An Advanced Look at Reading and Analyzing Soil Reports

Gain a deeper understanding of both soil reports and soil laboratory reports.

Soil is the basis of not only ecological and watershed functions, but also in human development. As such, a good understanding of the proper use of soil data and associated reports and assessments is essential to successful projects. This is the second in our series whose focus is to enlighten professionals on the use and understanding of soil management and soil reports. In the first topic, Reading and Understanding Soil Reports, we provided you with basic information on interpreting soil information contained in common soil reports. In this topic, we will provide a deeper look at important elements of a soil report. Laboratory analysis of on-site soil samples are normally in soil laboratory reports that may or may not be in the soil report or assessment. These results are often contained in the report's appendix section or in a separate document. Along with a review of common soil terms, a thorough discussion of laboratory terms is presented along with their importance to achieving your project's goals. Lastly, several examples of reports are presented to give you a variety of experiences in the types of soil reports you may encounter.

Learning Objectives

• You will be able to describe soil laboratory reports.
• You will be able to recognize how laboratory data is used in soil management reports.
• You will be able to discuss soil sampling techniques.
• You will be able to review soil terminology.