Field methods
We use the following field methods consistent with those published by the NRCS. Please consult the references listed at the end of this page to learn more about sampling and description.
Sampling and Extraction
Soil sampling experimental design methods should consult the SSSA big brown book and the soil survey lab manual.
Modern surface and buried soil is sampled using augers, slide-hammer coring and pits. See section 2-1 in the maroon book for details. Also, see the following resources regarding soil extraction: Soil Survey Field and Lab Methods Manual (pages 10-13)
Bulk density samples of modern surface and buried soil are collected using the core or clod methods. Consult the NRCS field and lab methods manual or a geoarchaeological textbook for proper bulk soil or thin-section sampling techniques.
References
Beverly, E.J., Lukens, W.E., Stinchcomb, G.E., 2018, Paleopedology as a Tool for Reconstructing Paleoenvironments and Paleoecology: D. A. Croft et al. (eds.), Methods in Paleoecology: Reconstructing Cenozoic Terrestrial Environments and Ecological Communities, Vertebrate Paleobiology and Paleoanthropology, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-94265-0_9
Dane, H., SSSA (Ed. in Chief), Dane, H., Topp, G. and Warren, A., 2002. Methods of Soil Analysis Part-4 Physical Methods: SSSA Book Series-5. Soil Science Society of America.
Schoeneberger, P.J., D.A. Wysocki, E.C. Benham, and Soil Survey Staff. 2012. Field book for describing and sampling soils, Version 3.0. Natural Resources Conservation Service, National Soil Survey Center, Lincoln, NE.
Schoeneberger, P.J., and Wysocki, D.A. 2017. Geomorphic Description System, Version 5.0. Natural Resources Conservation Service, National Soil Survey Center, Lincoln, NE.
Soil Survey Staff. 2009. Soil Survey Field and Laboratory Methods Manual. Soil Survey Investigations Report No. 51, Version 1.0. R. Burt (ed.). U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Soil Survey Staff. 2014. Kellogg Soil Survey Laboratory Methods Manual. Soil Survey Investigations Report No. 42, Version 5.0. R. Burt and Soil Survey Staff (ed.). U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Description
Geomorphic context of the soil profile should be described following Schoeneberger and Wysocki (2017). The maroon book contains detailed text on how to describe soil profiles and their site context. Students should use this book (copies available for loan in lab) when describing soils.
Students who describe paleosols should read Beverly et al. (2018), which details the challenges of describing, analyzing and interpreting fossilized soils.
References
Beverly, E.J., Lukens, W.E., Stinchcomb, G.E., 2018, Paleopedology as a Tool for Reconstructing Paleoenvironments and Paleoecology: D. A. Croft et al. (eds.), Methods in Paleoecology: Reconstructing Cenozoic Terrestrial Environments and Ecological Communities, Vertebrate Paleobiology and Paleoanthropology, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-94265-0_9
Dane, H., SSSA (Ed. in Chief), Dane, H., Topp, G. and Warren, A., 2002. Methods of Soil Analysis Part-4 Physical Methods: SSSA Book Series-5. Soil Science Society of America.
Schoeneberger, P.J., D.A. Wysocki, E.C. Benham, and Soil Survey Staff. 2012. Field book for describing and sampling soils, Version 3.0. Natural Resources Conservation Service, National Soil Survey Center, Lincoln, NE.
Schoeneberger, P.J., and Wysocki, D.A. 2017. Geomorphic Description System, Version 5.0. Natural Resources Conservation Service, National Soil Survey Center, Lincoln, NE.
Soil Survey Staff. 2009. Soil Survey Field and Laboratory Methods Manual. Soil Survey Investigations Report No. 51, Version 1.0. R. Burt (ed.). U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Soil Survey Staff. 2014. Kellogg Soil Survey Laboratory Methods Manual. Soil Survey Investigations Report No. 42, Version 5.0. R. Burt and Soil Survey Staff (ed.). U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service.