An Introduction to USDA/NRCS Coastal Zone Soil Survey.

The concept of gathering coastal zone and subaqueous soil survey data is not revolutionary but rather evolutionary. Initially, soil survey publications along the immediate coast overlooked many coastal soil areas and focused on "agricultural lands." Sparse soil survey work done through the National Cooperative Soil Survey (NCSS) and continuous ongoing research by Universities since the 1990's has developed advanced mapping and classification protocols in coastal zone areas. Recent work has provided new updates to soil survey information along the coast, but still not to the extent or volume of information that is associated with subaerial soil surveys.

Coastal Zone Soil Surveys (CZSS) are soil inventory maps of nearshore or subaqueous soils (permanently submerged), along with adjacent subaerial / terrestrial soils which include tidal marshes, barrier islands / beaches, and some near lagoon mainland upland (non-hydric) areas. The current need for timely and reliable CZSS data such as spatial mapping, tabular data, and interpretations is widely recognized as critical for mitigating hazards, creating resources inventories, guiding restoration efforts, and tracking environmental changes. A major limitation to science-based management of shallow water habitats and near shore areas has been a lack of definitive information on the properties and spatial distribution of subaqueous and tidal marsh soils as well as more detailed soil data on adjacent terrestrial areas. Characterized by high population densities and associated high property values, the coastal areas of the United States are in need of reliable soil survey data which will benefit a significant number of non-traditional USDA-NRCS customers. The current soil survey information is inadequate to meet these needs.

The main objective and goal of this new initiative is to significantly enhance the current soil survey inventory in the coastal zone area creating a product useful for estuarine managers in future restoration efforts.