Development and Application of Automated Wetland Delineation Data Forms Improves Hydric Soil Identification.

Hydric soil delineations conducted in the United States utilize field indicators of hydric soils. The current study describes the capabilities of a set of ten regional automated wetland delineation data forms, and provides examples of how field indicators of hydric soils are calculated. Additionally, testing was conducted using a dataset of 270 individual wetland delineations. Test results demonstrate that 1) the automated data forms correctly identified hydric soil indicators based upon user inputs (including commonly combined hydric soil indicators); 2) helped guide non-soil scientists in data collection, analysis, and interpretation of results; and 3) provide a useful screening tool for hydric soil evaluation. The most common errors identified during the testing phase included incomplete data submissions, incorrectly identified indicators of hydric soil, and overlooked indicators of hydric soil. Automated data forms improve accuracy and efficiency in hydric soil identification and wetland delineation for both soil scientists and the general public.