286 Soil-Landscape Investigations within the National Cooperative Soil Survey: Past, Present, and Future: I

Oral Session

S05 Pedology Classic soil-landscape studies (Desert Project, Iowa Loess Study, Willamette Valley and Coastal Plain studies) have focused on the physical, chemical and biologic interaction and related soil taxonomy across a defined geomorphic region and have provided valuable knowledge to understanding soil formation. The Soil Survey MLRA approach has rejuvenated the interest in regional studies /projects, breathing new life into this concept. The investment is multiplied by focusing on regional projects, training new scientists and evaluating new approaches such as ecological site descriptions and dynamic soil properties. This topic highlights existing and legacy studies as well as potential future research needs.