Extending the use of soil survey information

Abstract

Soil survey at its best is a body of knowledge that includes, but also extends far beyond, the information published in the current generation of soil survey reports. Geographic information systems, agricultural management systems, fate/transport models keyed to map units, continued study/improvement of the accuracy/precision of soil and landscape information, intensive study of soils, and ongoing training of clients and field soil scientists should all be a part of soil survey as the next century approaches. Experienced field soil scientists from both the public and private sectors are best equipped to interpret soils in the field and to assist locally in the use of soils information. Extension's historical role is to provide research‐based information such that decision‐makers may function in an informed environment. Extension specialists should foster communication among land users, field soil scientists, and researchers in soil science and allied disciplines. Two steps that would provide support to land use specialists in their roles as facilitators/communicators would be (i) improvement of communication nationally among specialists in this field, and (ii) emphasis on interagency soil interpretation work groups that can help to coordinate extension and research activities at the state level.