as follows: Field Map Field Map Publication Map Approved Map Unit Symbol Unit Name Unit Symbol Unit Name DeB Delta sandy loam, AbB Alpha sandy 2 to 6 percent loam, 2 to 6 slopes percent slopes Bf Beta mucky silt Be Beta silt loam loam GaB, Gamma silt loam, GaB Gamma silt GhB 2 to 6 percent loam, 2 to 6 slopes percent slopes 5. Series Established by This Correlation List the soil series established by this correlation. List in parentheses, after the series name, the county, the parish, or survey area and the State in which the type location occurs if the type location is in a soil survey area other than the one being correlated. For example: "The Alpha series is established by this correlation, the Alpha type location in the adjoining Beta County soil survey area, Any State." Enter "none" if no new series were established. 6. Series Dropped or Made Inactive by This Correlation List the tentative soil series that were dropped or the established soil series that were made inactive by the correlation. For example: "The Beta series is inactivated by this correlation." Enter "none" if no tentative series were dropped or no established soil series were made inactive. 7. Cooperators' Names and Credits List the following: The cooperators' names and credits to be given in the published soil survey. "United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service In cooperation with Anystate Agricultural Experiment Station Anystate Conservation Commission Anystate Cooperative Extension Service Any Soil and Water Conservation District" "This survey was made for Any Survey Area, Anystate, by the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Anystate Agricultural Experiment Station, Anystate Conservation Commission, and the Anystate Cooperative Extension Service. It is part of the technical assistance furnished to the Any Survey Area Soil and Water Conservation District. The Any Survey Area Board of Commissioners provided financial assistance for the survey." 8. Prior Soil Survey Publications Indicate the reference to prior soil survey publications that will appear in the introduction of the published soil survey. A prior published soil survey is a literature citation in the soil survey publication. For example: "The first soil survey for Any Survey Area, Anystate, was published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 1903. Maps were printed in 1905. This soil survey is on an aerial photography base and contains more interpretative information." Enter "none" if there is no prior soil survey publication. 9. Miscellaneous Items Use the appropriate headings and include items pertinent to the correlation or publication of the survey. For example, the soil-vegetation-climate schema, or model, used to guide correlation for the survey area should be included. Other examples include a summary of soil temperature or moisture studies or special investigative reports that provided guidance for the survey area. 10. Instructions for Map Development These brief instructions should include: - Who is responsible for the development of digital spatial data - The date and projection of the orthophoto imagery being used for the base map - Who is responsible for digitizing the maps and when it is scheduled - Who is responsible for finishing the digital maps and when it is scheduled - Whether or not a layer for point and linear map units will be compiled and digitized - Any other instructions that may be relevant to the achieving a digital soils layers Detailed instructions for soil map data capture are found in part 647 of this handbook. 11. Feature and Symbol Legend Include a copy of form NRCS-SOI-37A and indicate the features and symbols that are used in the survey area by highlighting or underlining in red. For example: "Only those symbols indicated on the NRCS-SOI-37A will be shown on the legend." Complete the descriptions for standard landform and miscellaneous surface features and descriptions for ad hoc features on the back of the form for those features indicated. 12. General Soil Map Unit Legend List the general soil map units that will be shown on the legend of the general soil map of the survey area. For example: "The following map units will be used on the general soil map legend: Alpha-Beta to Alpha-Beta association Beta-Gamma-Zeta to Beta-Gamma-Zeta association." 13. Conversion Legend List all field symbols and their approved publication symbols. A conversion legend is not needed if field symbols and publication symbols are identical. For example: CONVERSION LEGEND, ANY SURVEY AREA, ANYSTATE Field Publication Field Publication Symbol Symbol Symbol Symbol 7A 7A 20B 20B 7B 7B 21C 21D 7C 7C 21E 21E 14. Legend of Map Units in Alphabetical Sequence This legend is used only where numeric symbols will be published to assist publication crosschecking. For example: LEGEND OF MAP UNITS IN ALPHABETICAL SEQUENCE, ANY SURVEY AREA, ANYSTATE Publication Symbol Approved Map Unit Name 43 Alpha clay 37 Beta clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded 39 Beta clay loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded 15. Classification of Pedons Sampled for Laboratory Analysis This table lists pedons that have laboratory data or engineering test data. Give the source of the data and other pertinent information. In the table "Publication Symbols," refer to the map symbol that identifies the area from which the sample was taken. Additional columns can be added if needed. CLASSIFICATION OF PEDONS SAMPLED FOR LABORATORY ANALYSIS Approved Series Soil Survey Publication Name or Class Sampled as Sample No. Symbol Identification 1. Laboratory Data from the NSSC Kellogg Soil Survey Laboratory Alpha S79AS-047-003 AbB Alpha Beta S79AS-047-004 GbB Gamma 2. Laboratory Data from the Anystate Agricultural Experiment Station Laboratory Beta S79AS-047-005 BgB Beta Gamma S79AS-047-006 AaA Alpha 3. Laboratory Data from the Anystate Highway Department Laboratory Alpha S79AS-047-007 AaA Alpha Beta S79AS-047-008 BbC Beta 16. Sampled Pedons in Published Soil Survey Report This table lists the pedons and laboratory data that will be included in the published soil survey report. These pedons should represent the typical pedon for the series in the survey area. If the pedon is not the typical pedon for the series in the survey area, place a tabular or semi-tabular description in the soil survey report. Series Sample No. Status Alpha S79AS-047-003 Typical pedon for the Alpha in the survey area. Alpha S79AS-047-011 Typical pedon from map unit Aa. 17. Notes to Accompany the Classification and Correlation of the Soils in the Survey Area Notes of general explanation that contribute to the understanding of the correlation can be included as an introductory paragraph. For example: "This survey area is in a transitional zone of soil temperature regimes. Soils with mesic and thermic temperature regimes have been correlated." In the notes, include items such as: (a) Pertinent information about series being established. For example: "Alpha Series. The Alpha series is established by this correlation for soils that were formerly mapped as Beta but that have mixed mineralogy rather than siliceous mineralogy as defined for Beta." (b) How taxadjuncts differ from the series concept. For example: "Gamma Taxadjunct. This soil is a taxadjunct to the Gamma series because it contains less than 15 percent sand that is coarser than very fine. The soil classifies as coarse-silty." (c) A correlation note for soils that are slightly outside the official series range, but are not taxadjuncts. For example: "Beta soils in this survey have a redder subsoil and are slightly more acid throughout than those defined in the OSDs. These differences do not affect taxonomic placement or use and management. The OSD was not revised because the color and reaction differences are due to the inherent characteristics of the Theta geologic formation in which these soils formed and which is not the typical formation in which the Beta series formed." 18. Classification of the Soils This table lists the classification of the taxonomic units that are used in the survey area. Classify taxonomic units that are named at a level above the series as precisely as the data permits. Designate taxadjuncts with an asterisk only if the representative pedon is a taxadjunct. Address map units with major components that are taxadjuncts in the "notes." Do not list miscellaneous area names in the classification table. For example: CLASSIFICATION OF THE SOILS OF ANY SURVEY AREA, ANYSTATE Soil Name Family or Higher Taxonomic Class Alpha Coarse-loamy, mixed, active, frigid Aridic Haploxerolls Beta Fine-silty, mixed, active, frigid Cumulic Epiaquolls Gamma* Coarse-loamy, mixed, active, frigid Dystric Eutrudepts Udorthents Udorthents *Taxadjunct. See "Notes to Accompany Classification and Correlation of the Soils of Any Survey Area, Anystate" for details. 19. Join Statement The join statement prepared at the final field review is included. It explains where an exact join was not achieved and identifies what map units need review and their joins resolved. 20. Certifications The correlation document is to contain certification of the following: (a) Mapping is complete. For example: "Mapping completed in June 1999." (b) General soil maps and detailed maps join exactly with those of adjacent survey areas, and detailed maps join within the survey area. Discrepancies in the join of maps with those of adjacent areas are documented, and a detailed statement of join differences is referenced and included in the correlation document. The reason the maps cannot be joined is given in the join statement. (c) Databases and interpretations are coordinated and complete. For example: "Databases and interpretations are coordinated, map unit lines of adjoining surveys are continuous across and along the shared borders, and the joined map units share basic soil properties and selected soil qualities. All data elements are populated and no obsolete terms are used." (d) Type locations are in soil areas that have the referenced names, and location descriptions are correct. For example: "The locations of all typical pedons used in this survey are within the major land resource area, are correct, and are within delineations that have the referenced name." (e) Forestland and rangeland site plots were taken in soil areas that have the referenced series names, the series names have been correlated in the forestland and rangeland databases, and all data is certified. (f) All typical pedons are classified according to Soil Taxonomy, 2nd edition and the latest edition of the Keys to Soil Taxonomy. For example: "All typical pedons are correctly classified according to Soil Taxonomy, 2nd edition and the latest edition of the Keys to Soil Taxonomy." (g) Only approved names for miscellaneous areas have been used as component names, as specified in Part 627, Exhibit 627-1, of this handbook. (h) The soil maps have been reviewed for completeness, accuracy, and consistency. For example: "The soil maps are complete, accurate, and consistent." 21. Approval Signatures and Date _________________________________ ________________________________ Soil Survey Regional Director Date
-The following list provides basic soil properties and selected soil qualities that are to be joined between soil surveys to achieve an "exact" join. NASIS data element names are used for convenience, but their usage is not intended to suggest a database solution. National Attributes * Soil Property or Quality Name geomorph_feat_modifier aashto_group_classification geomorph_micro_relief aashto_group_index geomorphic_feat_id albedo_dry geomorphic_position_flats aluminum_oxalate geomorphic_position_hills available_water_capacity geomorphic_position_mountains bulk_density_fifteen_bar geomorphic_position_terraces bulk_density_one_tenth_bar gypsum bulk_density_one_third_bar hillslope_profile bulk_density_oven_dry horizon_depth_to_bottom calcium_carbonate_equivalent horizon_depth_to_top cation_exch_capcty_nh4oacph7 horizon_designation clay_sized_carbonate horizon_thickness clay_total_separate horz_desgn_discontinuity component_kind horz_desgn_letter_suffix component_name horz_desgn_master component_percent horz_desgn_master_prime corrosion_concrete horz_desgn_vertical_subdvn corrosion_uncoated_steel hydrologic_group diag_horz_feat_depth_to_botm iron_oxalate diag_horz_feat_depth_to_top linear_extensibility_percent diag_horz_feat_kind liquid_limit diag_horz_feat_thickness local_phase earth_cover_kind_level_one major_component_flag earth_cover_kind_level_two manner_of_failure effective_cation_exch_capcty mean_distance_between_rocks electrical_conductivity month Elevation organic_matter_percent erosion_accelerated_kind parent_material_general_mod erosion_class parent_material_group_name excavation_difficulty_class parent_material_kind excavation_difficulty_moist_st parent_material_modifier exists_on_feature parent_material_order extractable_acidity parent_material_origin extractable_aluminum particle_density flooding_duration_class ph_01m_cacl2 flooding_frequency_class ph_1_1_water fragment_hardness phosphorous_bray1 fragment_kind phosphorous_oxalate fragment_roundness phosphorous_total fragment_shape phosphorous_water_soluble fragment_size plasticity fragment_volume plasticity_index free_iron_oxides ponding_depth ponding_duration_class slope_length_usle ponding_frequency_class sodium_adsorption_ratio pore_continuity_vertical soil_erodibility_factor_rf pore_quantity soil_erodibility_factor_whole pore_shape soil_moist_depth_to_bottom pore_size soil_moist_depth_to_top potential_frost_action soil_moisture_status restriction_depth_to_bottom soil_temp_depth_to_bottom restriction_depth_to_top soil_temp_depth_to_top restriction_hardness soil_temperature_mean_monthly restriction_kind stickiness restriction_thickness stratified_textures_flag rock_frag_3_to_10_in structure_grade rock_frag_greater_than_10_in structure_group_name rupture_resist_block_cem structure_id rupture_resist_block_dry structure_parts_to rupture_resist_block_moist structure_size rupture_resist_plate structure_type rv_indicator sum_of_bases_nh4oacph7 sand_coarse_separate surface_frag_cover_percent sand_fine_separate surface_frag_hardness sand_medium_separate surface_frag_kind sand_total_separate surface_frag_roundness sand_very_coarse_separate surface_frag_shape sand_very_fine_separate surface_frag_size sat_hydraulic_conductivity t_factor shape_across terms_used_in_lieu_of_texture shape_down texture_class sieve_number_10 texture_modifier sieve_number_200 texture_modifier_and_class sieve_number_4 total_subsidence sieve_number_40 unified_soil_classification silt_coarse_separate water_fifteen_bar silt_fine_separate water_one_tenth_bar silt_total_separate water_one_third_bar slope_aspect_clockwise water_satiated slope_aspect_counterclockwise wind_erodibility_group slope_aspect_representative wind_erodibility_index slope_gradient * Soil performance elements (range and forest production, etc.) and linkage to data related to ecological sites are not included as being required to be joined but should at least be coordinated between surveys.
-reflect local conditions) INITIAL SOIL SURVEY QUALITY CONTROL REVIEW Date: Area name: State Soil Survey Area Identification: Major Land Resource Area(s): This quality control report is to ensure this soil survey is science-based, the legend and correlation use the MLRA concept, and the survey meets the standards and specifications of the NCSS. This report consists of several soil survey functions. Each function (legend, soil mapping, database, etc.) can be completed at different times of the year depending on the flow of work during the year. However, after 1 year, each function should be reviewed. As a function is reviewed, the document should be signed and sent to the SSR for a quality assurance check. GENERAL INFORMATION AND SCHEDULING Agency in charge of survey: Cooperating agencies: Total acres from NASIS (see legend/legend land category): land ; census water Status of memorandum of understanding: Scheduled date - mapping completion: Scheduled date - final correlation: Scheduled date - manuscript to the technical team for technical review: - manuscript to the MLRA SSR for technical review: Scheduled date - map digitizing completion: Has a long range plan been developed? Does the soil survey office have an official electronic soil survey area boundary? What soil surveys does the project survey match to and what is the status of each survey: 1) 2) 3) 4) For each adjoining soil survey, attach a list of map units requiring a join by soil survey area NASIS: Provide location where NASIS tabular data is stored and edited: Area Symbol Area Name Survey Status Is soil mapping being compiled and digitized to the imagery to be used for publication? Data and source of imagery Will the survey have a general soil map? Will the survey have a published soil survey report? If yes, list the manuscript sections and NASIS generated reports/tables to be included (this may change as reports are updated or revised) Comments: PROGRESS AND LEGEND Date 1) Cumulative total of acres reported as mapped in NASIS (see Legend / Legend Mapping Progress): 2) Are ALL map symbols on the official soil maps for the survey in the legend: o Attach a legend from NASIS by map unit status o Attach a legend from NASIS by map unit name and include the additional symbols o Attach the SOI-37A indicating miscellaneous features and ad hoc features o Attach a list of map units added to the legend since the last quality control review o Attach a list of map units correlated or dropped since the last quality control review and include a correlation note report from NASIS identifying reason for decisions 3) Does the legend contain all map units from adjacent surveys in order to have and exact join? If no, list the map units that are matching but not in the legend: Comments: Action or Recommended Items: TYPICAL PEDONS Date 0a7 For each series or higher taxa in the legend, is the typical or representative pedon entered into NASIS pedon? If no, list the series or taxa not in NASIS pedon: 0a7 Are all new series names used in approved map units reserved? If no, what names are not reserved? 0a7 Are all series and higher taxa properly classified using Soil Taxonomy? Attach a classification table from NASIS 0a7 Provide a list of all soil series (OSDs) having their type location in the survey area : 0a7 Are all typical pedons for series and higher taxa located within the survey area? If no, list the series or higher taxa and the survey area in which it occurs: 0a7 List the typical pedons (and its range of characteristics) reviewed and compared to the OSD: 0a7 List the OSDs to be submitted to the SSR for revision with a proposed date for submission: Comments: Action or Recommended Items: DATABASE Date 0a7 Are all map units in the legend table linked to a data map unit (DMU) thru the correlation table? If no, list the map units that are not linked to a DMU. 0a7 Are all components (major and minor) to be fully populated? 0a7 SSRO-X Technical Note ZZ provides guidance on reviewing Soil Survey Data Quality in NASIS. List the map units and associated data map units reviewed: o List the Standard Reports as identified in Tech. Note 38 that were used to review data quality, for example: * UTIL - Comparison of LL and PI, stored vs. calculated (National) * UTIL - T. Factor Validation (National) * CORR - Slopes and Climate Data (SSRO-X) o List the NASIS Validations as identified in SSRO Tech. Note XX that were used to review data quality, for example: * Component / Horizon percent passing sieves particle-size distribution * Horizon Texture Group Comments: Action or Recommended Items: MAP UNIT DESCRIPTIONS Date 0a7 List the NASIS MUG report to be used for the soil survey: 0a7 List the map unit descriptions reviewed for quality and quantity of data populated: 0a7 For each map unit description reviewed, identify data voids or data elements needing review (see SSRO-X Tech. Note XX for data population guides): Map Unit Symbol Database element needing review Comments: Action or Recommended Items: SOIL MAPPING Date 0a7 What are the official soil maps for the survey (field sheets, compilation sheets, digital files/plots)? 0a7 What is the minimum size polygon (acres) to be delineated? 0a7 Attach a small scale soil mapping progress map for the survey area. 0a7 List the field sheets reviewed along with date reviewed: Review o Are all symbols on the maps in the NASIS legend? If no, which symbols are missing? o Do map unit polygons conform to landforms/landscapes and are their segments visible on the photo base? o Are all miscellaneous or ad hoc features on the maps identified on the NRCS SOI- 37A? If no, which features are on the maps but not on the 37A? o Is the use of the feature symbol(s) consistent across the soil survey extent? o Are size of polygons consistent with specifications in the MOU? Comments: Action or Recommended Items: DOCUMENTATION Date 0a7 List the map units in which transects were made since the last quality control review to determine map unit kind and composition: 0a7 Are the transect locations georeferenced with a GPS unit? 0a7 Has a spatial documentation layer in GIS been created? This layer would document by polygon, how the map unit was determined. Each polygon would be coded using a legend. For example: 1. transect made in polygon, 2. polygon was visited to confirm map unit, 3. polygon was observed with "high" degree of confidence, 4. polygon was observed with "low" degree of confidence, 5. polygon was remotely sensed. 0a7 For each new series proposed how many complete pedon descriptions are available? List the series name and number of descriptions: Comments: Action or Recommended Items: COMPILATION AND DIGITIZING Date 0a7 Describe the map compilation and digitizing process being used for the soil survey: 0a7 Provide the following information for off-site security of soil maps: Location of site Date of last security update Type of security material: paper or electronic 0a7 List the compilation sheets (quads) reviewed and digital sheets reviewed, along with date reviewed: 0a7 For each sheet reviewed, list issues or concerns: Map Sheet (Quad) Issues/Concerns Comments: Action or Recommended Items: INVESTIGATIONS Date: 0a7 Are there plans to have a project investigation within the survey area? If yes, when is the projected date for sampling? 0a7 List all pedons sampled within the survey area. This list will consist of all pedons sampled for laboratory analysis (reference and complete characterization), and will be a running list from year to year. For example: Sampled as Map Unit Pedon ID Laboratory Site ID Name Symbol Cosbie 2017 050R035003 KSSL 99-JFD-04 Comments: Action or Recommended Items:
-Program Operations Review for Soil Survey
-A. Objectives and Plans 1. Long-range plan and priorities a. Soil survey evaluations b. Soil survey maintenance c. Soil survey areas 2. State soil survey conference 3. Memorandum of understanding for soil survey areas 4. Cooperative and contribution agreements for soil survey activities 5. Annual, monthly, and weekly plans of operation
-B. Personnel and Schedules 1. Previous soil survey appraisals 2. Staffing and assignments 3. Workload analysis and scheduling 4. State and local contributions to the National Cooperative Soil Survey (NCSS) 5. Cooperative relations a. Other Federal agencies b. State agencies and representatives c. Local agencies and representatives 6. Training given and received 7. Adherence to Equal Employment Opportunities/Civil Rights policies and procedures
-C. Field Operations and Quality Control 1. Soil survey automation at all levels 2. Status of digitizing soil maps 3. Status of imagery 4. Interdisciplinary needs and inputs to soil survey 5. Quality control procedures used 6. Soil survey appeals and disposition 7. Archival of soil survey records 8. Adherence to policies in the National Soil Survey Handbook (NSSH) 9. Application of technology, such as computers, field equipment, ground-penetrating radar, global positioning systems, and remotely sensed data, to increase efficiency
-D. Soil Interpretations 1. Maintenance of database 2. Maintenance of field office database 3. Guidelines and criteria used for developing national, State, and local interpretations 4. Updating and coordinating interpretations in State by major land resource areas 5. Status of automated soil survey interpretation development and application (GIS, Pedon- PC, and other) 6. Status of special lists, such as prime farmlands, hydric soils, and highly erodible land 7. Technical guides 8. Training given and received
-E. Field and Laboratory Investigations 1. Plan for soil survey investigations 2. Existing laboratory data availability 3. Coordination of field and laboratory studies 4. Benchmark soil data 5. Special projects and interagency coordination 6. Reference sampling for interpretations, classification, and correlation
-F. Preparation and Processing of Maps and Text for Publication 1. SSURGO review 2. Publication development
-G. Soil Survey Use 1. Effectiveness and use of soil surveys, whether or not they meet objectives 2. Inventory of published soil surveys 3. Information activities 4. Procedures for distributing published soil surveys 5. Advance information 6. Special and interim reports 7. Supplemental reports
-(Completed by the review leader) 1) Review completed mapping (digital or field sheets) for completeness 2) Review acreage for completed mapping and map units 3) Inspect mapping in the field 4) Review taxonomic and map unit descriptions 5) Review progressive correlation of map units 6) Review U.S. General Soil Map update and map unit descriptions 7) Review U.S. General Soil Map join 8) Check join to adjacent surveys and among field sheets 9) Review photographs and other figures for soil survey publication 10) Review soil interpretations 11) Review lab data 12) Review classification of all pedons with lab data 13) Review classification of all described pedons 14) Compare typical pedon to the OSD 15) Review transect/random sampling data 16) Review statistical data 17) Check documentation distribution and content 18) Update databases 19) Update long-range plan as needed 20) Review memorandum of understanding 21) Discuss development of annual plan for coming year 22) Complete quality assurance worksheet 23) Complete comments, correlation notes, things-to-do, agreed-to-items, and commendable items 24) Provide completed report to SSR 25) Review proposed new soil series and assign dates to submit OSDs to the SSR 26) Circulate proposed new soil series for peer review 27) Update soil data in Field Office Technical Guide (FOTG) 28) Update existing OSDs as needed 29) Review and revise scheduling dates
-by the SSRs to reflect local conditions)
-U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE QUALITY ASSURANCE WORKSHEET MLRA __________ __________________________ County, State ________ (stssaid) (Date) This quality assurance report is to ensure that the soil survey is science-based, the legend and correlation use the MLRA concept, and the survey meets the standards and specifications of the NCSS. CONTENTS GENERAL INFORMATION and SCHEDULING………………………………….. MANAGEMENT ISSUES………………………………………………………………… CORRELATION and DESCRIPTIVE LEGEND…………………………………… SOIL INVESTIGATIONS………………………………………………………………… SOIL MAPPING…………………………………………………………………………….. MAP COMPILATION and DIGITIZING………………………………………………. PUBLICATION………………………………………………………………………………. NASIS and DATABASES………………………………………………………………… INTERPRETATIONS………………………………………………………………………. MISCELLANEOUS ISSUES…………………………………………………………….. ATTACHMENTS and NARRATIVES…………………………………………………. SIGNATURE PAGE…………………………………………………………………………. CERTIFICATION PAGE……………………………………………………………………. All negative responses identified in this report must be adequately addressed in a narrative. QUALITY ASSURANCE REVIEW _____________ County, State - a subset of MLRA(s) ________ (Date) GENERAL INFORMATION and SCHEDULING Agency in charge of survey: Cooperating agencies: Survey team (name and agency): Total acres (land, census water): Acres updated/mapped and percent of survey: Status of memorandum of understanding (e.g., current, signed) List quality assurance reviews (type and date): Scheduled date - next quality assurance review: Scheduled date - mapping completion: Scheduled date - final correlation: Scheduled date - publication to the SSR for technical review: Scheduled date - map compilation completion: Participants at this review: MANAGEMENT ISSUES ______ Are deficiencies and agreed-to items stated in previous quality assurance reviews satisfied? ______ Are management documents, such as long-range plan, project plans, annual plan of operations, and standards of performance, current? ______ Are there management problems associated with this survey? ______ Is the survey party accessing and using the latest versions of the NSSH, Keys to Soil Taxonomy, SSR technical notes and other guidance documents, past quality assurance reports, and other relevant documents? ______ Is the scheduling information for the soil survey correct in NASIS? List in the narrative the specific technical training needs of soil survey staff not already identified by the local staff as part of their development plans. CORRELATION and DESCRIPTIVE LEGEND All map units correlated must have data to support the correlation-if not from the subset, then from the MLRA. The MLRA concept must be used for developing the legend. One legend is maintained for the survey containing the provisional and the approved map units for the MLRA. The legend is the official, progressively correlated subset legend of the MLRA. The map units in the legend have been approved by the SSR. The legend contains "provisional" map units that are being mapped but have insufficient acreage or documentation. The type and amount of documentation required for the map units to become approved depends on the complexity of the map unit, existing documentation for the map unit within the MLRA, and previous correlation decisions. Attach the legend. Include a list of map units added, dropped, or changed since the last review. Summarize the documentation gathered and provide a narrative of the field stops seen on this review. ______ Is documentation sufficient for approved data map units on the legend? ______ Do all new series components of map units to be added to the legend classify properly in accordance with the current edition of the Keys to Soil Taxonomy? ______ Are the properties (representative values) of all new components of map units as mapped in the survey area within the range of the named series? ______ Are the OSDs up-to-date and contain current data for all series used in the survey area (e.g., typical pedon georeferenced, taxonomic classification, metric units of measure, horizon designations, competing series section, diagnostic horizons and features listed)? ______ Have names for new series been reserved in the Soil Classification Database (SC Database) accompanied by an OSD uploaded to the OSD file share? ______ Are the map unit names and design consistent with the MLRA soil survey area for this initial soil survey? ______ Are all proposed changes in the legend recorded and reported in the appropriate NASIS tables? ______ Are notes recorded in NASIS detailing the location and acreage of provisional map units until they are approved for the ID legend? ______ Is a strategy in place for gathering documentation and are there instructions as to kind and quality of field notes needed? ______ Does each project member have an up-to-date copy of the descriptive legend? ______ Is the descriptive legend adequate to ensure consistency of the mapping by all project members and to ensure a timely completion of the publication? ______ Are the pedon descriptions stored in NASIS? ______ Are field notes, transect data, and laboratory data summarized regularly? Is the descriptive legend brought up to date? ______ Is a conversion legend generated? Is it up-to-date? The project leader is responsible for updating the section "Notes to Accompany Classification and Correlation of the Soils." Refer to section 609.10, item 17 for an example. Attach the notes or the plans for developing this document. SOIL INVESTIGATIONS ______ Is a soil investigation work plan prepared and approved by the SSR? ______ Are the taxonomic classification of NCSS lab pedons current with the latest edition of the Keys to Soil Taxonomy? ______ Is the disposition of the laboratory pedon data given and provisions made to update the NCSS soil characterization database? The project leader is responsible for updating the section "Classification of Pedons Sampled for Laboratory Analysis." Refer to section 609.10, item 15 for an example. Attach the document or the plans for developing this document. SOIL MAPPING Describe in a narrative the process used by the soil survey office to ensure: - quality control of mapping and approval by the soil survey project leader; - an exact join as described in NSSH 609.3; or an acceptable join - join statements to allow an exact join in the future (consider metadata) ______ Is there a process for ensuring security of the original maps, compiled maps, and data files (e.g., fire-safe copies, back-up disks at a secure location, etc.)? Attach a list of field sheets (or quadrangles) reviewed: ___________________________________ ______ Is recent and/or update mapping consistent throughout the subset and MLRA? ______ Does the map unit design represent the landscape/landform position and other information in the data map unit? ______ Do map unit boundaries generally conform to landscape features and other features visible on the photo base? ______ Is the level of detail in mapping consistent and does the level of detail conform to the specifications in the memorandum of understanding? ______ Do map sheets join? ______ Is a Feature and Symbol Legend for Soil Survey, NRCS-SOI-37A (NSSH Part 627, Exhibit 627-5) applied properly and consistently? ______ Is the NRCS-SOI-37A current and are major/minor codes completed? ______ Are typical pedons located in a delineation with the component named? ______ Is there a system in place to track, for each field sheet, the surveyor's name, dates, acreage mapped, acreage reported, and date of completion of the field sheet? ______ Do completed maps show: survey name and State, date of survey, name of soil scientist, "advance copy"? ______ Are legible and oriented symbols in all delineations? ______ Are typifying pedons accurately georeferenced? ______ Are all ad hoc features clearly defined? ______ Where appropriate, are section corners marked? ______ Is a progress map maintained? ______ Is the general soil map concurrent with mapping? MAP DEVELOPMENT and DIGITIZING If applicable, describe the process to ensure quality control of soil map development activities (100 percent check). ______ Was the digitizing performed according to the NRCS data capture specifications as described in the NSSH, part 647? ______ Is the soil survey spatial data captured to NRCS approved base maps? ______ Do map unit delineations and their symbols match across map boundaries? Has an exact or acceptable (choose one for each adjacent survey) join been achieved with adjacent surveys? ______ Do plans ensure a 100 percentedit of the digital spatial data prior to sending the map files to the SSR for quality assurance and geographic data certification? Attach plans to digitize the survey, including plans for preparing the maps for publication. PUBLICATION PREPARATION Date the following publication items that are complete. Address incomplete items in the narrative. Note: Not all of the items listed below are required for a publication (see NSSH Part 644, Exhibit 644-1). ______ Map unit descriptions ______ Taxonomic unit descriptions ______ General soil map ______ General soil map unit descriptions ______ Edited prewritten material ______ "General Nature of the County" section ______ Climate tables and narrative ______ Interpretive tables ______ Database populated for generation of interpretations and map unit descriptions ______ Pictures and captions ______ Block diagrams or other graphics ______ Input from appropriate partners ______ Input from other disciplines ______ Soil formation section ______ Use and management narratives ______ Draft publication for technical review NASIS and DATABASES ______ Is NASIS being populated by the soil survey office staff? ______ Are data elements for all map unit components (including miscellaneous areas, as appropriate) being populated sufficiently with data to meet nationally mandated requirements, as well as State and local needs? Attach plans to populate the database. Include NASIS training received and training needed for all project members, along with the staff member(s) who have responsibility for editing. INTERPRETATIONS ______ Are existing interpretations adequate for the purposes of the survey as described in the memorandum of understanding? ______ Are interpretive ratings being reviewed and tested? In a narrative, describe: What special interpretations or interpretive tables are needed? What assistance have other disciplines provided or scheduled for making, testing, and coordinating interpretations? What soil performance data (e.g., crop yields, site indices) are collected and how? MISCELLANEOUS ISSUES Attach responses to these in a narrative: Have resource soil scientists participated in this survey? If yes, in what capacity and has work been reviewed for quality control? What input and involvement is there from soil survey partners? Describe the survey party's involvement with technical soil services (i.e., Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), soil quality, global climate change, FOTG, etc.). 1) What are the plans for certifying and updating the FOTG? What are the plans to provide advanced information and support to users? How is the survey being publicized? What are the plans to update the U.S. General Soil Map (STATSGO2) database when the survey is completed? Other issues ATTACHMENTS and NARRATIVES All negative responses are to be addressed. In addition, include the following with this report: Identification legend Provisional legend List of the map units added, dropped, or changed Conversion legend Summary of documentation Field stops report Notes to accompany classification and correlation of the soils Classification of pedons sampled for laboratory analysis Field sheets reviewed Plans to digitize the survey, including plans for preparing the maps for publication How publication items planned but not completed are being addressed Technical training needs Response to miscellaneous issues Quality control process of soil maps Quality control process of soil compilation (if applicable) Plans to populate the database Commendable items Recommended or significant items Action items (agreed-to items) SIGNATURE PAGE We, the undersigned, have reviewed this report and concur with its findings. ______________________________________________ MLRA Soil Survey Leader Date ______________________________________________ Soil Data Quality Specialist Date ______________________________________________ NCSS Partner(s) Date ______________________________________________ State Soil Scientist Date CERTIFICATION As of _________________ , this soil survey meets the standards and specifications of the NCSS. The survey is science-based and joins adjacent survey areas using the MLRA concept. ______________________________________________ Director of (city, State) _________________ Soil Survey Regional Office
-(Completed by the review leader) 1) Review SSURGO spatial and attribute data for completeness 2) Review acreage for completed mapping and map units 3) Review previous agreed-to-items and prepare response(s) 4) Review field sheets in the office 5) Inspect field mapping 6) Review classification of all new lab data pedons 7) Review classification of all described pedons 8) Review comparison of all typical pedons to the OSD 9) Review all taxonomic and map unit descriptions 10) Continue progressive correlation approval 11) Review U.S. General Soil Map legend and descriptions 12) Review U.S. General Soil Map join 13) Check join to adjacent surveys and among field sheets 14) Review spot check of map digitizing 15) Review photographs for the soil survey publication 16) Review database entries and interpretations 17) Order or review set of interpretation tables 18) Review lab data 19) Review transect/random sampling data 20) Review statistical data 21) Check documentation distribution and content 22) Update long-range plan as needed 23) Review memorandum of understanding 24) Discuss development of annual plan for coming year 25) Complete quality assurance worksheet 26) Complete comments, correlation notes, things-to-do, agreed-to-items, and commendable items 27) Provide completed report to SSR 28) Review proposed new soil series and assign dates to submit OSDs to the SSR 29) Circulate proposed new series for peer review 30) Update soil data in the FOTG 31) Update existing OSDs as needed 32) Provide OSDs and checklist tables to soil survey office 33) Review and revise scheduling dates 34) Review special studies data, such as yield or water table data 35) Review or schedule assistance from other disciplines 36) Review soil survey information program and activities 37) Review check plots of digitized quads
-(Completed by the review leader) 1) Review SSURGO spatial and attribute data for completeness 2) Review previous agreed-to-items and prepare response(s) 3) Review field sheets in the office 4) Review acreage for completed mapping and map units 5) Review classification and geo-reference of all described pedons 6) Review comparison of all typical pedons to OSD 7) Review classification of all new lab data pedons 8) Review all taxonomic and map unit descriptions 9) Review documentation distribution and content 10) Review legend and descriptions for U.S. General Soil Map 11) Check join for U.S. General Soil Map update 12) Check join among field sheets 13) Review cartographic spot check of map digitizing 14) Review photographs for the soil survey publication 15) Check line work and database for the join with adjacent surveys 16) Review soil interpretations and all NASIS entries 17) Review lab data 18) Review transect/random sampled data 19) Review statistical data 20) Complete correlation approval 21) Review completed legend 22) Update laboratory database for correlated names and classifications 23) Review memorandum of understanding 24) Discuss development of annual plan for completion 25) Complete quality assurance worksheet 26) Review preliminary correlation if prepared 27) Complete correlation notes, things-to-do, agreed-to-items, and commendable items 28) Prepare final field review report 29) Prepare preliminary correlation memorandum without certifications to attach to final field report 30) Update OSDs, the Soil Classification Database (SC Database), and NASIS 31) Provide OSDs, soil interpretations information, and checklist tables to soil survey office 32) Review and revise scheduling dates 33) Review check plots of digitized quads 34) Review complete report draft
-________________________________ MLRA Soil Survey Area, ___________________ (Completed by the review leader) 1) Review previous agreed-to-items and prepare response(s) 2) Review SSURGO spatial and attribute data for completeness 3) Review spatial and attribute revisions in the office 4) Review classification and geo-reference of all described pedons 5) Review changes or proposed revisions to OSDs 6) Review classification of all new lab data pedons 7) Review documentation distribution and content 8) Review legend and descriptions for U.S. General Soil Map 9) Check join for U.S. General Soil Map update 10) Review photographs and other figures for the soil survey publication 11) Check line work and database for the join with adjacent areas 12) Review soil interpretations and all NASIS entries 13) Review lab data 14) Review transect/random sampled data 15) Review statistical data 16) Complete correlation approval of map units 17) Review completed legend 18) Update laboratory database for correlated names and classifications 19) Discuss development of annual plan (if needed) for completion 20) Complete quality assurance worksheet 21) Complete correlation notes, things-to-do, agreed-to-items, and commendable items 22) Prepare project review report 23) Review correlation documentation in NASIS for completeness. 24) Submit updated OSDs and soil classification data 25) Review and revise scheduling dates 26) Review check plots of digitized quads
-by the SSRs to reflect local conditions)
-U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE QUALITY ASSURANCE WORKSHEET MLRA __________ __________________________ MLRA SSA ________ (MLRA ssaid) (Date) This quality assurance report is to ensure that the soil survey is science-based, that the legend and correlation use the MLRA concept, and that the survey meets the standards and specifications of NCSS. CONTENTS GENERAL INFORMATION and SCHEDULING………………………………….. MANAGEMENT ISSUES………………………………………………………………… CORRELATION………………………………………………………………….. SOIL INVESTIGATIONS………………………………………………………………… SUPPLEMENTARY SOIL MAPPING……………………………………………………… MAP DIGITIZING and SPATIAL REVISIONS………………………………………………. NASIS and DATABASES………………………………………………………………… INTERPRETATIONS………………………………………………………………………. MISCELLANEOUS ISSUES…………………………………………………………….. ATTACHMENTS and NARRATIVES…………………………………………………. SIGNATURE PAGE…………………………………………………………………………. CERTIFICATION PAGE……………………………………………………………………. All negative responses identified in this report must be adequately addressed in a narrative. QUALITY ASSURANCE REVIEW _____________ MLRA project area - a subset of MLRA(s) ________ (Date) GENERAL INFORMATION and SCHEDULING Agency in charge of survey: Cooperating agencies: Survey team (name and agency): Total acres (land, census water): Acres updated/remapped and percent of survey: List of quality assurance reviews (type and date): Scheduled date - next quality assurance review: Scheduled date - project completion: Participants at this review: MANAGEMENT ISSUES ______ Are the deficiencies and agreed-to items stated in previous quality assurance reviews satisfied? ______ Are management documents such as long-range plan, project plans, annual plan of operations, standards of performance, and individual development plans current? ______ Are there management problems associated with this survey? ______ Is the survey party accessing and using the latest versions of the NSSH, Keys to Soil Taxonomy, SSR technical notes and other guidance documents, past quality assurance reports, and other relevant documents? ______ Is the scheduling information for the soil survey correct in NASIS? List in the narrative the specific technical training needs of soil survey staff not already identified by the local staff as part of their development plans. CORRELATION One legend is maintained for the survey containing the provisional and the approved map units for the MLRA. The legend is the official, progressively correlated subset legend of the MLRA. The map units in the legend have been approved by the SSR. The legend contains "provisional" map units that are being mapped but that have insufficient acreage or documentation. The type and amount of documentation required for the map units to become approved depends on the complexity of the map unit, existing documentation for the map unit within the MLRA, and previous correlation decisions. Attach the legend. Include a list of map units added, dropped, or changed since the last review. Summarize the documentation gathered and provide a narrative of the field stops seen on this review. ______ Do all project members and participants understand the concept of map units, data mapunits, and the MLRA process? ______ Is documentation sufficient for approved data map units on the legend? ______ Do all new series components of map units to be added to the legend classify properly in accordance with the current edition of the Keys to Soil Taxonomy? ______ Are the properties (at least the representative values) of all new components of map units as mapped in the survey area within the range of the named series? ______ Are the OSDs up-to-date and contain current data for all series used in the survey area (e.g., typical pedon georeferenced, taxonomic classification, metric units of measure, horizon designations, competing series section, diagnostic horizons and features listed)? ______ Have names for new series been reserved in the Soil Classification Database (SC Database) accompanied by an OSD uploaded to the OSD file share? ______ Are the map unit names and design consistent with purposes and scale of the MLRA soil survey area? ______ Are all proposed changes in the legend recorded and reported in an accepted systematic procedure in the appropriate NASIS tables? ______ Is a strategy for gathering documentation in place and are there instructions as to kind and quality of field notes needed? ______ Are the pedon descriptions stored in NASIS? ______ Are field notes, transect data, and laboratory data summarized regularly? ______ Is a conversion legend generated? Is it up-to-date? SOIL INVESTIGATIONS ______ Is a soil investigation work plan prepared and approved by the SSR? ______ Are the taxonomic classification of NCSS lab pedons current with the latest edition of the Keys to Soil Taxonomy? ______ Is the disposition of the laboratory pedon data given and are provisions made to update the NCSS soil characterization database? SUPPLEMENTAL SOIL MAPPING Describe in a narrative the process used by the soil survey office to ensure: Quality control of supplemental mapping and approval by the soil survey leader An exact join as described in NSSH section 609.3 Attach a list of spatial data reviewed ______ Is supplemental mapping consistent throughout the subset and MLRA? ______ Does the map unit design represent the landscape/landform position and other information in the data map unit? ______ Do map unit boundaries generally conform to landscape features and other features visible on the imagery? ______ Is the level of detail in mapping consistent and does the level of detail conform to the objectives of the project plan? ______ Is a Feature and Symbol Legend for Soil Survey, NRCS-SOI-37A (NSSH Part 627, Exhibit 627-5) applied properly and consistently? ______ Is the NRCS-SOI-37A current and are major/minor codes completed? ______ Are typical pedons located in a delineation with the component named? ______ Are typifying pedons accurately georeferenced? ______ Are all ad hoc features clearly defined? ______ Is a progress map maintained? ______ Is the provisional U.S. General Soil Map (STATSGO2) map concurrent with mapping? SSURGO DEVELOPMENT and REVISIONS ______ Do digitized map unit delineations and their symbols match across project boundaries? Has an exact join been achieved with adjacent MLRA soil survey areas? ______ Do plans ensure a 100 percent edit of the digital spatial data prior to sending the map files to the SSR for quality assurance and geographic data certification? NASIS and DATABASES ______ Are all data elements for all map unit components including miscellaneous areas populated with data? Attach plans to populate the database. Include NASIS training received and training needed for all project members, along with the staff member(s) who have responsibility for editing. INTERPRETATIONS ______ Are interpretations consistent with the purposes of the survey as described in the project plan? ______ Are interpretive ratings being reviewed and tested? In a narrative, describe: What special interpretations or interpretive tables are needed? What assistance have other disciplines provided or scheduled for making, testing, and coordinating interpretations? What soil performance data (e.g., crop yields, site indices) are collected and how? MISCELLANEOUS ISSUES Attach responses to these in a narrative: What are the roles and responsibilities of the resource soil scientist(s) with this project? Conversely, what are the roles and responsibilities of the survey party with the resource soil scientist(s)? What input and involvement is there from soil survey partners? Describe the survey party's involvement with technical soil services (i.e., CRP, soil quality, FOTG, onsite investigations, etc.). 1) What are the plans for the State certifying and updating the FOTG? What are the plans to update the U.S. General Soil Map (STATSGO2) database when the survey is completed? Other issues ATTACHMENTS and NARRATIVES All negative responses are to be addressed. In addition, include the following with this report: Identification legend Provisional legend List of the map units added, dropped, or changed Conversion legend Summary of documentation Field stops report Notes to accompany classification and correlation of the soils Classification of pedons sampled for laboratory analysis SSURGO data reviewed Web Soil Survey reviewed Technical training needs Response to miscellaneous issues Quality control process of soil maps Plans to populate the database Commendable items Recommended or significant items Action items (agreed-to items) SIGNATURE PAGE We, the undersigned, have reviewed this report and concur with its findings. ______________________________________________ MLRA Soil Survey Leader Date ______________________________________________ Soil Data Quality Specialist date ______________________________________________ NCSS Partner(s) Date ______________________________________________ State Soil Scientist Date ______________________________________________ State Soil Scientist Date CERTIFICATION As of _____________________, this soil survey meets the standards and specifications of the NCSS. The survey is science-based and joins adjacent MLRA survey areas. ______________________________________________ Director of (city, State) _________________ Soil Survey Regional Office
-A. Definition. The update of soil survey is a systematic process designed to improve official soil survey information (see General Manual, Title 430, Part 402, Section 402.5(A)) with consideration of the full extent of soils and ecological sites across a major land resource area (MLRA) (see Part 649, Subpart A, Section 649.2 of this handbook). Updating by MLRA is a continuous activity of inventory and assessment, data collection, synthesis, review, and recertification of existing soil survey and ecological site information that brings all information to a common standard. The MLRA soil survey update is planned and organized using scheduled projects that systematically focus on specific groups of soils or landforms and the associated support data, interpretations, and maps.
-B. Purpose. The MLRA process will develop a seamless coverage of consistent soil survey and ecological site information across the Nation. Updating soil survey and ecological site information by MLRA ensures that appropriately detailed information which meets user needs is developed and delivered in a timely manner. Project plans are created and coordinated across the existing (i.e., traditional or non-MLRA) soil survey area boundaries and follow natural landforms. The MLRA process facilitates mapping, interpreting, and delivering seamless soil survey and ecological site information across broad geographical areas of common resource values, land uses, and management concerns.
-A. Policy
-MLRA soil survey update activities are conducted as a series of projects developed to address prioritized update needs (refer to Part 608, Section 608.05 of this handbook and Part 630, Section 630.16 of the National Ecological Site Handbook). Projects are developed in the context of the entire MLRA with the goal of developing a seamless soil survey product across political lines.Inventories and assessments are conducted on existing soil survey products to identify deficiencies and are used to make recommendations for improvement of the official soil survey and ecological site information (see Section 610.2(C)). The inventories and assessments are completed by the soil survey office (SSO) prior to commencing update activities for the MLRA soil survey area (see General Manual, Title 430, Part 402, Section 402.5(C)).Project plans are developed by the SSO staff with assistance from the SSO technical team (see Part 608 of this handbook). NASIS is used to manage project plans. All project plans are reviewed and concurred by the management team and approved by the soil survey regional director. The Board of Advisors is kept informed of project activities and progress.Projects are based on the map units occurring on natural landforms over a broad physiographic area. Maps and data are standardized to create seamless soil delineations that follow natural landforms and flow across county, parish, or State lines and land management boundaries. The scale and intensity of mapping as well as map unit design and naming are standardized to provide consistent soil survey and ecological site information that addresses resource management needs appropriate to land uses and the majority of users needs. Project milestones are used to identify, document, and manage project activities. Project concerns are used to identify the agency resource concern(s) (see Part 610, Subpart B, Exhibits, Section 610.10). Correlation decisions are recorded in the appropriate NASIS tables. A long-range plan is developed based upon the results of the inventory and assessment and reviewed annually by the management team and technical team.Annual plans of operation are developed to guide activities and provide specific focus to the SSO staff.Project quality control review is completed by the MLRA soil survey leader with input provided by the technical team (see Part 609, Subpart A, Section 609.4 of this handbook and Exhibit A, National Instruction 430-305).Project quality assurance review of revised spatial and attribute data is completed by the soil survey regional office (SSR) prior to publication (see Part 609, Subpart A, Section 609.5 of this handbook).Projects are considered complete once issues identified by quality control and quality assurance reviews have been resolved and correlation activities have been accomplished.Projects are published as official soil survey information to the Soil Data Mart and made available through the Web Soil Survey (see General Manual, Title 430, Part 402, Section 402.5) by the state soil scientist.Project progress (in acres) is reported in the Project Mapping Progress table when the SSR staff certifies the project as completed after populating the Milestone Date Completed column for the milestone \"Project completed date.\"B. Responsibilities. Responsibility for the aspects of updating soil surveys is held jointly by various organizational levels within NRCS and, for some Federal lands, other NCSS partner agency representatives. The NRCS General Manual (Title 430, Part 402, Section 402.10) outlines the responsibilities of staff leaders in these offices. Refer to Part 608, Section 608.01 and Part 609, Subpart A, Section 609.1 of this handbook for an overview of additional responsibilities.
- MLRA Soil Survey Regional Office (SSR) The directors of the SSRs: (i) Coordinate activities of the management teams; (ii) Approve SSO project plans and review long-range plan reports and annual plans of operation; (iii) Provide SSO guidance on initiating and updating soil survey and ecological site information; (iv) Conduct quality assurance reviews as specified in Part 609, Subpart A, Section 609.5 of this handbook; (v) Provide training to survey staff in soil survey procedures and database management; (vi) Approve changes to soil survey legends and assignment of ecological sites; and (vii) Coordinate the updating of soil survey information between SSOs, MLRAs, and soil survey regions. State Office The state soil scientists: (i) Serve as a member of the management team(s) for the soil survey offices servicing their State (specific roles are identified in the management team operating procedures); (ii) Develop priorities for soil survey update projects with the management team members (refer to Part 608, Section 608.05(d) of this handbook); (iii) Serve as the primary contact (liaison) to the NCSS cooperators and partners in the State; (iv) Inform and obtain project priority concurrence from the state conservationists and NCSS partners; and (v) Provide legend certification and publication of soil survey information. Soil Survey Office (SSO) The MLRA soil survey leaders: (i) Inventory and assess all correlated map units and consistency of soil survey mapping within the MLRA soil survey area (see Part 610, Subpart B, Exhibits, Section 610.11); (ii) Manage and update attribute and spatial data within the MLRA soil survey area; (iii) Coordinate update activities with other SSOs (imperative for those MLRAs that are assigned to multiple SSOs); (iv) Lead the SSO technical team and carry out its functions; (v) Develop project plans that address prioritized and approved update needs; (vi) Review the benchmark soils and propose changes; (vii) Populate data and manage update projects in NASIS; (viii) Develop the long-range plan and annual plan of operations; (ix) Inform the SSR, States, and NCSS cooperators of activities and progress; (x) Maintain the correlation history in the NASIS Mapunit History Text table; (xi) Maintain the component correlation decisions in the NASIS Component Text table; (xii) Conduct quality control as specified in Part 609, Subpart A, Section 609.4 of this handbook; and (xiii) Review and concur with soils information for ecological site projects.A. Definition. An inventory and assessment is an analysis of the SSURGO-certified map units (see Part 647, Section 647.03 of this handbook) within an MLRA. The existing soil survey and ecological site data is inventoried and analyzed to determine completeness, accuracy, continuity, and appropriateness for current land management decisions within the MLRA. This information will be used to prioritize work on map units and document the need for future MLRA update projects.
-B. Purpose. The inventory and assessment identifies deficiencies and improvements needed in the official soil survey information, including ecological site information. This inventory is necessary to develop the long-range plan report.
-C. Procedure. Information is gleaned from a variety of sources (see Part 610, Subpart B, Exhibits, Section 610.12). Information may come from those who actively participated in developing the initial soil survey or from NCSS partners and users of the information. Major information items to be considered in the inventory and assessment are listed in Part 610, Subpart B, Exhibits, Section 610.11. The inventory and assessment may be repeated as needed to address emerging user needs and land use changes.
-D. Documentation. All documentation is managed in NASIS. The information gathered is compiled for each map unit. The taxa used in the map unit name and individual delineations of the map unit are evaluated. The results of the inventory and assessment are entered into the NASIS database (see Part 638 of this handbook) in the Mapunit Text table under the specific map unit(s). All notes entered into the Mapunit Text table should be populated with- - Kind set to "miscellaneous notes," - Category set to "evaluation notes," and - Subcategory set to "spatial," "attribute," or "interpretation." Part 610, Subpart B, Exhibits, Section 610.13 provides a sample evaluation worksheet and an example of evaluation notes.
-A. Definition. Strategies to update existing soil survey and ecological site information are designed to make efficient use of staff resources and their time. They address the deficiency(ies) identified by the inventory and assessment. They can address updating soil survey and ecological site information individually or concurrently or integrate multiple projects to address data issues for a geographic area.
-B. Purpose. Strategies provide the tactical framework from which to initiate, conduct, and deliver updated soil survey and ecological site information to users under the auspices of the National Cooperative Soil Survey program. Key projects, milestones, and resource concerns are identified in the long-range plan and annual plan of operations.
-C. Policy. There are four soil survey update strategies. These strategies allow for a mixture of concurrent projects in order to achieve efficient operation and timely reporting of updated soil survey information. All soil survey update activity will encompass the map unit or landform as it occurs in the MLRA. The NASIS Project object is used to manage MLRA updates. The update strategy selected for a project should be identified in the project description. Project milestones are used to manage tasks and document progress. Project concern types are used to identify the agency resource concerns (see Part 610, Subpart B, Exhibits, Section 610.10). For detailed information on population of the NASIS project, see Chapter 14 of the NASIS User Guide (available on the NASIS webpage).
- MLRA assessment and correlation This strategy compiles historical documentation and uses limited field time to reconcile map unit names, map unit composition, and component and horizon properties for developing a seamless coverage of soil survey and ecological site information. It will be applied to all map units. The process focuses on reducing the number of duplicative map unit information for soil map units that have the same map unit concept. It reconciles map units that represent a continuation of mapping concepts across non-MLRA soil survey area boundaries. A single MLRA map unit is created with fully populated properties, qualities, and interpretations for components and horizons. This process is the underpinning of MLRA correlation. Reportable acres are 20 percent of the total project map unit acres. Projects are goaled and reported within the assigned fiscal year. The MLRA assessment and correlation strategy: (i) Bridges the inventory and assessment and the MLRA field project using information obtained from the map unit inventory and assessment to readily accomplish MLRA correlation and database population; (ii) Uses existing soil survey information and correlation documents in conjunction with limited field visits; (iii) Relies on the experience and knowledge of technical team members; (iv) Ensures that same-named and similarly named map units are reviewed and that duplicate map units with the same map unit concept are correlated into a single map unit that extends seamlessly across political boundaries; (v) Requires map unit names to be correlated to common MLRA phase criteria; (vi) Contains a project name beginning with the prefix \"SDJR - MLRA XXX - <project name>\"; and (vii) Assists staff in identifying additional MLRA field projects.MLRA field projects MLRA field projects collect additional data necessary to re-correlate map units; document and populate soil properties, qualities, and interpretations; and update the spatial data to bring all soil survey information on a specific map unit or landform to a common and current standard. A \"map unit\" approach is effective when the update need is to collect data to fill voids in the data mapunit or to determine map unit composition. A \"landform\" approach is effective in areas where current mapping concepts or soil survey maps are inconsistent. The result is a seamless coverage of attribute and spatial data across political boundaries within the MLRA. MLRA field projects involve the field collection of data or spatial revision that is beyond the scope of MLRA assessment and correlation, as described in Section 610.3(C)(1). MLRA field projects are intended to address most, if not all, of the prioritized update needs identified during the inventory and assessment. Reportable acres are 100 percent of the total project map unit acres. An MLRA field project requires, and is focused on, the results of an inventory and assessment. It identifies the project concern and collects the necessary documentation to address the agency resource concerns. It focuses on a single map unit concept or landform or on multiple map unit concepts and a catena or landform. Timeframes range from weeks to as much as 2 years, depending on the project size and extent. Extensive update needs are to be addressed on a map unit or landform basis. Key update issues must be identified in the inventory and assessment. The work is then prioritized and ranked. Proposed project plans are developed and included in the long-range plan report. These projects are addressed within the confines of an approved MLRA project and contained within its timelines. Assistance from National Cooperative Soil Survey partners may be necessary or desired for extensive updates. Extensive updates must be reviewed and prioritized by the management team and board of advisors based on the overall needs of the entire MLRA soil survey area. Updated soil survey information is supported by the documentation requirements as given in Part 627, Section 627.08 of this handbook. Approval to conduct any extensive revision must be obtained from the Director of the Soil Science Division (refer to General Manual, Title 430, Part 402, Subpart A, Section 402.5(C)). The project evaluation is submitted as supporting documentation.Special investigations and/or monitoring Special investigations or monitoring programs are designed to answer specific questions about a particular soil, a catena of soils across the landscape, or regional questions regarding geology, climate, or plant communities. They are undertaken in order to clarify or augment existing soil survey or ecological site information used in update projects. These studies may address hydric soils, saturated soil layers, saturated hydraulic conductivity, chemistry or mineralogy, climate, dynamic soil properties, and other site- specific soil conditions. Consideration should be given to involving NCSS partners, adjoining soil survey offices, and staff of the National Soil Survey Center (NSSC) and Kellogg Soil Survey Laboratory (KSSL). Such involvement should be designed to reduce the local workload, shorten the time required to complete, or bring expertise to support the project. Special investigations are a milestone activity within a MLRA field project. An investigation plan is developed by the soil survey leader in consultation with the regional office, NSSC liaison, and partner agencies. Investigation plans are written in the Project Text table (see Section 610.4(C)). Progress and reportable acres are managed in the associated MLRA field project. Most special investigations should focus upon soils or conditions occurring extensively within the MLRA, so that findings can be applied to similar adjacent soils and ecological sites. Those for soils with limited extent should address issues critical to interpretation or management of these areas. The milestone \"Scheduled Completion Date\" for some special investigations and monitoring activities may extend beyond the \"Scheduled Completion Date\" for the associated MLRA field project. In these cases, the MLRA field project can still be completed and acres reported if all other milestone activities are accomplished. Once the special investigation or monitoring activity is complete, the information gained can be used to refine the map unit data. The project acres, however, are not reported a second time.Supplemental mapping Supplemental mapping provides a more detailed order of soil survey (order 1 or 2), including the soil map and attribute data, and requires more intensive onsite investigations. (i) Mapping that provides order 1 detail within a higher order soil survey.-This produces a separate soil map for specific planning needs of limited extent. It is maintained as improved documentation and attribute data but is not considered a change to the official soil survey information (see General Manual, Title 430, Subpart A, Section 402.5(F)). This method of supplemental mapping is conducted, and reported, as a Technical Soil Service activity for a specific customer and managed as a site-specific investigation (see Part 629 of the Technical Soil Services Handbook for more information). Results can be referenced in the long-range plan and captured as pedon information in the NASIS database to serve as additional documentation to support future update projects. Progress is reported through the NASIS Technical Soil Service table. (ii) Mapping that provides order 2 detail within a higher order survey.- This is managed within the confines of an approved MLRA field project to address the prioritized update need. For example, an area within the MLRA previously mapped at order 3 detail could be mapped to order 2 detail utilizing mapping concepts from surrounding areas and field visits to ground truth decisions. Supplemental mapping is often performed at the request of partners and land management agencies requiring more detailed information to address management needs. The resulting information is official soil survey data and is delivered to the Web Soil Survey. Progress and reportable acres are managed in the associated MLRA field project.A. Definition. The project plan details work activities necessary to address deficiencies and improve soil survey and ecological site information on an MLRA-wide basis. All projects are managed in the NASIS database. Projects are developed from the information gathered during the inventory and assessment. The project milestones and goals are used to manage project completion with available resources in a timely manner.
-B. Purpose. The project identifies specific soil map units, geographic areas, landforms, soil catena, or soil properties to be investigated for improving the official soil survey information. It manages the timeframe and coordinates strategies to be employed, resources required, investigations needed, and quality control and quality assurance activities. Project plans may take on various forms depending on the update strategy (see Section 610.3). The project objective is the publication of seamless soil survey information that is accurate, complete, and consistent to meet user needs across the MLRA. The updated information is correlated into soil survey legends and published to the Web Soil Survey via the Soil Data Mart.
-C. Development.
- Project plans are developed for the approved and prioritized update needs identified in the long-range plan. The Project object is populated using the Project Plan Checklist (see Part 610, Subpart B, Exhibits, Section 610.14) and the process steps found in Chapter 14 of the NASIS User Guide (available on the NASIS webpage). The Project Plan is a NASIS report extracting data entered in the Project object and requires: (i) A project description containing an initial summary paragraph followed by project details, including objective, procedures, project extent, timeframe, benefits, outcome, deliverables, and travel budget; (ii) Map units that will be updated; (iii) Staff, including all field, regional, State, and national personnel who will provide time and resources; (iv) A project mapping goal based on the sum of the project map unit acres; (v) Concerns that address agency resource concerns (see Part 610, Subpart B, Exhibits, Section 610.10); and (vi) Project milestones necessary to manage a project. Soil survey investigations may be needed as part of the MLRA field project plan. The investigation plan is developed by the soil survey leader in consultation with the regional office, NSSC liaison, and/or partner agencies. Investigation plans are included in the Project object: (i) The NSSC liaison is added as a project staff member. (ii) The investigation plan is written in the Project Text table: - The Kind column is populated as \"project plan.\" - The Category column is populated as \"KSSL.\" - The Text column stores the investigation plan. (See Part 631 of this handbook for more information on soil survey investigations.) (iii) The milestone \"KSSL Investigation Plan\" is included in the Project Milestone table. \"Scheduled Start Date\" and \"Scheduled Completion Date\" are populated to assist staff in scheduling.D. Managing Spatial Data. Spatial adjustments (e.g., map unit polygon line adjustments, adjustments to delineations so they coincide better with landforms, map unit symbol changes, spot symbol changes) can be made during the normal course of work for a project. Spatial updates that contribute to updating the soil survey on a MLRA basis are handled within the confines of MLRA field projects. The spatial update needs are identified in the MLRA inventory and assessment, prioritized and ranked, developed into proposed project plans along with attribute update needs, included in the long-range plan, and addressed within the confines of approved projects and their timelines. Adjustments to lines in areas beyond the boundaries of project map units are not considered. Analysis of map unit delineations is made at publication scale. Digital line editing will follow digital soil mapping standards as addressed in Part 647 of this handbook.
-E. Approval Process. The SSO submits proposed project plans to the regional office for preliminary review. Next, they go to the management team for review, comment, and concurrence. The soil survey regional director approves project plans based on management team recommendations and informs the SSO to mark accepted plans as approved in NASIS. The SSO then begins conducting the approved projects.
-A. Definition. Future projects (update needs), including those identified during the SDJR Initiative, are prioritized and ranked in order to help balance local needs with those of the Nation, State(s), NCSS partners, and agency. Input from technical team members is used in determining local priorities. The local issues are merged with the priorities of the Nation, State(s), NCSS partners, and agency that were identified during work planning conferences.
-B. Purpose. The purpose of prioritizing and ranking is to efficiently utilize SSO staff and permit timely reporting of progress. Agency resource concerns, project cost and benefit, ease or difficulty of project effort, acres impacted, staff capabilities, and equitable assistance to users are among the various factors considered in prioritizing projects. Prioritizing and ranking focuses agency resources on highest priority update needs.
-C. Prioritizing and ranking considerations. Priority status for update needs is evaluated annually. The scientific merit, external merit, internal merit, financial/partnership inputs, and efficiency are used in the ranking process. Part 610, Subpart B, Exhibits, Section 610.15 (Example of a Project Evaluation Ranking Procedure) can be used to create a soil survey office area ranking and prioritizing formula. A ranking procedure that evaluates the need and importance of individual projects, especially projects that require substantial resources, aids in prioritization of staff and resources. Soil survey offices should periodically review their ranking procedures to ensure that they are addressing important issues and are consistent across the soil survey office area. Ranking criteria are created to defend ranking decisions. Each soil survey office will have unique issues to consider when developing ranking criteria. Items to consider when ranking projects include: - Status of initial soil surveys and the specific map units requiring re-correlation - Age of the survey and soil series and issues with the series concept or classification - Agency resource concerns for addressing Farm Bill and technical or financial assistance (see Part 610, Subpart B, Exhibits, Section 610.10) - Program and project needs of cooperating agencies - Requests by local constituents and frequency of complaints or appeals - Needs of Federal partners regarding Federal lands - Information that aids in land use planning and decisions, such as tax evaluation consistency - Rapid land use changes in areas where critical soil problems are expected - Cost share contributions of funds or staffing - Other factors of specific local importance - Survey boundary join status - Consistency in map unit kind (phases, taxadjuncts, miscellaneous units) - Consistency of the soil property data - Interpretive issues - Number of acres affected - Spatial line placement and conflicts with the landscape model - Amount of KSSL lab data - Benchmark status of the series
-D. Process. After the technical team and soil survey office have prioritized and ranked all future projects, the soil survey office leader populates the priority in the "user project identification" column. The SSO then proceeds with developing the long-range plan.
-A. Definition. A long-range plan presents future update activities based upon a continuation of current trends and needs. In an MLRA soil survey update, the long-range plan report is used to document the status of current soil survey and ecological site projects and identify emerging information needs.
-B. Purpose. The long-range plan report is a succinct document presenting the prioritized projects from the NASIS Project object. It is designed to maintain effective and efficient soil survey area resource workload and is available to the management team and board of advisors using the Soil Science Division Management Reports webpage. The long-range plan provides the framework for the MLRA update process and SSO operations. It assists in the logical creation of shorter term MLRA field projects and ecological site projects with specific objectives, goals, strategies, and milestones.
-C. Development. The SSO staff, with input from the technical team, uses the results of the inventory and assessment to populate the NASIS Project object with information necessary to prepare a long-range plan report. The report is used to assist stakeholders in understanding the value and condition of the soil survey and ecological site information. It presents the work necessary to improve existing soil survey and ecological site information and maps. The NASIS national report "PROJECT - Soil Survey Office Long Range Plan" extracts specific project information from survey office projects. Major data fields used in building the long-range plan report are:
- Project table (iv) User Project Identification column.-This is populated with the proposed SSO and technical team priority. The priority (see Section 610.5(d)) is populated based on region guidance, such as the four-digit fiscal year and the priority number (e.g., 2018-1). (v) Project name.-This is populated with the type of project, the MLRA, and the project name (e.g., MLRA 133B - Cahaba fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes). Specific population guidance is found in Chapter 14 of the NASIS User Guide. (vi) Project Description column.-This includes an initial summary paragraph, limited to 1000 characters, that provides managers with an overview of the project. Additional project information is populated after the summary paragraph. Part 610, Subpart B, Exhibits, Section 610.14 provides guidance for preparing the project description. Section 610.16 offers examples of the project summary. (vii) Project Approved? box.-This is left unchecked unless the project has received prior approval from the management team. (viii) MLRA Soil Survey Office Area.-This is populated with the MLRA SSO area responsible for the project.Project Mapunit table.-This is populated with the map units associated with the project.Project Mapping Goal table.-This can be populated with the proposed year in which the project will begin but it is not required. If populated, the information will appear on the Long Range Plan report.Project Concern Need table.-The Project Concern Type column is populated with the agency resource concern that the project is designed to address (see Part 610, Subpart B, Exhibits, Section 610.10).Project Milestone table.-The Milestone Type Name column is populated with the \"Future Project\" milestone and the proposed \"Scheduled Start Date\" date.Project Land Category Breakdown table.-\"Land Category Acres\" is populated with the sum of map unit acres associated by land category for the project.D. Publication. The NASIS long-range plan report is accessed as a NASIS report or from the Soil Science Division Management Reports webpage. The long-range plan is used by national managers, management teams, and technical teams to review the prioritized update needs (refer to Part 608, Section 608.05(d) of this handbook).
-E. Approval of project priorities. The SSO notifies the soil survey regional director that the project plans have been populated and available for review in the long-range plan report. The soil survey regional director distributes the report to the management teams for their review, comments, recommendations, and concurrence. The comments from the management team are returned to the soil survey regional director. After review, the soil survey regional director notifies the SSO to finish developing the approved project plans. This process is repeated when update needs change or when work is scheduled for a different work period. The scheduled start date and scheduled completion date are updated to reflect SSR approval. The long-range plan is a dynamic document that is reviewed annually by the SSO and maintained as work progresses or concludes, needs emerge, agency priorities shift, or special initiatives are undertaken that impact workload planning. The technical team and management team remain involved in the development and adjustment of the long-range plan.
-A. Definition. Annual plans of operation (aka business plans) are developed to guide and provide specific focus to staff as projects are being implemented in accordance with the long-range plan. An APO is developed by the SSO each fiscal year and designed to identify staff, projects, goals, milestones, objectives, timelines, and responsibilities to guide the staff in planning day-to-day operations to complete the targeted work. See Part 608 of this handbook for more information.
-B. Purpose. APOs are developed, managed, and implemented by SSO staff. The APO incorporates the variety of MLRA project plans being managed during the course of the fiscal year. The list of needs and priorities may change with time (according to Farm Bill priorities, cost share opportunities, etc.), and flexibility should be maintained for possible adjustments within this process.
- The APO should account for all projects and staff activities, including field mapping and investigations, database maintenance, formal and informal training, technical soil services, technical and management team meetings, staff meetings, and personnel management (leave) and supervision. The APO is maintained and adjusted for the gains or losses in staffing at the SSO. NASIS reports are available to assist in the development of the APO.A. Definition. Data certification is a three-step process for ensuring that project attribute and spatial information are accurate, complete, and meet NCSS standards. The soil survey office leader begins the certification process with a quality control review (see Part 609, Subpart A, Section 609.4 of this handbook and Exhibit A, National Instruction 430-305) of new or edited attribute and spatial data. The second certification step is a project quality assurance review by the SSR (Part 609, Subpart A, Section 609.5) where the project information is reviewed and ultimately correlated into the appropriate legends. Quality control and quality assurance reviews are described in Part 609 of this handbook. The final certification step is the state office review of the attribute and spatial information and the SSURGO (Part 647, Section 647.01(B)(6) of this handbook) and legend certification (Part 609, Subpart A, Section 609.1) by the state soil scientist.
-B. Purpose. The data certification process ensures that all significant changes to any previously certified database are reviewed, documented, and recorded. By exporting the data (attribute and spatial), the State is certifying that the information posted to the Soil Data Warehouse has passed SSO quality control and SSR quality assurance inspections, meets National Cooperative Soil Survey standards, and is suitable for use by the general public. Progressive soil correlation, quality control, and quality assurance are essential and integral tools in data certification. These processes are used throughout the progression of a soil survey update project.
-C. Data Documentation. The certification of attribute data is documented in NASIS. This documentation includes quality control and quality assurance reviews of changes made to the previously certified survey. Changes to an attribute dataset and what was actually changed are documented in export metadata. Procedures for certifying and documenting changes to a spatial dataset are discussed in Part 647 of this handbook. The certification level is assigned to the data mapunit, legend, and export for the particular soil survey area. It indicates the degree of confidence with which the new information may be used. As new records are created, the previous records are retained in order to maintain a certification history. The following NASIS tables are used for recording certification:
- Data Mapunit Certification History table.-This records information about the review and certification of data in the Data Mapunit object. The completion of quality control reviews is recorded by the MLRA soil survey leader. The completion of quality assurance reviews is recorded by the SSR staff. A level of certification is assigned to the data mapunit. This level indicates whether or not the data mapunit should be used and the degree of confidence with which it may be used. This certification relates to the whole data mapunit, including all of its components, horizons, etc. Legend Certification History table.-This records information about the review and certification of data in the Legend object. The SSR certifies completion of quality assurance reviews, and a level of certification is assigned to the legend. This level indicates whether or not the legend should be used and the degree of confidence with which it may be used. The state soil scientist certifies legends by populating the Legend Export Certification History table identifying the modification to the legend by the project.Legend Export Certification History table.-This records information about the export of all data associated with a legend, including map units, soil property data, and interpretations. A level of certification is assigned by the state soil scientist to the export package for a particular soil survey area. Information on the reason for changes to a dataset and what was actually changed are documented in narrative text notes (export metadata). The export metadata explains to customers the changes made in the survey area.Following certification of attribute and spatial data, the final step is the export of the soil survey legends to the staging server by the state soil scientist and the export of the soil survey spatial databases by the regional office to the staging server. The state soil scientist verifies the spatial and attribute databases on the staging server. After verification, the databases are then committed to the Soil Data Warehouse. The version with the most recent time stamped is forwarded to the Soil Data Mart. The databases are committed to the Soil Data Warehouse as frequently as needed to meet NRCS or cooperator needs. The annual publication to the Web Soil Survey refresh (see Part 644 of this handbook) occurs in the first week of October.
-Project Concern Type Name Project Concern Description Air Quality Particulate matter less than 2.5 and/or 10 micrometers in diameter is suspended in the air, causing potential health hazards to humans and animals. Fish and/or Wildlife Habitat has insufficient structure, extent, and connectivity to provide ecological functions and/or achieve management objectives. Land Use Implementing the conservation practices may cause an increased change from one land use to another. Plant Condition Plants do not produce the yields, quality, and soil cover to meet client objectives or do not have adequate nutritive value or palatability for the intended use. Soil Condition The capacity to limit redistribution and loss of soil resources (including nutrients and organic matter) by wind and water. Water Erosion Detachment and transport of soil particles caused by rainfall splash and runoff degrade soil quality. Water Quality Excessive nutrients and organics in surface water pollution from natural or human-induced nutrients such as N, P, and S (including animal and other wastes) degrades surface water quality. Water Quantity The capacity to capture, store, and safely release water from rainfall, run- on, and snowmelt (where relevant). Wind Erosion Detachment and transport of soil particles caused by wind degrade soil quality and/or damage plants.
-The following outline presents the major information items to be considered in updating soil surveys for an MLRA SSO area.
-A general review of existing soil surveys and an identification of deficiencies (needed as part of the long-range plan) a. Review of legends b. Examination of the geographic distribution of soils using GIS tools c. Examination of spatial data for join problems d. Collection of known information about the quality of existing soil surveys from resource soil scientists, conservationists, other discipline specialists, and other knowledgeable sources
Inventory and review of benchmark soils a. Benchmark soil status and documentation b. Current status and need for revision c. Inventory of existing data d. Identification of data gaps
Review and update of Official Soil Series Descriptions (OSD) a. Georeferences b. Metric units of measure c. Use of current taxonomy and horizon designations d. Competing series e. Distribution and extent f. Diagnostic horizons and features g. Other items needing attention
Taxonomic classification of soil components a. Application of latest edition of Keys to Soil Taxonomy b. Series with obsolete classification c. Typical pedon selection
Attribute data review a. Integrity and management of the NASIS site, pedon, map unit, data mapunit, and legend objects b. Names and acres of unique map units within the MLRA SSO area c. Traditional map unit concepts from published map unit and taxonomic unit descriptions, mapping concepts, and existing database population. d. Number of data mapunits by unique component name e. Data populated in non-MLRA data map units compared to soil information in published manuscripts f. Map units meeting current naming convention standards g. Inactive series or components out-of-place for a particular MLRA h. Consistent use of map unit phase criteria for the MLRA, including but not limited to standardized slope phases; consistent use of erosion, surface stoniness, rockiness, flooding, local phases, or other appropriate map unit phases. i. Consistency of surface horizon textures populated in the database in relation to the correlated map unit phase j. Map unit composition, including major and important minor components k. Consistency of map unit correlations across the MLRA for a particular landform or map unit setting l. Current soil temperature regime and possible adjustment to assist with map unit correlation on a MLRA basis m. Map units with incomplete or inconsistent data population n. Map units of obsolete or unofficial miscellaneous areas o. Component or map unit concepts compared to OSD concepts, particularly for soils where the OSD concept has evolved p. Soil morphology or other properties of series versus taxadjuncts q. Soil morphology of typical and representative pedons r. Component interpretation inconsistencies or errors s. Areas impacted by land use changes t. Consistent use of data population guides and calculations u. Other items needing attention
Spatial database review a. Spatial extent of map units- i. Do map units extend to appropriate parts of the MLRA? ii. Do map units need to be extended and correlated into new areas, or removed and recorrelated out of certain areas? iii. Is mapping density consistent across the MLRA? b. Consistency in level of mapping detail within and among individual survey areas for particular groups of landforms, parent materials, or map units (For example, are flood plains and adjacent stream terraces combined in mapping or separated; are soils formed in residual and colluvial materials combined in mapping or separated; are key landforms delineated, such as aspect differences in mountainous areas?) c. Consistency of mapping concepts within and between individual survey areas d. Consistency between how the map units are delineated and the concept described in the manuscripts e. Consistency in map unit design (kind) in mapping same or similar landforms (For example, did some non-MLRA soil surveys use complexes while others used consociations to map the same or similar landforms?) f. Identification of areas were the existing mapping is too broad or inadequate for current needs g. Consistency in mapping scale or mapping order h. Correction of symbol errors due to recompilation i. Adjustment of line placement errors, i.e., map unit delineations adhering to correct landforms or fitting the base image correctly j. Series or map units mapped over too broad an extent k. Joins issues at soil survey area boundaries l. Areas impacted by land use changes m. Geographic areas with spatial problems n. Other items needing attention
Review and update of ecological site descriptions (ESD) a. Correlation of ESDs across MLRA/LRU and State lines b. Creation and addition of needed ESDs to cover minor components and unique habitats c. Completeness of existing ESDs (including S&T models) d. Comparisons to check for redundant sites
Items to compile a. All available historical documentation b. Personal interviews with retired soil scientists c. Published soil survey manuscripts d. Laboratory investigations by the Kellogg Soil Survey Laboratory (KSSL) and university labs (lab data will be used in the review of a component's properties) e. University research findings (experiment station bulletins, theses, dissertations, etc.) and other published materials f. Official soil survey records (correlation documents, progress field reports, etc.) and trip reports of field assistance visits g. Official SSDs and accompanying or historical notes h. Pedon descriptions, transects, and field notes i. Electronic, i.e. database and paper file notes j. Expert knowledge from soil scientists familiar with the area
Map unit descriptions a. Review previously completed soil surveys b. Review soil surveys for conservation planning c. Review soil survey quality control data, including field notes and documentation d. Review soil survey photographs, block diagrams, and other figures e. Review soil survey quality assurance documents f. Review soil correlation memoranda and amendments. g. Review the map unit names and phase criteria within the MLRA based on guidance in Part 627 of this handbook and the Soil Survey Manual (SSM). Reconcile the map unit name phase criteria for similarly named map units to a standard developed for the MLRA. h. Compare the map unit concept for the similarly named map units within the MLRA. Identify and reconcile the map unit compositions (major and minor components) from the various soil surveys. i. Identify minor components worthy of populating within the MLRA map unit. Verify those minor components contrasting to the named major components. Development of a MLRA similar/dissimilar model provides consistency. j. Evaluate the validity and regional consistency of map unit concepts. k. Ensure that standard landform and miscellaneous surface features and ad hoc features have been reviewed to identify additional minor components not written into the map unit description. l. Review the manuscript reports and compare the soil properties and interpretations assigned to the map unit components. m. Gather all characterization data on the major components for the given project. Analyze the data to verify proper correlated name and correlated classification. Manuscript information and lab data will be used as the foundation for populating the estimated soil properties for the components in the MLRA map unit.
Other items a. Review correlation records for all surveys to identify final correlation issues. b. Review ESD and other plant community information for completeness and appropriateness for development of ESDs and state-and-transition models. c. Review any special investigation and laboratory data collected for the map units. d. Review available historical transect and pedon descriptions, including the manuscript taxonomic unit descriptions. e. Review and evaluate the accuracy and consistency of that data in NASIS. f. Create a map unit geographic distribution map to identify soil delineations and landform positions. g. Determine if map units are mapped too extensively. h. Determine if map unit spatial extent is artificially interrupted within the MLRA. i. Look for variability of soil delineations that may result from individual mapping styles, inconsistent quality control, or differences in detail within and among soil survey areas and for the consistent use of standard landform and miscellaneous surface features and ad hoc features (i.e., spot symbols). j. Analyze the soil-landscape model, ensuring that the same map units occur in areas with the same or similar geology, landforms, and parent materials. k. Evaluate map unit delineations that fall outside of the predicted landform(s). l. Examine line placement for conformance to landforms and crisp landscape boundaries, such as for escarpments, upland and flood plain interfaces, and the edges of water features. The analysis is made at publication scale. m. Examine line work for join issues between adjacent soil survey areas. n. Examine line placement and spot symbol placement for conformance to the official base map. The analysis is made at publication scale. o. Determine the extent and impacts of change in land use within the survey area. p. Investigate catastrophic natural events or human activities that have altered the land and, consequently, interpretive ratings. q. Review the kind and accuracy of the soil interpretations and consider interpretive results and the relation of data entries to criteria. r. Evaluate needs for new or additional interpretations not included in the survey. s. Evaluate needs for new interpretations, such as dynamic soil properties or soil quality. t. Review State soil survey conference reports and recommendations.
Reference maps (use in digital format if available) a. Original field sheets b. Major land resource area maps c. General soil map d. All available aerial photography and other remote-sensing coverage e. USGS topographic and slope maps f. Public lands survey g. Maps and text on geology, geomorphology, geography, and water resources h. Maps and text on vegetation and land use i. Climatic maps and data j. Flood plain maps k. Maps and text on air resources l. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wetland maps
Reports and Inventories a. Census reports b. Crop-reporting service reports c. Multi-spectral data d. River basin reports e. State, regional, or county land use plans and regulations f. Resource Conservation and Development work plans g. Public lands management reports and inventories h. Bulletins and reports of State Agricultural Experiment Stations i. National Food Security Act Manual and similar manuals j. National resource inventory data k. Field office technical guides l. Soil laboratory data
Scientific and research reports and data a. Theses and dissertations of college or university students b. International committee (ICOM) reports, such as those for wet soils, Vertisols, Aridisols, and Andisols c. Articles in scientific and technical journals d. Well logs from local or State agencies e. NRCS drainage, irrigation, and erosion-control guides and maps f. Percolation test results from local agencies g. Highway soil test data h. Climate data i. Geomorphology studies
Ecological site descriptions (ESD) a. Existing ESDs b. ESDs developed in other States and adjoining MLRAs c. Ecoregion descriptions d. Life zone descriptions e. Other plant community inventories
Forestry, range, and wildlife inventories and studies a. Forest inventories b. Range inventories c. Studies and reports on wildlife habitat recreational sites
Official Soil Series a. Current version of Official Soil Series Descriptions (OSD) b. Archived copies of previous versions of OSDs (if available)
Databases a. National Soil Information System (NASIS) database b. Ecological Site Inventory System (ESIS) database c. U.S. General Soil Map (STATSGO2) database d. Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) database e. Soil characterization databases (NRCS and universities)
Digital data a. Digital orthophotography LiDAR b. Digital raster graphic c. Digital elevation model d. Common land units e. Common resource areas f. Digital hydrography, transportation, etc.
This worksheet should be tailored for the MLRA soil survey area. An effective worksheet identifies key items for evaluation and assists with an organized and consistent review of map units. The information gathered on this worksheet should be used for the evaluation of each map unit, the evaluation of the taxa used in the map unit name, and the evaluation of individual delineations of the map unit. This information should be collected and analyzed and a summarized paragraph entered into the NASIS database (see part 638 of this handbook) in the Mapunit Text table under the appropriate map unit(s). All notes entered into the Mapunit Text table should be populated with Kind set to "miscellaneous notes," Category set to "evaluation notes," and Subcategory set to "spatial," "attribute," or "interpretation." A variety of national NASIS reports named "MLRA - mgmt - XXX" can be used to create the evaluation report. Part A. Evaluation of the survey area Summarize the information from the non-MLRA survey areas occurring within the update project: How were the soil maps digitized? What is the new base map for the update? What is the new map scale? What additional soil data have users requested? What additional interpretations have users requested? Briefly describe the investigative and laboratory support needed to provide the new data and interpretations. Briefly describe how this survey will be improved by the update. Briefly describe any publication plans in addition to the Web Soil Survey. Part B. Evaluation of the map unit (subcategory "attribute") Give the probable map unit name if re-correlated. Do map unit names correspond with current NCSS and editorial standards? Is the unit adequately described? If not, what is inadequate? Does the map unit design meet current user needs within the MLRA? Are limiting dissimilar soils named as minor map unit components in NASIS? Is the amount and type of minor components consistent with NSSH guidelines? What were the major interpretive uses of the map unit at the time it was correlated? What is the major interpretive use of the map unit at the time of evaluation? Are soil properties consistent with the needs of the current land use? Are soil property entries in the NASIS database complete? Part C. Evaluation of the map unit components used to name the map unit (subcategory "attribute") Is the proper component kind value entered for the component? Does the component name and/or taxonomic classification need to be updated? If so, what is the proposed new name or taxonomic classification? Do miscellaneous area names correspond to the approved list of miscellaneous areas? Are component names properly entered with only the component name and in title case (e.g., Jonus)? Are phase criteria properly entered in the local phase column? Can the soil component be classified as presently described? If no, why not? Does the depth of the typifying pedon meet current needs? Does the series (taxa), as described, overlap with other series (taxa)? If yes, how? Does the typical pedon represent the map unit component? Is there lab data for the series (taxa)? If yes, how many locations were tested and is the data adequate? Do the component properties concur with characterization data? Is the representative pedon within the RIC of the OSD? If not, why? Is the series consistent with parent material? Is the series consistent with geomorphic landform? Is the series consistent with geographic setting and the MLRA? Part D. Evaluation of the map unit delineations (subcategory "spatial") Do soil lines fit major landform breaks? Do lines correctly separate map units in the soil landform? Is there a need to create new map units to delineate dissimilar soils? Are dissimilar soils consistent with the map unit description? Is the intensity of mapping suitable for the land use? Does the series concept, as correlated, fit the map unit concept? How was the mapping evaluated? Are there user comments? What are the number of: transects ________ field notes ________ descriptions ________ areas that need remapping ________ areas that need road checking for line placement ________ Is there an exact join with surrounding surveys? Is soil mapping consistently applied to landscapes across the major land resource area? Does the use of features and symbols reflect current definitions and follow standards on the Feature and Symbol Legend for Soil Survey, NRCS-SOI-37A? Will this map unit require extensive revision (remapping)? Part E. Evaluation of map unit interpretations (subcategory "interpretation") Address the interpretation issues within the survey manuscript. Identify interpretation join issues of similar map units across survey boundaries. Example report: Area Area Mapunit Mapunit Kind Category Subcategory Text Entry Symbol Name Symbol Name AL007 Bibb FuD Fullerton Miscellaneous evaluation attribute The manuscript identifies several County, gravelly notes notes dissimilar soils and states that Alabama silt loam, they occupy 20 total percent; 6 to 15 howeve,r no information is percent provided in the database. The slopes population of soil properties are not complete to NI305 Exhibit A population standards. The component name and taxonomic Area Area Mapunit Mapunit Kind Category Subcategory Text Entry Symbol Name Symbol Name classification need to be updated to current standards. Five KSSL sites exist but none from this survey area. One (Madison Co, AL) fits the Fullerton OSD very well. Three others deviate from the OSD slightly in fragment and/or clay content, but are within acceptable margins of error to use as reference data. One is a Kandiudult. Fullerton is a benchmark soil and additional characterization sampling is needed. The component properties do concur with characterization data. AL007 Bibb FuD Fullerton Miscellaneous evaluation interpretation The interpretive focus on this County, gravelly notes notes map unit is agriculture, Alabama silt loam, woodland, and residential and 6 to 15 low-density urban development. percent In review of the interpretations slopes during SDJR with similar named map units, the major interpretation discrepancy is slope phases that must be reconciled for the MLRA. Once a decision on slope phase is made, the interpretations should be more uniform. AL007 Bibb FuD Fullerton Miscellaneous evaluation spatial During the SDJR review, no County, gravelly notes notes spatial issues were noted. The Alabama silt loam, lines all fit the landform 6 to 15 boundaries and seem to fit the percent map unit concept. There were slopes polygons outside the major areas that will require field visits to verify map unit concept.
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