Wednesday, November 7, 2007
302-10

Pilot Studies for Dynamic Soil Properties: Lessons Learned for Soil Survey.

Arlene J. Tugel1, Ellis Benham, Cathy Seybold, Cathy Scott, Fred Young, Allan Johnston, Brian Gardner, Deborah Page-Dumroese2, Karl Hipple3, and Pete Biggam4. (1) 3JER NMSU, USDA-NRCS, NRCS Jornada Exp Range, Box 30003, Las Cruces, NM 88003-0003, (2) USDA-FS (Forest Service), Rocky Mountain Research Statio, 1221 S Main, Moscow, ID 83843, (3) National Soil Survey Center, USDA-NRCS, 9310 Benziger Dr, Lincoln, NE 68526, (4) USDI-NPS, Denver, CO 80225

Soil survey data collection procedures to describe management effects on soil are under development. Four pilot studies have been conducted to help craft, test, and refine sampling protocols. The pilots include Big Bend National Park (TX, 2002-2004); Arches National Park (UT, 2005-2006); Springfield Plateau (MO, 2006-2007); and Northern Idaho (ID, 2006-2007). Plans are underway to initiate a pilot project on cropland. A summary of lessons learned from these studies is presented. Field methods, sampling efficiency, laboratory considerations, and data applications will be discussed. Dynamic soil property data will be used to interpret soil functions for resource planning and management.