Land and homesite evaluation is an event designed to “evaluate” a soil or set of soils. The purpose of land and homesite evaluation is to teach an individual to recognize soil factors and to evaluate soil characteristics. This will allow the individual to make wise decisions in managing and in using the soil or the land. Wise decisions in land use will help conserve Idaho’s most valuable natural resource—our soils. Land evaluation can help individuals understand:

1. Basic soil differences.

2. How physical and chemical soil properties affect crop growth.

3. Why various soils respond differently to management practices.

4. The influence of land topographic features on production, land protection, geology, and native vegetation.

5. Soil and water conservation practices.

6. Proper land use and treatment.

7. How soil properties may be used as a basis for making a better selection of homesites.