Field Bookfor Describing andSampling SoilsVersion 2.0National Soil Survey CenterNatural Resources Conservation ServiceU.S. Department of AgricultureSeptember2002USDA-NRCS i September 2002ACKNOWLEDGMENTSThe science and knowledge in this document are distilled from the collectiveexperience of thousands of dedicated Soil Scientists during the more than100 years of the National Cooperative Soil Survey Program.A special thanks isdue to these largely unknown stewards of the natural resources of this nation.This book was written, compiled, and edited by Philip J. Schoeneberger,Douglas A. Wysocki, Ellis C. Benham, NRCS, Lincoln, NE; and William D.Broderson, NRCS, Salt Lake City, UT.Special thanks and recognition are extended to those who contributedextensively to the preparation and production of this book:the 75 soil scientistsfrom the NRCS along with NCSS cooperators who reviewed and improved it;Tammy Nepple for document preparation and graphics; Howard Camp forgraphics; Jim Culver for sponsoring it; and the NRCS Soil Survey Division forfunding it.Proper citation for this document is:Schoeneberger, P.J., Wysocki, D.A., Benham, E.C., and Broderson, W.D.(editors), 2002.Field book for describing and sampling soils, Version 2.0.Natural Resources Conservation Service, National Soil Survey Center,Lincoln, NE.Cover Photo:Soil profile of a Segno fine sandy loam (Plinthic Paleudalf)showing reticulate masses or blocks of plinthite at 30 inches (profile tape is infeet).Courtesy of Frankie F. Wheeler (retired), NRCS, Temple TX; andLarry Ratliff (retired), National Soil Survey Center, Lincoln, NE.Use of trade or firm names is for reader information only, and does not constituteendorsement or recommended use by the U.S. Department of Agriculture of anycommercial product or service.The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs andactivities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, politicalbeliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to allprograms.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication ofprogram information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDAs TARGETCenter at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 orcall (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.USDA-NRCS ii September 2002FOREWORDPurpose:The following instructions, definitions, concepts, and codes are afield guide for making or reading soil descriptions and sampling soils aspresently practiced in the USA.Background:The methodology of soil descriptions was developed by soilscientists during the entire course of the Soil Survey Program. The USDApublished small booklets of Instructions to Field Parties, including soildescriptions, in 1902-1904, 1906, and 1914. The first USDA guide foridentification and description for soil horizons was released in 1937(Bureau of Chemistry and Soils, 1937). Roy Simonson and others latersummarized and revised this information (Soil Survey Staff, 1951; SoilSurvey Staff, 1962).Very brief, color book inserts with shorthand notationwere released by the Soil Conservation Service (e.g., Spartanburg, SC,1961; Western Technical Center, Portland, OR, 1974). This document isan expanded, and updated version of earlier guides that summarizes thepresent knowledge base. This version (2.0) includes minor corrections andrecent updates to the original 1998 release (ver. 1.1; Schoeneberger, etal., 1998) and updates in source documents.Standards:This book summarizes and updates the current National Coopera-tive Soil Survey conventions for describing soils (SSM, 1993; NSSH,2001; PDP 3.6, 1996; NASIS (5.0)).Much of the content is an abbrevia-tion of the primary sources.Regarding PEDON (PDP 3.5 / 3.6): This document is intended to be bothcurrent and usable by the entire soil science community. It is not a guideon How to use PDP or NASIS.At this time, PDP is the most dated andtherefore the least compatible NRCS document relative to the Soil SurveyManual, National Soil Survey Handbook, Soil Taxonomy, and NASIS.Differences and linkages between PDP 3.6 and NASIS are shown, wherereasonable to do so, as an aid to interpreting and converting historicaldata.Standard procedures and terms for describing soils have changed andincreased in recent years (e.g., redoximorphic features).Coincident withthese changes has been the development and use of computer databasesto store soil descriptions and information.The nature of databases, forbetter or worse, requires consistent and correct use of terms.Sources:This Field Book draws from several primary sources:The SoilSurvey Manual (Soil Survey Staff, 1993); the PEDON Description Program(PDP) Version 4 Design Documents (Soil Survey Staff, 1996); and theUSDA-NRCS iii September 2002National Soil Survey Handbook (NSSH) Parts 618 and 629 (Soil SurveyStaff, 2001).Other less pervasive sources are footnoted throughout theField Book to encourage access to original information.Brevity:In a field book, brevity is efficiency.Despite this books apparentlength, the criteria, definitions, and concepts presented here arecondensed.We urge users to review the more comprehensive informationin the original sources to avoid errors due to our brevity.Units:It is critical to specify and consistently use units for describing a soil.Metric units are preferred.NASIS requires metric units.(In PDP, you canchoose Metric or English units.)Format:The Site Description Section and Profile Description Section in thisbook generally follow conventional profile description format andsequence (e.g., SCS-Form 232, December 1984).Some data elements(descriptors) are rearranged in this document into a sequence that is morecompatible with the description process in the field (e.g., HorizonBoundary is next to Horizon Depth, rather than at the very end).Thissequence is somewhat different from and does not supersede theconventions followed in writing formal soil descriptions for Soil SurveyReports or Official Soil Series Descriptions (i.e., National Soil SurveyHandbook, Part 614; Soil Survey Staff, 2001).Codes:Short-hand notation is listed in the Code column for each descriptor.Long-standing, conventional codes are retained because of theirwidespread recognition.Some codes of recent origin have been changedto make them more logical.Some data elements have different codes invarious systems [e.g., conventional (Conv.) vs. NASIS vs. PEDONDescription Program codes (PDP)] and several columns may be shown tofacilitate conversions.The preferred standard code column is shownbold.If only 1 untitled code column is shown, it can be assumed that theconventional, NASIS, and PDP codes are all the same.Standard Terms vs. Creativity:Describe and record what you observe.Choice lists in this document are a minimal set of descriptors.Useadditional descriptors, notes, and sketches to record pertinent informationand/or features for which no data element exists.Record such informationas free-hand notes under Miscellaneous Field Notes (or User DefinedEntries in PDP).Changes:Soil Science is an evolving field.Changes to this Field Book shouldand will occur.Please send comments or suggestions to the Director,National Soil Survey Center, USDA-NRCS; 100 Centennial Mall North,Rm. 152; Lincoln, NE68508-3866.USDA-NRCS iv September 2002TABLE OF CONTENTSACKNOWLEDGMENTS ................................................................. iFOREWORD...................................................................................... iiSITE DESCRIPTION.................................................................... 11Describer(s) Name ......................................................................... 11Date ................................................................................................ 11Climate .............................................................................................. 11Weather Conditions ................................................................... 11Air Temperature.......................................................................... 11Soil Temperature ........................................................................ 11[Soil Temperature, Soil Temperature Depth]Location............................................................................................ 12[Latitude, Longitude, Datum Name]Topographic Quadrangle ............................................................. 12Soil Survey Site Identification Number ................................... 12County FIPS Code ......................................................................... 13MLRA ................................................................................................ 13Transects ......................................................................................... 13[Transect ID, Stop Number, Interval]Series Name .................................................................................... 14Geomorphic Information ............................................................. 14Physiographic Location ............................................................ 14[Physiographic Division, Physiographic Province,Physiographic Section, State Physiographic Area,Local Physiographic/Geographic Name]Geomorphic Description ........................................................... 14[Landscape, Landform, Microfeature, AnthropogenicFeature]Surface Morphometry................................................................ 14[Elevation, Slope Aspect, Slope Gradient, SlopeComplexity, Slope Shape, Hillslope - Profile Position,Geomorphic Component (Hills, Terraces and SteppedLandforms, Mountains, Flat Plains), Microrelief]Water Status .................................................................................. 110Drainage .................................................................................... 110Flooding ..................................................................................... 111[Frequency, Duration, Months]Ponding...................................................................................... 112[Frequency, Depth, Duration]USDA-NRCS v September 2002(Soil) Water State .................................................................... 113Depth To Water Table.............................................................. 114(Seasonal) High Water Table - Kind ............................... 114Vegetation / Land Cover ............................................................ 115[Earth Cover - Kind, Plant Symbol, Plant Common Name, Plant Scientific Name]Parent Material ............................................................................. 117Bedrock ......................................................................................... 120[Kind, Fracture Interval Class, Bedrock Hardness,Weathering Class, Depth]Erosion ........................................................................................... 123[Kind, Degree, Class]Runoff ............................................................................................. 124Surface Runoff ......................................................................... 124The Index (Of) Surface Runoff Class................................... 125Surface Fragments (Formerly Surface Stoniness) ............ 125Diagnostic Horizons Or Properties ........................................ 126[Kind, Depth]References ..................................................................................... 127PROFILE / PEDON DESCRIPTION ....................................... 21Observation Method...................................................................... 21[Kind, Relative Size]Taxonomic Classification ............................................................ 22Horizon Nomenclature ................................................................. 22Master, Transitional, and Common Horizon Combinations 22Horizon Suffixes ......................................................................... 23Other Horizon Modifiers ........................................................... 24[Numerical Prefixes, Numerical Suffixes, The Prime]Diagnostic Horizons .................................................................. 24Horizon Depth ............................................................................ 24Horizon Thickness ..................................................................... 25Horizon Boundary ...................................................................... 25[Distinctness, Topography]Soil Color ......................................................................................... 27Decision Flowchart For Describing Soil Colors ................... 27(Soil) Matrix Color ..................................................................... 27[(Soil) Color, Moisture State, Location Or Condition]Mottles ......................................................................................... 29[Quantity, Size, Contrast, Color, Moisture State, Shape]Tabular List for Determination of Color Contrast .............. 212USDA-NRCS vi September 2002Redoximorphic Features - RMF (Discussion) ..................... 214Redoximorphic Features ........................................................... 215[Kind, Quantity, Size, Contrast, Color, Moisture State,Shape, Location, Hardness, Boundary]Concentrations (Discussion) ................................................... 218Concentrations ............................................................................. 219[Kind, Quantity (Percent Of Area Covered), Size,Contrast, Color, Moisture State, Shape, Location,Hardness, Boundary]Ped and Void Surface Features ............................................... 225[Kind, Amount, Continuity, Distinctness, Location, Color](Soil) Texture ................................................................................ 229Texture Class ............................................................................ 229Texture Triangle (Fine Earth) ................................................ 230Texture Modifiers ..................................................................... 230[% by Volume; Size & Quantity; Compositional]Terms Used In Lieu Of Texture ............................................. 234Comparison of Particle Size Class Systems (table) ......... 235Rock and Other Fragments.......................................................... 237[Kind, Volume Percent, Roundness, Size Classes,and Descriptive Terms](Soil) Structure............................................................................... 241[Type, Grade, Size]Consistence .................................................................................. 249Rupture Resistance ................................................................. 249[Blocks, Peds, and Clods, Surface Crust and Plates]Cementing Agents ................................................................... 251Manner Of Failure.................................................................... 252Stickiness .................................................................................. 253Plasticity .................................................................................... 253Penetration Resistance .......................................................... 254Excavation Difficulty ................................................................ 255Roots .............................................................................................. 256[Quantity, Size, Quantity (graphic), Location]Pores (Discussion) ...................................................................... 259Pores .............................................................................................. 259[Quantity, Size, Shape, Vertical Continuity]Cracks ............................................................................................. 261[Kind, Depth, Relative Frequency]Soil Crusts (Discussion) ........................................................... 264Soil Crusts ..................................................................................... 265Special Features .......................................................................... 267[Kind, Area (%) Occupied]USDA-NRCS vii September 2002Permeability / Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity ............... 268(Discussion)Permeability .................................................................................. 269Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity (Ksat) ............................... 269Chemical Response .................................................................... 270Reaction (pH) ........................................................................... 270Effervescence ........................................................................... 271[Class, Location, Chemical Agent]Reduced Conditions ................................................................ 272Salinity ....................................................................................... 272Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR) ............................................ 273Odor .............................................................................................. 273Miscellaneous Field Notes ........................................................ 273Minimum Data Set (For A Soil Description) ......................... 273Profile Description Data Sheet ................................................ 274Profile Description Example..................................................... 274Profile Description Report Example ...................................... 274 (For Soil Survey Reports)Pedon Description Data Sheet (blank) ...................................... 275Profile Description Example (completed) ............................. 277References ..................................................................................... 279GEOMORPHIC DESCRIPTION............................................... 31Geomorphic Description System .............................................31Part I:Physiographic Location ............................................... 32Part II:Geomorphic Description (Outline) ......................... 310Part II:Geomorphic Description .......................................... 311Part III:Surface Morphometry.............................................. 337References ..................................................................................... 344SOIL TAXONOMY .......................................................... 41Introduction....................................................................................41Horizon Nomenclature ................................................................. 41Master And Transitional Horizons........................................... 41Horizon Suffixes ......................................................................... 43Horizon Nomenclature Conversion Charts ........................... 45Texture Triangle:Soil Texture Family Classes.................... 47Combined Texture Triangles: Fine Earth Texture Classesand Soil Texture Family Classes ............................................ 48References ....................................................................................... 49GEOLOGY....................................................................................... 51Introduction..................................................................................... 51BedrockKind ................................................................................. 51SITEUSDA-NRCS viii September 2002SITERock Charts..................................................................................... 53Igneous Rocks Chart ................................................................. 54Metamorphic Rocks Chart ........................................................ 55Sedimentary And Volcaniclastic Rocks ................................. 56Mass Movement (Mass Wasting) Types For Soil Survey .... 57NorthAmerican Geologic Time Scale..................................... 58Till Terms ......................................................................................... 59Pyroclastic Terms ........................................................................ 510Hierarchical Rank of Lithostratigraphic Units .................... 511References ..................................................................................... 513LOCATION ...................................................................................... 61Public Land Survey ....................................................................... 61Townships and Ranges ............................................................. 61Sections ....................................................................................... 62Sub-Divisions.............................................................................. 63State Plane Coordinate System................................................. 64Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) RectangularCoordinate System.................................................................. 64References ....................................................................................... 65MISCELLANEOUS.............................................................................. 71Examples Of Percent Of Area Covered ................................... 71Measurement Equivalents & Conversions ............................. 72Metric To English ....................................................................... 72English To Metric ....................................................................... 73Common Conversion Factors .................................................. 74Guide To Map Scales And Minimum-Size Delineations ...... 77Common Soil Map Symbols (Traditional) ............................... 78FIELD SAMPLING........................................................................ 81Introduction..................................................................................... 81Soil Sampling.................................................................................. 81Soil Sample Kinds ..................................................................... 81Reference Samples ............................................................. 81Characterization Samples .................................................. 81Sampling Strategies .................................................................. 81Field Equipment Checklist .......................................................... 82Examples Of Common Field Sampling Equipment .............. 83References ....................................................................................... 84INDEX ................................................................................................. 9-1USDA-NRCS 1-1 September 2002SITE DESCRIPTIONCompiled by:P.J. Schoeneberger, D.A. Wysocki, E.C. Benham, NRCS,Lincoln, NE; W. D. Broderson, NRCS, Salt Lake City, UT.DESCRIBER(S) NAMENAME (or initials) - Record the observer(s) who makes the description;e.g., Erling E. Gamble or EEG.DATEMONTH / DAY / YEAR - Record the date of the observations.Use numericnotation (MM, DD, YYYY); e.g., 05/21/2002 (for May 21, 2002).CLIMATEDocument the prevailing, general weather conditions at the time ofobservation.(Not a data element in PDP; a site-condition which affectssome field methods; e.g., Ksat).Record the dominant Weather Conditionsand Air Temperature; e.g., Rain, 27 C.Weather Conditions Codesunny / clear SUpartly cloudy PCovercast OVrain RAsleet SLsnow SNAIR TEMPERATURE - The ambient air temperature at approximately chestheight (in degrees, Celsius or Fahrenheit); e.g., 27 C.SOIL TEMPERATURE - Record the ambient Soil Temperature and theDepth at which it is determined; e.g., 22 C, 50 cm.(NOTE:Soil Taxonomygenerally requires a depth of 50 cm.)Soil temperature should only bedetermined from a freshly excavated surface that reflects the ambient soilconditions.Avoid surfaces equilibrated with air temperatures.Soil Temperature - Record the soil temperature (in C or F).Soil Temperature Depth - Record the depth at which the ambient soiltemperature is measured; e.g., 50 cm.USDA-NRCS 1-2 September 2002LOCATIONRecord the geographical location of the point / area of interest as preciselyas possible.Latitude and longitude are preferred [record in degrees,minutes, seconds (decimal seconds), direction, and associated datum].LATITUDE - e.g., 46 10' 19.38" N. Lat.LONGITUDE - e.g., 95 23' 47.16" W. Long.NOTE:Latitude and Longitude are required in NASIS.For other locationdescriptors (e.g., Public Land Survey, UTM, Metes and Bounds, State PlaneCoordinates, etc.), see the Location Section.DATUM NAME (called Horizontal_datum_namein NASIS)- Critical:Record the reference datum forlatitude and longitude from either topo-graphic map or GPS configuration used; e.g., NAD 1983 (North AmericaDatum, 1983) for most of USA.TOPOGRAPHIC QUADRANGLERecord the appropriate topographic map name (i.e., Quadrangle Name)covering the observation site (commonly a USGS topographic map).Includethe scale (or map series) and the year printed; e.g., Pollard Creek - NW;TX; 1:24,000; 1972.SOIL SURVEY SITE IDENTIFICATION NUMBERAn identification number must be assigned if samples are collected foranalyses at the National Soil Survey Laboratory (Soil Survey Staff, 1995).This identifier consists of four required and one optional part.These are:1) The letter S (for soil characterization sample) and the four-digit(formerly 2-digit) calendar year; e.g., S2001 (for 2001).2) The two-character state abbreviation; e.g., OK (for Oklahoma).For non-USA samples, use the abbreviation FN.3) The three-digit county FIPS code; e.g., 061 (for Haskell County,OK).For non-USA samples, use the appropriate three-digit GSAworld-wide geographical location code (Public Building Service,1996).4) A three-digit, sequential code to identify the individual pedonssampled within the county or other survey area during any givencalendar year; e.g., 005.(NOTE:This sequential code startsover with 001 each January 1.)USDA-NRCS 1-3 September 20025) (Optional) A one-character sub-sample code.This is generallyused to indicate some relationship (such as satellite samples)between sampling sites; e.g., A.A complete example is S2001OK061005A.[Translation:A pedon sampledfor soil characterization during 2001 (S2001), from Oklahoma (OK), inHaskell County (061), the fifth pedon (005) sampled in that county during2001, and it is a satellite sample (A) related to the primary pedon.]COUNTY FIPS CODEThis is the three-digit FIPS code for the county (National Institute ofStandards and Technology, 1990) in a U.S. state in which the pedon or siteis located.It is usually an odd number; e.g., 061 (for Haskell County, OK).For non-USA samples, enter FN followed by the appropriate three-digit GSAworld-wide geographical location code (Public Building Service, 1996); e.g.,FN260 (for Canada).MLRAThis is the one- to three-digit (and one-character sub-unit, if applicable)Major Land Resource Area identifier (SCS, 1981); e.g., 58C (for NorthernRolling High Plains - Northeastern Part).TRANSECTSIf the soil description is a point along a transect, record appropriate transectinformation: Transect ID, Stop Number, Interval. In NASIS, additionalinformation can be recorded: Transect Kind [random point (R), regularinterval (I)], Transect Section Method [biased (B), random, (R)],Delineation Size (acres), Transect Direction [compass heading; ()].TRANSECT ID - This is a four- to five-digit number that identifies thetransect; e.g., 0029 (the 29th transect within the survey area).STOP NUMBER - If the sample/pedon is part of a transect, enter the two-digit stop number along the transect; e.g., 07.(NOTE:NASIS allows up to13 characters.)INTERVAL - Record distances between observation points, compassbearings, and GPS coordinates; or draw a route map in the Field Notes(User Defined Section).In PDP, if the observation is part of a transect,enter the distance (in feet or meters) between points; e.g., 30 m.Geomorph.USDA-NRCS 1-4 September 2002SERIES NAMEThis is the assumed Soil Series name at the time of the description; e.g.,Cecil.If unknown, enter SND for Series Not Designated. [In NASIS, SNDis not used; use an appropriate Soil Taxonomic taxa; e.g. Udorthents.]NOTE:The field-assigned series name may ultimately change afteradditional data collection and lab analyses.GEOMORPHIC INFORMATIONSee the Geomorphology Section for complete choice lists.Codes areshown following each example.Conventional codes traditionally consist ofthe entire name; e.g., mountains.PART 1:PHYSIOGRAPHIC LOCATIONPhysiographic Division - e.g., Interior Plains or I NPhysiographic Province - e.g., Central Lowland or CLPhysiographic Section - e.g., Wisconsin Driftless Section or WDSState Physiographic Area (Opt.) - e.g., Wisconsin DellsLocal Physiographic / Geographic Name (Opt.) - e.g., Bobs RidgePART 2:GEOMORPHIC DESCRIPTIONLandscape - e.g., Foothills or FHLandform - e.g., Ridge or RIMicrofeature - e.g., Mound or MAnthropogenic Feature - e.g., Midden or HPART 3:SURFACE MORPHOMETRYElevation - The height of a point on the earths surface, relative tomean sea level (MSL).Use specific units; e.g., 106 m or 348 ft.Recommended methods:Interpolation from topographic map contours;altimeter reading tied to a known datum.NOTE:At present,elevational determination by a sole Global Positioning System (GPS)unit is considered unacceptably inaccurate.Geomorph.USDA-NRCS 1-5 September 2002Slope Aspect - The compass direction (in degrees and accounting fordeclination) that a slope faces, looking downslope; e.g., 287.NORTHNNENEENEEASTESEWESTSOUTHNNWNWWNWWSWSWSSWSSESE689011313515818020322524827029331533802345Slope Gradient - The angle of the ground surface (in percent) throughthe site and in the direction that overland water would flow.Commonlycalled slope.Make observations facing downslope to avoid errorsassociated with some brands of clinometers; e.g., 18%.Slope Complexity - Describe the relative uniformity (smooth linear orcurvilinear = simple or S) or irregularity (complex or C) of the groundsurface leading downslope through the point of interest; e.g.,simple or S.(adapted from Wysocki , et al ., 2000)Simple vs. ComplexUSDA-NRCS 1-6 September 2002Slope Shape - Slope shape is described in two directions: up-and-downslope (perpendicular to the contour), and across slope (along thehorizontal contour); e.g., Linear, Convex or LV.CVL = Li nearV = ConvexC = ConcaveSurface fl owpathwayCCVCVVLVLCCLVLLL(adapted from Wysocki ,et al ., 2000)Hillslope - Profile Position (Hillslope Position in PDP) - Two-dimen-sional descriptors of parts of line segments (i.e., slope position) along atransect that runs up and down the slope; e.g., backslope or BS.This isbest applied to transects or points, not areas.Position Codesummit SUshoulder SHbackslope BSfootslope FStoeslope TSAl l uvi umSUSHBSFS TSChannelTSFSBSSHSU(adapted from Ruhe, 1975)USDA-NRCS 1-7 September 2002Geomorphic Component - Three-dimensional descriptors of parts oflandforms or microfeatures that are best applied to areas.Uniquedescriptors are available for Hills, Terraces, Mountains, and Flat Plains;e.g., (for Hills) nose slope or NS.HillsCodePDP NASISinterfluve I F I Fcrest CThead slope HS HSnose slope NS NSside slope SS SSfree face FFbase slope BSTerraces, Stepped Landforms Coderiser RItread TRHigher orderstreamLower order streambase slopesideslopenoseslopehead slopeinterfluvebase slopeAlluvialfill(adapted from Wysocki, et al., 2000)Colluviumandslopealluviumcrestfree faceTREADRISER100 yr Flood ZoneAnnualFloodPlainUplands TerracesFlood-Plain Steps(adapted from Wysocki; et al., 2000)USDA-NRCS 1-8 September 2002Mountains Codemountaintop MTmountainflank MFupper third - mountainflank UTcenter third - mountainflank CTlower third - mountainflank LTfree face FFmountainbase MB(colluvial apron)(flood plain)(mountain sideslopes)(crest, summit) bare rock residuum short-transportcolluvium colluvium mantled slopescomplex slopeslong slopesrock outcrops (free faces)structural benches thick colluviummountaintopmountainflankmountainbasecolluviumalluvium(adapted from Wysocki, et al., 2000)free faceUSDA-NRCS 1-9 September 2002Flat Plains Codedip DPrise RItalf TFMicrorelief - Small, relative differences in elevation between adjacent areason the earths surface; e.g., micro-high or MH; or micro-low or ML.microhigh MHmicrolow MLDrainage Pattern The arrangement of drainage channels on the land surface;also called drainage network. (See graphics p. 342).Drainage Pattern Codeannular artificial centripetal dendritic deranged karst parallel pinnate radial rectangular thermokarst trellis very low gradients (e.g. slope 01%) deranged, non-integrated, or incipient drainage network high areas are broad and low (e.g. slope 13%) Sediments commonly lacustrine, alluvial, eolian, or tillrisediprisetalfWATERWATER(adapted from Wysocki, et al., 2000)WaterUSDA-NRCS 1-10 September 2002WaterWATER STATUSDRAINAGE - An estimate of the natural drainage class (i.e., the prevailingwetness conditions) of a soil; e.g., somewhat poorly drained or SP.Drainage Class CodePDP CONV.Very Poorly Drained VP VPPoorly Drained P PDSomewhat Poorly Drained SP SPModerately Well Drained MW MWWell Drained W WDSomewhat Excessively Drained SE SEExcessively Drained E EDThe following definitions are from the traditional, national criteria for NaturalSoil Drainage Classes (Soil Survey Staff, 1993).More specific, regionaldefinitions and criteria vary.(Contact an NRCS State Office for specific, localcriteria.)Very Poorly Drained - Water is at or near the soil surface during muchof the growing season.Internal free-water is very shallow and persis-tent or permanent.Unless the soil is artificially drained, most meso-phytic crops cannot be grown.Commonly, the soil occupies a depres-sion or is level.If rainfall is persistent or high, the soil can be sloping.Poorly Drained - The soil is wet at shallow depths periodically duringthe growing season or remains wet for long periods.Internal free-wateris shallow or very shallow and common or persistent.Unless the soil isartificially drained, most mesophytic crops cannot be grown.The soil,however, is not continuously wet directly below plow depth.The watertable is commonly the result of low or very low saturated hydraulicconductivity class or persistent rainfall, or a combination of both factors.Somewhat Poorly Drained - The soil is wet at a shallow depth forsignificant periods during the growing season.Internal free-water iscommonly shallow to moderately deep and transitory to permanent.Unless the soil is artificially drained, the growth of most mesophyticplants is markedly restricted.The soil commonly has a low or very lowsaturated hydraulic conductivity class, or a high water table, or receiveswater from lateral flow, or persistent rainfall, or some combination ofthese factors.Moderately Well Drained - Water is removed from the soil somewhatslowly during some periods of the year.Internal free water commonly ismoderately deep and may be transitory or permanent.The soil is wet forUSDA-NRCS 1-11 September 2002NO 2only a short time within the rooting depth during the growing season, butlong enough that most mesophytic crops are affected.The soilcommonly has a moderately low, or lower, saturated hydraulic conduc-tivity class within 1 meter of the surface, or periodically receives highrainfall, or both.Well Drained - Water is removed from the soil readily, but not rapidly.Internal free-water commonly is deep or very deep; annual duration isnot specified.Water is available to plants in humid regions during muchof the growing season.Wetness does not inhibit growth of roots forsignificant periods during most growing seasons.Somewhat Excessively Drained - Water is removed from the soilrapidly.Internal free water commonly is very rare or very deep.Thesoils are commonly coarse-textured, and have high saturated hydraulicconductivity, or are very shallow.Excessively Drained - Water is removed from the soil very rapidly.Internal free water commonly is very rare or very deep.The soils arecommonly coarse-textured, and have very high saturated hydraulicconductivity class or are very shallow.FLOODING - Estimate the Frequency, Duration, and Months that floodingis expected; e.g., rare, brief, Jan. - March.Frequency - Estimate how often, typically, that it floods.Frequency Code Criteria:estimated,Class average number of floodPDP NASIS events per time span 1None NO No reasonable chance(e.g., < 1 time in 500 years)Very Rare VR 1 time in 500 years, but< 1 time in 100 yearsRare RA RA 1 to 5 times in 100 yearsOccasional 3OC OC > 5 to 50 times in 100 yearsFrequent 3, 4FR FR > 50 times in 100 yearsVery Frequent 4,5 VF > 50% of all months in year1Flooding Frequency is an estimate of the current condition, whethernatural or human-influenced (such as by dams or levees).2In PDP, None class (< 1 time in 100 years) spans both None andVery Rare NASIS classes.3Historically, Occasional and Frequent classes could be combinedand called Common; not recommended.4Very Frequent class takes precedence over Frequent, if applicable.5The Very Frequent class is intended for tidal flooding.USDA-NRCS 1-12 September 2002Duration - Estimate how long, typically, it stays flooded.Duration Code Criteria:Class estimated averageConv. PDP NASIS duration per flood eventExtremely Brief EB BE EB 0.1 to < 4 hoursVery Brief VB BV VB 4 to < 48 hoursBrief BR B B 2 to < 7 daysLong LO L L 7 to < 30 daysVery Long VL LV VL 30 daysMonths - Estimate the beginning and ending month(s) of the year thatflooding generally occurs; e.g., Dec. - Feb.PONDING - Estimate or monitor the Frequency, Depth, and Duration ofstanding water.In PDP, also note the months ponding generally occurs.Acomplete example is:occasional, 50 cm, brief, Feb - Apr.Frequency - Estimate how often, typically, it ponds.Frequency Code Criteria:estimatedClass average # of ponding eventsper time spanNone NO < 1 time in 100 yearsRare RA 1 to 5 times in 100 yearsOccasional OC > 5 to 50 times in 100 yearsFrequent FR > 50 times in 100 yearsDepth - Estimate the average, representative depth of ponded water atthe observation site and specify units; e.g., 1 ft or 30 cm.Duration - Estimate how long, typically, it stays ponded.Duration Code Criteria:Class estimated average time perConv. PDP NASIS ponding eventVery Brief VB BV VB < 2 daysBrief BR B B 2 to < 7 daysLong LO L L 7 to < 30 daysVery Long VL LV VL 30 daysUSDA-NRCS 1-13 September 2002(SOIL) WATER STATE - ( Called Observed Soil Moisture Status in NASIS.)Estimate the water state of the soil at the time of observation; e.g., wet,satiated.Soil temperature must be above 0 C.To record conditions withtemperatures < 0 C (frozen water); for permanently frozen conditions, seeTexture Modifiers or Terms Used in Lieu of Texture in the ProfileDescription Section.NOTE:Criteria have changed.Water State Code Criteria: Traditional Criteria:Class Conv. NASIS tension tension and fieldDry 1D D > 1500 kPa > 15 bars of tension 2(= 1500 kPa)Moist 1M 1500 kPa to Former Usage: > 1/3 to> 1.0 kPa 15 bars of tension(or > 0.5 kPa 3) (33 to 1500 kPa) (fieldcapacity to wilting point)Wet W M 4 1.0 kPa 0 - 1/3 bars tension(or < 0.5 kPa 3) (< 33 kPa)(field capacity or wetter) Wet: WN > 0.01 and No Free Water: Non- 1.0 kPa Water films are visible; satiated 5(or < 0.5 kPa 3) sand grains and pedsglisten, but no free wateris presentWet: WS W 0.01 kPa Free Water:Satiated 5Free water easily visible1Additional subclasses of water state can be recognized for Dry and Moistclasses, if desired (Soil Survey Staff, 1993; p. 91).2Convention assumes 15 bars of tension as the wilting point for mostannual, agricultural row-crops.Caution: Various perennials, shrubs, trees,and other native vegetation have wilting points up to 66 bars tension (=6600 kPa) or more.3Use the 1 kPa limit for all textures, except those coarser than loamy finesand (which use 0.5 kPa limit; Soil Survey Staff, 1993; p. 90).4NASIS uses the same 3 class names (Dry, Moist, Wet) but lumps the wet-non-satiated sub-class with the Moist class.5Satiation vs. Saturation:Satiation implies minor amounts of entrappedair in the smallest pores.True saturation implies no entrapped air.Satiation, for practical purposes, is saturation.Temporal monitoring of awater table by piezometer or other accepted methods may be needed toverify saturation.Related terms used for classifying soils (i.e., SoilTaxonomy) include: Endosaturation is saturation in all layers to > 200 cm(80 inches).Episaturation requires saturated layers that overlie unsatur-ated layers within the upper 2 m (80 inches).Anthric saturation, a variantofepisaturation, is saturation due to management-induced flooding (e.g.,for rice or cranberry production).Veg.USDA-NRCS 1-14 September 2002Veg.DEPTH TO WATER TABLE - Measure or estimate the depth from theground surface to the stabilized contact with free-standing water in an openbore-hole or well.Historically, record Seasonal High Water Table - Kind,and Frequency (duration, beginning month, and days); specify units (e.g.,cm, ft). If seasonally variable water is absent at time of observation, it iscommon practice to estimate prevailing water table conditions based uponsoil morphology (e.g., presence of Redoximorphic Features of chroma 2)in lieu of water table monitoring data.NOTE:Within NRCSs PDP and NASIS databases the traditionaldesignation of Seasonal High Water Table - Kind and Frequency arereplaced.In PDP (PEDON), all water table information is recorded in atemporal table.Record Depth to Stabilized Free Water and Date ofObservation.In NASIS, all water table information is replaced by(Soil) Water State (dry, moist or wet), for each layer, at time ofobservation; e.g., layer A is moist, layer B is wet, layer C is dry. Formap unit component descriptions, soil water state is recorded, bylayer, on a monthly basis in NASIS.(Seasonal) High Water Table - Kind - Traditional types of intermittent(e.g., seasonal) high water tables (Soil Survey Staff, 1983); obsolete inNASIS.Kind Code Criteria:PDPapparent A Level of stabilized water in a fresh, unlined borehole.artesian The final level within a cased boreholeto which the water risesabove animpermeable layer due to a positivehydrostatic head.perched P A water table that lies above anunsaturated zone.The water tablewill fall if the borehole is extended.ponding 1 Standing water in a closed depressionon top of the soil.1A kind of intermittent water table, but not a seasonal high watertable (Soil Survey Staff, 1983).USDA-NRCS 1-15 September 2002P.M./Geol.VEGETATION / LAND COVEREARTH COVER - KIND - Record the dominant land cover at the site; e.g.,intermixed hardwoods and conifers.(Similar to Landuse in PDP.)Kind 1Code Kind 1CodeARTIFICIAL COVER (A) - Nonvegetative cover; due to human activity.rural transportation - roads, ARU urban and built-up - cities, AURrailroads farmsteads, industryBARREN LAND (B) - < 5% vegetative cover naturallyor from construction.culturally induced - saline BCI other barren - salt flats, BOBseeps, mines, quarries, mudflats, slickspots,and oil-waste areas badlandspermanent snow or ice BPS rock BRKsand or gravel BSGCROP COVER (C) - includes entire cropping cycle (land prep, crop, or cropresidue) for annual or perennial herbaceous plants.close-grown crop - wheat, CCG row crop - corn, cotton, CRCrice, oats, and rye; soybeans, tomatoes, andsmall grains other truck crops, tulipsGRASS / HERBACEOUS COVER (G) - > 50% grass, grass-like (sedge/rushes),or forb cover, mosses, lichens, ferns; non-woody.hayland - alfalfa, fescue, GHL rangeland, savanna - GRSbromegrass, timothy 10 to 20% tree covermarshland - grasses and GML rangeland, shrubby - GRHgrass-like plants 20 to 50% shrub coverpastureland, tame - fescues, GPL rangeland, tundra GRTbromegrass, timothy, andlespedezarangeland, grassland; GRG other grass and herbaceous GOH< 10% trees, < 20% shrubs; cover rangeland used for haylandSHRUB COVER (S) - > 50% shrub or vine canopy cover.crop shrubs - filberts, SCS native shrubs - shrub live SNSblueberry, ornamental oak, mesquite, sage-brush,nursery stock creosote bush; rangeland> 50% shrub covercrop vines - grapes, SCV other shrub cover SOSblackberries, raspberriesUSDA-NRCS 1-16 September 2002P.M./Geol.TREE COVER (T) - > 25% canopy cover by woody plants,natural or planted.conifers - spruce, pine, fir TCO swamp - trees, shrubs TSWcrop, trees - nuts, fruit, TCR tropical - mangrove and TTRnursery, Christmas trees royal palmshardwoods - oak, hickory, THW other tree cover TOCelm, aspenintermixed hardwoods and TIMconifers - oak-pine mixWATER (W) - water at the soil surface; includes seasonally frozen water.1Land Cover Kinds are presented at two levels of detail:Bolded tablesubheadings are the NASIS - Level 1 choices (NSSH, Part 622.16; SoilSurvey Staff, 2001b).Individual choices under the subheadings are theNASIS - Level 2 choices.PLANT SYMBOL - Record the codes (scientific plant name abbreviations)for the major plant species found at the site (NRCS, 2001b, 2001c); e.g.,ANGE (Andropogon gerardii or big bluestem).NOTE:This is the primaryplant data element in NASIS.PLANT COMMON NAME - Record the common names of the major plantspecies found at the site [NRCS, 2001c (electronic file)]; e.g., cottonwood,big bluestem.This item may be recorded as a secondary data element toaugment the Plant Symbol.CAUTION:Multiple common names exist forsome plants; not all common names for a given plant are in the nationalPLANTS database.PLANT SCIENTIFIC NAME - Record the scientific plant name along with orin lieu of common names; e.g., Acer rubrum (Red Maple).[NOTE:Althoughused in the past, scientific names of plants (Natural Resources ConservationService, 1995) are not presently recorded by the NRCS; e.g., PDP has nodata element for and does not recognize scientific plant names.](NOTE:NASIS codes for common plant names are derived from the scientificnames.)USDA-NRCS 1-17 September 2002PARENT MATERIALRecord the Kind(s) and Lithostratigraphic Unit(s) of unconsolidated material(regolith) from which the soil is derived.[Note: Lithostratigraphic Units: e.g.Formation, Member, etc.; see p. 5-11; Proposed in NASIS currently recordedunder Misc. Field Notes.] If the soil is derived directly from the underlyingbedrock (e.g., granite), identify the Parent Material as either grus, saprolite, orresiduum and then record the appropriate Bedrock - Kind choice.Multipleparent materials, if present, should be denoted; e.g., loess, over colluvium, overresiduum.Use numerical prefixes in the Horizon designations to denote differentparent materials (lithologic discontinuities); e.g., A, BE, 2Bt, 2BC, 3C; PeoriaLoess, or Calvert Formation.KIND - e.g., saprolite, loess, colluvium.Kind 1Code Kind 1 CodePDP NASIS PDPNASIS EOLIAN DEPOSITS (non-volcanic)eolian deposit E EOD loess, calcareous CLOeolian sands S EOS loess, noncalcareous NLOloess W LOE parna PARGLACIAL DEPOSITSdrift D GDR till, basal BTIglaciofluvial deposit GFD till, flow FTIglaciolacustrine deposit GLD till, lodgement LTIglaciomarine deposit GMD till, melt-out MTIoutwash G OTW till, subglacial GTIsupraglacial debris-flow SGF till, supraglacial UTItill T TIL till, supraglacial meltout PTItill, ablation ATIIN-PLACE DEPOSITS (non-transported)grus 2 GRU saprolite 2 SAPresiduum 2X RESMASS MOVEMENT DEPOSITS 3 (See Mass Movement Types tables, p. 5-7)MISCELLANEOUS MASS MOVEMENT DEPOSITScolluvium V COL slump block SLBscree SCR talus TALMASS MOVEMENT DEPOSIT (Unspecified Landslide) MMDUSDA-NRCS 1-18 September 2002MASS MOVEMENT DEPOSITS (continued)COMPLEX LANDSLIDE DEPOSITS CLDFALL DEPOSITS FADdebris fall deposit DLD soil fall deposit (=earth fall ) SFDrock fall deposit RFDFLOW DEPOSITS FLDearthflow deposit EFD debris avalanche deposit DADcreep deposit CRP debris flow deposit DFDmudflow deposit MFD lahar LAHsand flow deposit RWD rockfallavalanche deposit RADsolifluction deposit SODSLIDE DEPOSITS SRotational Slide deposit RLDTranslational Slide dep. TSDrotational debris RDD translational debris TDDslidedeposit slidedepositrotational earth RED translational earth TEDslidedeposit slidedepositrotational rock RRD translational rock TRDslidedeposit slidedepositblock glide deposit BGDSPREAD DEPOSITS (=lateral spread) LSDdebris spread deposit DPD rock spread deposit RSDearth spread deposit ESDTOPPLE DEPOSITS TODdebris topple deposit DTD rock topple deposit RTDearth topple(=soil topple) ETD MISCELLANEOUS DEPOSITScryoturbate CRY mine spoil or earthy fill F MSEdiamicton DIMORGANIC DEPOSITS 4coprogenic materials COM organic, grassy materials OGMdiatomaceous earth DIE organic, herbaceous mat. OHMmarl MAR organic, mossy materials OMMorganic materials O ORM organic, woody materials OWMUSDA-NRCS 1-19 September 2002VOLCANIC DEPOSITS (unconsolidated; eolian and mass movement)ash (< 2 mm) H ASH cinders (2-64 mm) CINash, acidic ASA lahar LAH(volcaniclastic mudflow)ash, andesitic ASN lapilli LAP(2-64 mm, > 2.0 sg) 5ash, basaltic ASB pyroclastic flow PYFash, basic ASC pyroclastic surge PYSash flow (pyroclastic) ASF pumice (< 1.0 sg) 5 PUMbombs (> 64 mm) BOM scoria (> 2.0 sg) 5 SCOtephra (all ejecta) TEPWATER LAID or TRANSPORTED DEPOSITSalluvium A ALL lacustrine deposit L LADbackswamp deposit BSD marine deposit M MADbeach sand BES overbank deposit OBDestuarine deposit Z ESD pedisediment PEDfluviomarine deposit slope alluvium SALgreensands valley side alluvium VSA1Parent material definitions are found in the Glossary of Landforms andGeologic Terms, NSSH - Part 629 (Soil Survey Staff, 2001), or theGlossary of Geology (Jackson, 1997).2Use the most precise term for the in situ material.Residuum is the mostgeneric term.3Cruden and Varnes, 1996.4These generic terms refer to the dominant origin of the organic materialsor deposits from which the organic soil has formed (i.e. parent material)(Soil Survey Staff, 1993).These terms partially overlap with thoserecognized in Soil Taxonomy (terms which refer primarily to what theorganic material presently is); see the Diagnostic Horizons or Proper-ties table.5sg = specific gravity = the ratio of a materials density to that of water[weight in air / (weight in air - weight in water)].USDA-NRCS 1-20 September 2002BEDROCKDescribe the nature of the continuous hard rock underlying the soil.Specifythe Kind, Fracture Interval, Hardness, and Weathering Class. Also recordLithostratigraphic unit(s) if possible (e.g. Formation, Member, etc.; see p. 511); e.g. Dakota Formation. Proposed in NASIS; currently recorded under Misc.Field Notes.KIND - e.g., limestone.Kind 1Code Kind 1CodePDP NASIS PDP NASISIGNEOUS - INTRUSIVEanorthosite ANO pyroxenite PYXdiabase DIA quartz-diorite QZDdiorite DIO quartz-monzonite QZMgabbro GAB syenite SYEgranite I4 GRA syenodiorite SYDgranodiorite GRD tachylite TACmonzonite MON tonalite TONperidotite PER ultramafic rock 2 UMUIGNEOUS - EXTRUSIVEaa lava P8 AAL pahoehoe lava P9 PAHandesite I7 AND pillow lava PILbasalt I6 BAS pumice (flow, coherent) E6 PUMblock lava BLL rhyolite RHYdacite DAC scoria (coherent mass) E7 SCOlatite LAT trachyte TRAobsidian OBSIGNEOUS - PYROCLASTICignimbrite IGN tuff, welded TFWpyroclastics P0 PYR tuff breccia P7 TBR (consolidated)pyroclastc flow PYF volcanic breccia P4 VBRpyroclastic surge PYS volcanic breccia, acidic P5 AVBtuff P1 TUF volcanic breccia, basic P6 BVBtuff, acidic P2 ATU volcanic sandstone VSTtuff, basic P3 BTUUSDA-NRCS 1-21 September 2002METAMORPHICamphibolite AMP metavolcanics MVOgneiss M1 GNE mica schist MSHgranofels GRF migmatite MIGgranulite GRL mylonite MYLgreenstone GRE phyllite PHYhornfels HOR schist M5 SCHmarble L2 MAR serpentinite M4 SERmetaconglomerate MCN slate M8 SLAmetaquartzite M9 MQT soapstone (talc) SPSmetasedimentary rocks 2 MSR SEDIMENTARY - CLASTICS arenite AREmudstone MUD argillite ARG orthoquartzite OQT arkose A2 ARK porcellanite POR breccia, non-volcanic NBR sandstone A0 SST (angular fragments) breccia, non-volcanic, ANB sandstone, calcareous A4 CSSacidic breccia, non-volcanic, BNB shale H0 SHA basic claystone CST shale, acid ASH conglomerate C0 CON (rounded fragments) shale, calcareous H2 CSH conglomerate, calcareous C2 CCN shale, clayey H3 YSH fanglomerate FCN siltstone T0 SIS glauconitic sandstone siltstone, calcareous T2 CSI graywacke GRY EVAPORITES, ORGANICS, AND PRECIPITATES chalk L1 CHA limestone, arenaceous L5 ALS chert CHE limestone, argillaceous L6 RLS coal COA limestone, cherty L7 CLS dolomite (dolostone) L3 DOL limestone, phosphatic L4 PLS gypsum GYP travertine TRV limestone L0 LST tufa TUAUSDA-NRCS 1-22 September 2002 INTERBEDDED (alternating layers of different sedimentary lithologies) limestone-sandst.-shale B1 LSS sandstone-shale B5 SSH limestone-sandstone B2 LSA sandstone-siltstone B6 SSI limestone-shale B3 LSH shale-siltstone B7 SHS limestone-siltstone B4 LSI1Definitions for kinds of bedrock are found in the Glossary of Landforms andGeologic Terms, NSSH - Part 629 (Soil Survey Staff, 2001), or in theGlossary of Geology (Jackson, 1997).2Generic term; use only with regional or reconnaissance surveys(Order 3, 4).FRACTURE INTERVAL CLASS - Describe the dominant (average) horizontalspacing between vertical joints (geogenic cracks or seams) in the bedrocklayer.Average Distance CodeBetween Fractures< 10 cm 110 to < 45 cm 245 to < 100 cm 3100 to < 200 cm 4 200 cm5BEDROCK HARDNESS (Obsolete used in PDP.NASIS now usesRupture Resistence-Cementation classes and criteria.)Hardness Class Code Criteria 1 Hard H Lithic contact criteria Soft S Paralithic contact criteria1See Soil Taxonomy (Soil Survey Staff, 1975).WEATHERING CLASS - The relative extent to which a bedrock hasweathered as compared to its presumed, non-weathered state.Class Code CriteriaSlight SLModerate MO [NotAvailable]Strong STDEPTH(TO BEDROCK) - Record the depth (cm) from the ground surface tothe contact with coherent (continuous) bedrock.USDA-NRCS 1-23 September 2002EROSIONEstimate the dominant kind and magnitude of accelerated erosion at the site.Specify the Kind and Degree.KIND -Kind Code Criteria 1PDP NASIS wind I I Deflation by windwater : W --- Removal by running watersheet --- S Even soil loss, no channelsrill --- R Small channels 2gully --- G Big channels 3tunnel --- T Subsurface voids within soil thatenlarge by running water(i.e. piping)1Soil Survey Staff, 1993, p. 82.2Small, runoff channels that can be obliterated by conventional tillage.3Large, runoff channels that cannot be obliterated by conventional tillage.DEGREE CLASS -Class Code Criteria:Estimated % loss of the originalA & Ehorizons or, the estimated loss ofthe upper 20 cm (if original, combinedA & E horizons were < 20 cm thick). 1None 0 0 %1 1 > 0 up to 25%2 2 25 up to 75%3 3 75 up to 100%4 4 > 75 % and total removal of A1Soil Survey Staff; 1993, pp 86-89.USDA-NRCS 1-24 September 2002RUNOFFSURFACE RUNOFF - Surface runoff (Hortonian flow, overland flow) is theflow of water from an area that occurs over the surface of the soil.Surfacerunoff differs from internal flow or throughflow that results when infiltratedwater moves laterally or vertically within a soil, above the water table.TheIndex (of) Surface Runoff Classes are relative estimates of surface runoffbased on slope gradient and saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat).Thisindex is specific to the following conditions (Soil Survey Staff, 1993). The soil surface is assumed to be bare. The soil is free of ice. Retention of water by ground surface irregularities is negligible or low. Infiltration is assumed to be at the steady ponded infiltration stage. Water is added to the soil by precipitation or snowmelt that yields 50 mmin 24 hours with no more than 25 mm in any 1-hour period. Antecedent soil water state is assumed to be very moist or wet to:a)the base of the solum; b) a depth of 1/2 m; or c) through the horizon thathas the minimum Ksat within the top 1 meter; whichever is the leastdepth.Use the following table and the above conditions to estimate The Index (of)Surface Runoff Class for the site.If seasonal or permanent, internal free-water occurs a depth of 50 cm (very shallow and shallow Internal Free-water classes), use a Ksat of Very Low.If seasonal or permanent, internalfree-water is deeper than50 cm, use the appropriate Ksat from the table.In PDP, if estimating runoff from vegetated areas, define and record underUser Defined Property.Index (of) Surface Runoff ClassesSaturated Hydraulic Conductivity (Ksat) Class 1Very High High Mod. High Mod. Low Low Very Low- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - cm / hour - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Slope 36 3.6 0.36 0.036 0.0036 < 0.0036Gradient to to to toPercent < 36 < 3.6 < 0.36 < 0.036Concave N N N N N N< 1 N N N L M H1 to < 5 N VL L M H VH5 to < 10 VL L M H VH VH10 to < 20 VL L M H VH VH 20 L M H VH VH VH1This table is based on the minimum Ksat occurring within 1/2 m of thesoil surface.If the minimum Ksat for the soil occurs between 1/2 to 1 m,USDA-NRCS 1-25 September 2002SURFACE FRAGMENTS (formerly Surface Stoniness)Record the amount of surface fragment 1 cover (either as a class or as anumerical percent), as determined by either a point count or line-intercept method.In NASIS, additional details can be recorded:SurfaceFragment Kind, (use Rock Fragment - Kind Table), Mean DistanceBetween Fragments (edge to edge), Shape (FL-flat or NF-nonflat), Size,Roundness (use classes and criteria found in Rock Fragment - RoundnessTable), and Rock Fragment - Rupture Resistance.Surface Fragment Class 1Code Criteria:Conv 2NASIS Percentage ofsurface coveredStony or Bouldery 1 % 0.01 to < 0.1Very Stony or Very Bouldery 2 % 0.1 to < 3Extremely Stony or Ext. Bouldery 3 % 3 to < 15Rubbly 4 % 15 to < 50Very Rubbly 5 % 501This data element is also used to record large wood fragments (e.g.,tree trunks) on organic soils, if the fragments are a managementconcern and appear to be relatively permanent.2Historically called Surface Stoniness classes (now Surface Fragmentclasses).Use as a map-unit phase modifier is restricted to stone-sizedfragments, or larger (> 250 mm; Soil Survey Staff, 1951).the runoff estimate should be reduced by one class (e.g., Medium toLow).If the minimum Ksat for the soil occurs below 1 meter, use thelowest Ksat class that occurs within 1 m of the surface.Index (of) Surface Runoff CodeClass NamesNegligible NVery Low VLLow LMedium MHigh HVery High VHUSDA-NRCS 1-26 September 2002DIAGNOSTIC HORIZONSorPROPERTIESIdentify the Kind and Upper and Lower Depths of occurrence of SoilTaxonomic diagnostic horizons and properties; e.g., mollic epipedon; 0 -45 cm.Multiple features per horizon can be recorded.(Called DiagnosticFeature-Kind in PDP.) In NASIS (Diagnostic Horizon/Feature) recordKind; Thickness, Representative Value (RV high, low) can also berecorded.KIND - (see definitions in current Keys to Soil Taxonomy)Kind Code Kind CodePDP NASIS PDP NASIS EPIPEDONS (Diagnostic Surface Horizons)anthropic A AN mollic M MOfolistic FO ochric O OChistic H HI plaggen P PLmelanic ME ME umbric U UMDIAGNOSTIC SUBSURFACE HORIZONSagric R AG natric N NAalbic Q AL ortstein ORargillic T AR oxic X OXcalcic C CA petrocalcic E PEcambic B CM petrogypsic J PGduripan Z DU placic K PAfragipan F FR salic Y SAglossic TO GL sombric I SOgypsic G GY spodic S SPkandic KA KA sulfuric V SU(continued)USDA-NRCS 1-27 September 2002DIAGNOSTIC PROPERTIES - MINERAL SOILSabrupt textural change AC AC gelic materials 2 GMalbic materials AM glacic layer 2 GLalbic materials, IF AI lamella / lamellae LAinterfingeringandic soil properties AN AP lithic contact 2L LCanhydrous conditions AH paralithic contact 2W PCaquic conditions 2 AQ paralithic materials 2 PMcarbonates, LI SC permafrost 2PF PFsecondary 1cryoturbation 2 CR petroferric contact PC TCdensic contact 2 DC plinthite PL PIdensic materials 2 DM slickensides SL SSdurinodes D DN sulfidic materials 2SU SMfragic soil properties FPDIAGNOSTIC PROPERTIES - ORGANIC SOILS (also see 2s above)fibric soil materials FI FM limnic materials : LM LMhemic soil materials HE HM coprogenous earth CO COhumilluvic materials HU UM diatomaceous earth DI DIsapric soil materials SA RM marl MA MA1Secondary carbonates, replaces soft, powdery lime.NOTE:Gilgai (GIin PDP) is no longer a diagnostic feature in Soil Taxonomy.2Diagnostic Properties, materials, or conditions that can occur in eithermineral or organic soils.DEPTH - Document the zone of occurrence for a diagnostic horizon orproperty, as observed, by recording the upper and lower depth and specifyunits; e.g., 22 - 39 cm.Record Top Depth and Bottom Depth.REFERENCESReferences for this Site Description Section are combined with those at theend of the Profile / Pedon Description Section 2-79.PROFILEPROFILEUSDA-NRCS 2-1 September 2002PROFILE / PEDON DESCRIPTIONCompiled by:D.A. Wysocki, P.J. Schoeneberger,E.C. Benham, NRCS,Lincoln, NE; W. D. Broderson, NRCS, Salt Lake City, UT.OBSERVATION METHODFor each layer, indicate the type and relative extent of the exposure upon whichthe primary observations are made.(Examples of common sampling devicesare included in the Field Sampling Section.)Describe Kind, Relative Size.KIND -Kind Code Criteria:Types(common size or ranges)Disturbed Samplesbucket auger BA e.g., open, closed, sand, mud buckets(5-12 cm diam.)screw auger SA e.g., external thread hand augers,power (flight) auger (2-30 cm diam.)Undisturbed Samplespush tube PT e.g., handheld, hydraulic, hollow stem(2-10 cm diam.)shovel slice 1SS e.g., undisturbed block extracted with ashovel (sharpshooter:20 x 40 cm)WALL / FLOOR - Undisturbed Area or Exposuresmall pit SP e.g., hand dug (< 1 m x 2 m)trench TR e.g., backhoe, pipeline (> 1 m x 2 m)beveled cut BC e.g., roadcuts graded to < 60% slopecut CU e.g., roadcut, streambank, medium-sized borrow pit wall > 60% slope(e.g., > 4 m, < 33 m)large open pit or quarry LP large borrow pit or quarry with large orirregular banks (e.g., > 33 m)1Field method used for hydric soil investigations.RELATIVE SIZE (of exposure) - Record the approximate size of the exposureobserved.Use cm for Drill Cores and m for Wall/Floor observations; e.g.,bucket auger, 3 cm; trench wall, 3 m.(NOTE:Common size range for eachmethod is indicated in the Criteria column of the Observation Method - KindTable.These dimensions are approximate; not intended to be precise.)HorizonUSDA-NRCS 2-2 September 2002TAXONOMIC CLASSIFICATION - After completely describing the soil, classifythe pedon as thoroughly as possible (to the lowest level).See most currentversion of Soil Taxonomy, Keys to Soil Taxonomy or NASIS for complete choicelist; e.g., fine, mixed, active, mesic, Typic Haplohumult.HORIZONNOMENCLATUREUse capital letters to identify master horizons; e.g., A, B.Use suffixes(lowercase letters) to denote additional horizon characteristics or features;e.g., Ap, Btk.[For more detailed criteria, see the Soil Taxonomy Section;for complete definitions see Soil Taxonomy (Soil Survey Staff, 1998, 1999)].Label a horizon only after all morphology is recorded.MASTER, TRANSITIONAL AND COMMON HORIZON COMBINATIONS 1 -Horizon Criteria(expanded details listed in Soil Taxonomy Section)O Organic soil materials (not limnic)A Mineral; organic matter (humus) accumulation, loss ofFe,Al, clayAB (or AE) Dominantly A horizon characteristics but also containssome characteristics of the B (or E) horizonA/B (or A/E) Discrete, intermingled bodies of A and B (or E, or C)(or A/C) material; majority of horizon isA materialAC Dominantly A horizon characteristics but also containssome characteristics of C horizonE Mineral; loss of Fe,Al, clay, or organic matterEA (or EB) Dominantly E horizon characteristics but also containssome attributes of theA (or B) horizonE/A (or E/B) Discrete, intermingled bodies of E and A horizon(or E and B) material; majority of horizon is E materialE and Bt Thin lamellae (Bt) within a dominantly E horizon (or thin(or B and E) E within dominantly B horizon)BA (or BE) Dominantly B characteristics but also contains someattributes of A (or E) horizonB/A (or B/E) Discrete, intermingled bodies of B and A (or E) material;majority of horizon is B materialB Subsurface accumulation of clay, Fe, Al, Si, humus,CaCO3, CaSO4; or loss of CaCO3; or accumulation ofsesquioxides; or subsurface soil structureBC Dominantly B horizon characteristics but also containssome characteristics of the C horizonB/C Discrete, intermingled bodies of B and C material;majority of horizon is B materialHorizonUSDA-NRCS 2-3 September 2002CB (or CA) Dominantly C horizon characteristics but also containssome characteristics of the B (or A) horizonC/B (or C/A) Discrete, intermingled bodies of C and B (or A) material;majority of horizon is C materialC Little or no pedogenic alteration, unconsolidated earthymaterial, soft bedrockL Limnic soil materials 2R Bedrock, Strongly Cemented to InduratedW A layer of liquid water (W) or permanently frozen water(Wf) within the soil (excludes water/ice above soil)1Refer to the Soil Taxonomy Section for older horizon nomenclature.2NRCS Soil Classification Staff, 1999; personal communication.HORIZON SUFFIXES - Historically referred to as Horizon Subscripts, andmore recently as Subordinate Distinctions.1(Historical nomenclature andconversions are shown in the Soil Taxonomy Section.)Horizon Criteria Suffix 1(expanded details listed in Soil Taxonomy Section)a Highly decomposed organic matterb Buried genetic horizon (not used with C horizons)c Concretions or nodulesco Coprogenous earth (Used only with L) 2d Densic layer (physically root restrictive)di Diatomaceous earth (Used only with L) 2e Moderately decomposed organic matterf Permanently frozen soil or ice (permafrost); continuous, subsurfaceice; not seasonal iceff Permanently frozen soil (Dry permafrost); no continuous ice;not seasonal iceg Strong gleyh Illuvial organic matter accumulationi Slightly decomposed organic matterj Jarosite accumulationjj Evidence of cryoturbationk Pedogenic carbonate accumulationm Strong cementation (pedogenic, massive)ma Marl (Used only with L) 2n Pedogenic, exchangeable sodium accumulationUSDA-NRCS 2-4 September 2002o Residual sesquioxide accumulation (pedogenic)p Plow layer or other artificial disturbanceq Secondary (pedogenic) silica accumulationr Weathered or soft bedrocks Illuvial sesquioxide accumulationss Slickensidest Illuvial accumulation of silicate clayv Plinthitew Weak color or structure within B (used only with B)x Fragipan characteristicsy Pedogenic accumulation of gypsumz Pedogenic accumulation of salt more soluble than gypsum1Keys to Soil Taxonomy, 8th Ed., (Soil Survey Staff, 1998).2NRCS Soil Classification Staff, 1999; personal communication.OTHER HORIZON MODIFIERS -Numerical Prefixes (2, 3, etc.)- Used to denote lithologic discontinuities.By convention, 1 is understood but is not shown; e.g., A, E, Bt1, 2Bt2,2BC, 3C1, 3C2.Numerical Suffixes - Used to denote subdivisions within a masterhorizon; e.g., A1, A2, E, Bt1, Bt2, Bt3, Bs1, Bs2.The Prime ( ) - Used to indicate the second occurrence of an identicalhorizon descriptor(s) in a profile or pedon; e.g., A, E, Bt, E Btx, C.Theprime does not indicate either buried horizons (which are denoted by alower case b; e.g., Btb), or lithologic discontinuities (denoted bynumerical prefixes).Double and triple primes are used to denotesubsequent occurrences of horizon descriptors in a pedon; e.g., A, E, Bt,E, Btx, E, Cd.DIAGNOSTIC HORIZONS - See the Diagnostic Horizons Table or PropertiesTable, in the Site Description Section.HORIZON DEPTH - Record the depths of both the upper and lower boundaryfor each horizon; specify units (centimeters preferred); e.g., 15-24 cm.Begin(zero datum) at the ground surface1, which is not necessarily the mineralsurface.(NOTE:Prior to 1993, the zero datum was at the top of the mineralsurface, except for thick organic layers such as a peat or muck.Organichorizons were recorded as above and mineral horizons recorded as below,relative to the mineral surface.)USDA-NRCS 2-5 September 2002Example: Zero Datum for the same horizonsAt Present: Oe0 - 5 cm,A5 - 15 cm,E15 - 24 cmBefore 1993:Oe5 - 0 cm,A0 - 10 cm,E10 - 19 cm1Conventionally, the soil surface is considered to be the top boundary of thefirst layer that can support plant / root growth.This equates to:a) (for bare mineral soil) the air/fine earth interface;b) (for vegetated mineral soil) the upper boundary of the first layer that cansupport root growth;c) (for organic mantles) the same as b) but excludes freshly fallen plantlitter, and includes litter that has compacted and begun to decompose;e.g., Oi horizon;d) (for submerged soil) the same as b) but refers to the water/soil contactand extends out from shore to the limit of emergent, rooted plants;e) (for rock mulches; e.g., desert pavement, scree) the same as a) unlessthe areal percentage of surface rock coverage is greater than 80%, thetop of the soil is the mean height of the top of the rocks.HORIZON THICKNESS - Record the average thickness and range in thicknessof horizon; e.g., 15 cm (12 - 21 cm).HORIZON BOUNDARY - Record Distinctness and Topography of horizonboundary.(In NASIS, Distinctness in called Boundary Distinctness). Distinct-ness is the distance through which one horizon grades into another.Topogra-phy is the lateral undulation and continuity of the boundary between horizons.A complete example is:clear, wavy, or C,W.DistinctnessDistinctnessCode Criteria:Class PDP NASIS thicknessVery Abrupt V < 0.5 cmAbrupt A A 0.5 to < 2 cmClear C C 2 to < 5 cmGradual G G 5 to < 15 cmDiffuse D D 15 cmTopography - Cross-sectional shape of the contact between horizons.TopographyCode CriteriaSmooth S Planar with few or no irregularitiesWavy W Width of undulation is > than depthIrregular I Depth of undulation is > than widthBroken B Discontinuous horizons; discrete butintermingled, or irregular pocketsColorUSDA-NRCS 2-6 September 2002ColorBtBAEABAB ABSmoothWavyBrokenIrregularUSDA-NRCS 2-7 September 2002MottlesSOIL COLORDECISION FLOWCHART FOR DESCRIBING SOIL COLORS - Use thefollowing chart to decide how and with which data elements the color patternsof a soil or soil feature should be described.NOTE:Reduced Matrix color is described as a Matrix Color and in theassociated (Soil Color) - Location or Condition Described Table.(SOIL) MATRIX COLOR - Record Color(s), (Soil Color) Moisture State,Location or Condition.(In PDP, also record Percent of Horizon, if more thanone matrix color is described.)Is the feature formedby the processes ofoxidation andreduction?Redoximorphic featureConcentration, depletion, or reducedmatrix colorNon-redoximorphicfeatureConcentration orsurface feature, e.g.,carbonate mass, clayfilm, or organic coatNoYesYesNoOthercolors(non-matrix colors)Is the color associated witha coat/stain film,concentration, ordepletion?NoMottle(lithochromic color, e.g.,10 YR 8/1 gibbsite; grayshales)Matrix color(list in sequence,dominant first) orMixed / intermingled(i.e., discrete, mixed, ortransitional horizons suchas B / A)YesColorIs the colora matrix color?USDA-NRCS 2-8 September 2002(Soil) Matrix Color - (Soil) Color - Identify the color(s) of the soil matrixwith Munsell notation (Hue, Value, Chroma); e.g., 10YR 3/2.ForNeutral colors, chroma is zero but not shown; e.g, N 4/ .Other Gleycolors use appropriate notation (see Munsell Gley pages; e.g., 5GY 6/1).For narrative descriptions (Soil Survey Reports, Official Series Descrip-tions) both the verbal name and the Munsell notation are given; e.g.,dark brown, 10YR 3/3.(Soil) Matrix Color - Moisture State - Record the moisture condition ofthe soil described; e.g., moist.(Not to be confused with Soil Water State.)Moisture State CodeDry DMoist M(Soil) Matrix Color - Location or Condition - Record pertinent circum-stances of the color described (called Color Physical State in NASIS).Color Location or ConditionCode PDP NASISCOLOR LOCATIONinterior (within ped) 1 INexterior (ped surface) 2 EXCOLOR, MECHANICAL CONDITIONbroken Face 8 BFcrushed 3 CRrubbed (used only with Organic Matter) 9 RUCOLOR, REDOXIMORPHIC CONDITIONoxidized 15 OXreduced 2 RECOLOR, INTRICATE MULTICOLORED PATTERNvariegated 3 VA1Soil that is reduced in situ, but oxidizes (changes color) afterextraction and exposure to air.A mineral example is vivianite.NOTE:Not used for soil thats normally oxidized in place.Forindicators of reduction see Redoximorphic Features.2Color immediately after extraction from a reduced environment,prior to oxidation; e.g., FeS.Also used to record Reduced Matrix.3Color pattern is too intricate (banded or patchy) with numerous,diverse colors to credibly identify dominant matrix colors.MottlesUSDA-NRCS 2-9 September 2002MOTTLES - Describe mottles (areas of color that differ from the matrix color).These colors are commonly lithochromic or lithomorphic (attributes retainedfrom the geologic source rather than from pedogenesis; e.g., gray shale).Mottles exclude:Redoximorphic Features (RMF) and Ped and Void SurfaceFeatures (e.g., clay films).Record Quantity Class (in NASIS/PDP, estimate anumerical value Percent of Horizon Area Covered), Size, Contrast, Color,and Moisture State (D or M).Shape is an optional descriptor.A completeexample is:few, medium, distinct, reddish yellow, moist, irregular mottles or f,2, d, 7.5 YR 7/8, m, z, mottles.Mottles - Quantity (Percent of Area Covered)Quantity CodeCriteria:Class Conv. NASIS range in percentFew f % < 2% of surface areaCommon c % 2 to < 20% of surface areaMany m % 20% of surface areaMottles - Size - Record mottle size class.Use length if its greater than 2times the width; use width if the length is less than two times the width.Length is the greater of the two dimensions.(New size classes to beconsistent with the new RMF size classes.)Size Class Code CriteriaFine 1 < 2 mmMedium 2 2 to < 5 mmCoarse 3 5 to < 20 mmVery Coarse 4 20 to < 76 mmExtremely Coarse 5 76 mm2%20%USDA-NRCS 2-10 September 200276 mm5 mm2 mmFine( 1 2 pages 0 or 01One Munsell Color Book page = 2.5 hue units.Table contentscompiled from material in or intended by the Soil Survey Manual(Soil Survey Staff, 1993).Contrast Code Difference in ColorClass Between Matrix and Mottle( means difference between)Hue (h)Value (v)Chroma (c)Faint 1F h = 0; v 2 and c 1h = 1; v 1 and c 1h = 2; v = 0 and c = 0h = 0; v 2 and c > 1 to < 4Distinct 1D or v > 2 to< 4 and c < 4h = 1; v 1 and c > 1 to < 3or v > 1 to< 3 and c 0 to < 2or v > 0 to< 2 and c 2 and 4 > 2 and 4 Fe and Mn> 4 > 4 Fe6In PDP, these features (codes) were recorded under Coat - Kind.REDOXIMORPHIC FEATURES - QUANTITY (Percent of Area Covered) -Class Code Criteria:Percent ofConv. NASIS Surface Area CoveredFew f # < 2Common c # 2 to < 20Many m # 202%20%USDA-NRCS 2-17 September 2002REDOXIMORPHIC FEATURES - SIZE - See size class graphic under eitherMottles or Concentrations.Size Class Code CriteriaFine 1 < 2 mmMedium 2 2 to < 5 mmCoarse 3 5 to < 20 mmVery Coarse 4 20 to < 76 mmExtremely Coarse 5 76 mmREDOXIMORPHIC FEATURES - CONTRAST - Use Mottle - Contrast Table orMottle - Contrasts Chart; e.g., Prominent or p.REDOXIMORPHIC FEATURES - COLOR - Use standard Munsellnotationfrom the Soil Color Section; e.g., light brownish gray or 2.5Y 6/2.REDOXIMORPHIC FEATURES - MOISTURE STATE - Describe the moisturecondition of the Redoximorphic Feature (use Soil Color - Moisture StateTable); e.g., Moist (M) or Dry (D).REDOXIMORPHIC FEATURES - SHAPE - Describe the shape of theredoximorphic feature (use Concentrations - Shape Table); e.g., Spherical (S).REDOXIMORPHIC FEATURES - LOCATION - Describe the location(s) of theRedoximorphic Feature within the horizon (use Concentrations - LocationTable); e.g., In the matrix around depletions (MAD).REDOXIMORPHIC FEATURES - HARDNESS - Describe the relative forcerequired to crush the Redoximorphic Feature (use the same classes and criteriaas the Rupture Resistance for Blocks / Peds / Clods-Cementation column);e.g., Strongly Cemented (ST).REDOXIMORPHIC FEATURES - BOUNDARY - The gradation between theRedoximorphic Feature and the adjacent matrix (use Concentrations -Boundary Table); e.g., Sharp (S).Conc.USDA-NRCS 2-18 September 2002CONCENTRATIONS(DISCUSSION)Concentrations are soil features that form by accumulation of material duringpedogenesis.Dominant processes involved are chemical dissolution/precipitation; oxidation and reduction; and physical and/or biological removal,transport, and accrual.Types of concentrations (modified from Soil SurveyStaff, 1993) include the following:1. Finely Disseminated Materials are physically small precipitates (e.g.,salts, carbonates) dispersed throughout the matrix of a horizon.Thematerials cannot be readily seen (10X lens), but can be detected by achemical reaction (e.g., effervescence of CaCO3 by HCl) or other proxyindicators.2. Masses are noncemented (Rupture Resistance-Cementation Class ofExtremely Weakly Cemented or less) bodies of accumulation of variousshapes that cannot be removed as discrete units, and do not have acrystal structure that is readily discernible in the field (10X hand lens).This includes finely crystalline salts and Redox Concentrations that do notqualify as nodules or concretions.3. Nodules are cemented (Very Weakly Cemented or greater) bodies ofvarious shapes (commonly spherical or tubular) that can be removed asdiscrete units from soil.Crystal structure is not discernible with a 10Xhand lens.4. Concretions are cemented bodies (Very Weakly Cemented or greater)similar to nodules, except for the presence of visible, concentric layers ofmaterial around a point, line, or plane.The terms nodule and concre-tion are not interchangeable.5. Crystals are macro-crystalline forms of relatively soluble salts (e.g., halite,gypsum, carbonates) that form in situ by precipitation from soil solution.The crystalline shape and structure is readily discernible in the field with a10X hand lens.6. Biological Concentrations are discrete bodies accumulated by abiological process (e.g., fecal pellets), or pseudomorphs of biota orbiological processes (e.g., insect casts) formed or deposited in soil.7. Inherited Minerals are field-observable particles (e.g. mica flakes) oraggregates (e.g. glauconite pellets) that impart distinctive soil characteris-tics and formed by geologic processes in the original Parent Material andsubsequently inherited by the soil rather than formed or concentrated bypedogenic processes. Included here due to historical conventions; not allConcentrations descriptors may apply (e.g. shape, color).Conc.USDA-NRCS 2-19 September 2002General conventions for documenting various types of Concentrations:Type of DistributionDocumentation ExamplesFinely Disseminated Horizon Suffix, Carbonates (none)(discrete bodies not visible) Concentrations Salts (Bz, Bn)Masses, Nodules, Redoximorphic Features, Mn nodulesConcretions, Crystals, or Concentrations Fe concretions Biological Features Insect castsContinuous Cementation Terms in Lieu of Texture DuripanPetrocalcicCONCENTRATIONSRecord Kind, Quantity (percent of area covered), Size, Contrast, Color,Moisture State, Shape, Location, Hardness, and Boundary.A completeexample is:many, fine, prominent, white, moist, cylindrical, carbonate nodulesin the matrix, moderately cemented, clear or m, 1, p, 10YR 8/1, M, c, CAN,MAT, M, c.CONCENTRATIONS - KIND - Identify the composition and the physical state ofthe concentration in the soil.NOTE:Table sub-headings (e.g., Masses) are aguide to various physical states of materials.Materials with similar or identicalchemical compositions may occur in multiple physical states (under severalsub-headings); e.g., salt masses and salt crystals.cross-sectionalview( very weakly cemented)(Concentric layers)Concretions( very weakly cemented)(no concentric layers)Nodules(< very weakly cemented)Masses(not visible; reaction)Finely disseminatedCrystalsUSDA-NRCS 2-20 September 2002CONCENTRATIONS (NON-REDOX) (accumulations of material)Kind Code Kind CodePDP NASIS PDP NASISFINELY DISSEMINATED (bodies not visible by unaided eye; proposed)Finely Dissem. FDC Finely Disseminated FDScarbonates saltsMASSES (noncemented; crystals not visible with 10X hand lens)barite (BaSO4) B2 BAM gypsum (CaSO4 2H2O) G2 GYMcarbonates K2 CAM salt H2 SAM(Ca, Mg, NaCO3) (NaCl, Na-Mg sulfates)clay bodies A2 CBM silica S2 SIMgypsum (nests) G3 GNMNODULES (cemented; non-crystalline at 10X, no layers)carbonates 1C4 CAN gibbsite (Al2O3) E4 GBNdurinodes (SiO2) S4 DNN opal S1 OPNCONCRETIONS (cemented; non-crystalline at 10X, distinct layers)carbonates 1C3 CAC silica S3 SICgibbsite E3 GBC titanium oxide TICCRYSTALS (crystals visible with 10X hand lens)barite (BaSO4) B1 BAX gypsum (CaSO4 2H20) G1 GYXcalcite (CaCO3) C1 CAX salt H1 SAX(NaCl, Na-Mg sulfates)BIOLOGICAL CONCENTRATIONS (byproducts or pseudomorphs)diatoms 2 DIB root sheaths RSBfecal pellets FPB shell fragments SFB (terrestrial or aquatic)insect casts 3T 3 ICB sponge spicules 2 SSB(e.g. Cicada mold)plant phytoliths 2 PPB worm casts 3T 2 WCB(plant opal)INHERITED MINERALS (geogenic) 4glauconite GLI mica flakes MICpellets1For example: loess doll (aka loess kindchen, loess puppies, etc.).2Commonly requires magnification > 10X to be observed.3Worm casts are ovoid, fecal pellets excreted by earthworms.Insectcasts are cemented (e.g., CaCO3) molds of insect bodies or burrows.4Minerals inherited from parent material rather than formed in soil.USDA-NRCS 2-21 September 2002CONCENTRATIONS - QUANTITY (PERCENT OF AREA COVERED) -ClassCode Criteria:% ofConv. NASIS Surface Area CoveredFew f # < 2Common c # 2 to 15% (vol.) grassy fibersHerbaceous HB OM > 15% (vol.) herbaceous fibersMossy MS OM > 15% (vol.) moss fibersMucky 2MK MK Used with peat (i.e. mucky peat for hemicmaterials Soil Taxonomy). 2Woody WD OM 15% (vol.) wood pieces or fibersORGANIC MATERIALS IN MINERAL SOILSMucky 2MK MK Mineral soil > 10% OM and < 17% fibersPeaty PT PT Mineral soil > 10% OM and > 17% fibersLIMNIC MATERIALSCoprogenous COPDiatomaceous DIAMarly MROTHERCemented CEMGypsiferous GYP 15% (weight) gypsumPermanently PF PF e.g., Permafrost Frozen2Use Para prefix if the rock fragments are soft (i.e., meet criteria for para).[Rupture Resistance - Cementation Class is < Strongly Cemented, and do notslake (slake test: 3cm (1 inch) diam. block, air dried, then submerged in waterfor 1 hour; collapse / disaggregation = slaking).]3For Para codes, add P to Size and Quantity code terms.Precedes nouncodes and follows quantity adjectives, e.g., paragravelly = PGR; veryparagravelly = VPGR.USDA-NRCS 2-33 September 2002Fragments1Compositional Texture Modifiers can be used with the Soil TextureName (e.g., gravelly ashy loam) or with Terms in Lieu of Texture (e.g.mossy peat).For definitions and usage of Compositional TextureModifiers, see the National Soil Survey Handbook - Part 618.67 (SoilSurvey Staff, 2001).2Mucky can be used either with organic soils (e.g. mucky peat) or mineralsoils (e.g., mucky sand) but its definition changes; Soil Taxonomy (SoilSurvey Staff, 1999).USDA-NRCS 2-34 September 2002FragmentsTERMS USED IN LIEU OF TEXTURE - (nouns)Terms Used in Lieu Codeof Texture PDP NASISSIZE (ROCK FRAGMENTS) Strongly CementedGravel G GCobbles CB CBStones ST STBoulders B BYChanners CNFlagstones FLSIZE (PARAROCK FRAGMENTS) < Strongly CementedParagravel PGParacobbles PCBParastones PSTParaboulders PBYParachanners PCNParaflagstones PFLCOMPOSITIONCemented / Consolidated:Bedrock BRUnweathered Bedrock (unaltered) UWB Weathered Bedrock (altered; e.g., some Cr horizons) WB Organics:Highly Decomposed Plant Material (Oa) 1 HPMModerately Decomposed Plant Material (Oe) 1 MPMSlightly Decomposed Plant Material (Oi) 1 SPMMuck 2 (Oa) MUCKMucky Peat 2 (Oe) MPTPeat 2 (Oi) PEATOther:Ice (permanently frozen) 3, 4 Material 5 MATWater (permanent) 3, 4 W1Use only with organic soil layers of mineral soils.2Use only with Histosols or histic epipedons.3Use only for layers found below the soil surface.4In NASIS, use Permanently Frozen Water to convey permanent, subsurface ice.5Material is only used in combination with Compositional TextureModifiers (p. 2-32); e.g. woody material; medial material. In NASIS,Cemented Material denotes any cemented soil material ( i.e. duripan,ortstein, petrocalcic, petroferric, petrogypsic).USDA-NRCS 2-35 September 2002Comparison of Particle Size Classes in Different Systemsboulderspebblessandsiltclay1210987654321SiltClaySilt or ClaySandGravel or StonesBroken Rock (angular),or Boulders (rounded)CobblesBouldersStonesGravelSandSandGravelClaySiltClay 2SiltSandGravelCob-blesStonesBoulders0-1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-1275 mm259.52 mm.42.074.005 mm 2004010(3/8")(1")(3")4092 mm25664321682 mm5101835601202301.5.25.125.062.031.016.008.004.002.074.422 mm 4.81976300 mm20 mm2 mm.2.02.002 mmmillimeters:U.S. StandardSieve No. (opening): .002 mm .02.05.1300 314060.25.535118102 mm5420(3/4")76(3")(10")(25")600 mm250coarsemediumfinev.co.co.med.fi.v.fi.co.finefinecoarsefinemedium co.finecoarsefinemed.coarsefineco.FINE EARTHROCK FRAGMENTSstonesflagst.150380cobblesphi #:AASHTO 6,7Unified 5ModifiedWentworth 8Inter-national 4USDA 1fineco.0.0002 0millimeters:U.S. StandardSieve No. (opening):millimeters:U.S. StandardSieve No. (opening):millimeters:U.S. StandardSieve No.:millimeters:U.S. StandardSieve No.:20040104(3/4")(3")10(3/4")channers600 mmbouldersUSDA-NRCS 2-36 September 2002References for Table Comparing Particle Size Systems1Soil Survey Staff.1995.Soil survey laboratory information manual.USDA,Natural Resources Conservation Service, Soil Survey Investigations ReportNo. 45, Version 1.0, National Soil Survey Center, Lincoln, NE.305 p.2Soil Survey Staff. 1995. Soil Survey Lab information manual. USDA-NRCS,Soil Survey Investigation Report #45, version 1.0, National Soil SurveyCenter, Lincoln, NE.Note: Mineralogy studies may subdivide clay intothree size ranges: fine (< 0.08 m), medium (0.08 0.2 m), and coarse(0.2 2 m); Jackson, 1969.3The Soil Survey Lab (Lincoln, NE) uses a no. 300 sieve (0.047 mmopening) for the USDA sand / silt measurement.A no. 270 sieve (0.053mm opening) is more readily available and widely used.4International Soil Science Society.1951.In:Soil SurveyManual.SoilSurvey Staff, USDA - Soil Conservation Service, Agricultural Handbook No.18, U.S. Gov. Print. Office, Washington, D.C.214 p.5ASTM.1993.Standard classification of soils for engineering purposes(Unified Soil Classification System).ASTM designation D2487-92.In:Soiland rock; dimension stone; geosynthetics.Annual book of ASTM standards- Vol. 04.08.6AASHTO.1986a.Recommended practice for the classification of soils andsoil-aggregate mixtures for highway construction purposes.AASHTOdesignation M145-82.In:Standard specifications for transportationmaterials and methods ofsampling and testing; Part 1:Specifications(14th ed.).American Association of State Highway and TransportationOfficials, Washington, D.C.7AASHTO.1986b.Standard definitions of terms relating to subgrade, soil-aggregate, and fill materials.AASHTO designation M146-70 (1980).In:Standard specifications for transportation materials and methods ofsampling and testing; Part 1:Specifications (14th ed.).AmericanAssociation ofState Highway and Transportation Officials,Washington, D.C.8Ingram, R.L.1982.Modified Wentworth scale.In:Grain-size scales.AGIData Sheet 29.1.In:Dutro, J.T., Dietrich, R.V., and Foose, R.M. 1989.AGI data sheets for geology in the field, laboratory, and office, 3rd edition.American Geological Institute, Washington, D.C.USDA-NRCS 2-37 September 2002ROCK and OTHER FRAGMENTSThese are discrete, water-stable particles > 2 mm.Hard fragments (e.g., rock,wood) have a Rupture Resistance - Cementation Class Strongly Cemented.Softer fragments (e.g., para rock) are less strongly cemented.Describe Kind,Volume Percent (classes given below), Roundness or Shape, and Size (mm).ROCK and OTHER FRAGMENTS - KIND - (Called FRAGMENTS in NASIS)Use the choice list given for Bedrock - Kind and the additional choices in thetable below.NOTE:Interbedded rocks from the Bedrock - Kind Table are notappropriate choices or terminology for rock fragments.Kind Code Kind CodePDP NASIS PDP NASISIncludes all choices in Bedrock - Kind (except Interbedded), plus:calcrete (caliche) 1 CA metamorphic MMRrocks 2carbonate CAC mixed rocks 3 MSRconcretionscarbonate nodules CAN ortstein ORFfragmentscarbonate rocks 2 CAR petrocalcic PEFfragmentscharcoal CH petroferric TCFfragmentscinders E5 CI petrogypsic PGFfragmentsdurinodes DNN plinthite PLNnodulesduripan fragments DUF quartz QUAfoliatedmeta- FMR quartzite QZTmorphic rocks 2gibbsite concretions GBC scoria SCOgibbsite nodules GBN sedimentary SEDrocks 2igneous rocks 2 IGR shell SHFfragmentsiron-manganese FMC silica SICconcretions concretionsiron-manganese FMN volcanic bombs VBnodulesironstone nodules FSN volcanic rocks 2 VOLlapilli LA wood WOUSDA-NRCS 2-38 September 20021Fragments strongly cemented by carbonate; may include fragmentsderived from petrocalcic horizons.2Generic rock names may be appropriate for identifying fragments (e.g.a cobble) but are too general and should not be used to name Bedrock-Kinds.3Numerous, unspecified fragment lithologies are present, as in till oralluvium; not for use with residuum.ROCK and OTHER FRAGMENTS - VOLUME PERCENT - Estimate thequantity on a volume percent basis.NOTE:For proper use of TextureModi