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GIS Modeling for Soil Survey: Integrating Ecological and Soil Mapping in Missouri
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- Soil Survey Investigations and Soil-Geomorphic Research
GIS Modeling for Soil Survey: Integrating Ecological and Soil Mapping in MissouriFred J. Young, Ph.D.NRCS Soil Scientist, Columbia, MO In a typical Missouri county, most if not all separations among soil map units are based on differences in either landform or geology. Recent improvements in Digital Elevation Models (DEM), combined with modeling efforts among many individuals, now allow for GIS modeling of landforms. These landform maps can be combined with geology data to create “geo-landform” units, which are being used to create Ecological Land Types (ELTs) as part of an ecological classification system for Missouri (Nigh et. al, 2000). By adding expert soils knowledge to the geo-landform model (e.g., Zhu et. al, 1997), a soil map model can be produced, which can then be tested and refined by field soil scientists. The final product will be internally consistent, as well as fully integrated with ecological units. Although soil scientists and ecologists have communicated and collaborated, actual soils and ELT mapping has proceeded independently. The objective of the study presented here was to examine the relationship between recent soil survey and ELT mapping for an area in the Missouri Ozarks. Recent soils mapping was digitized and combined with ELT mapping via GIS (see the Power Point show on the companion CD for details). Crosstabulation tables were derived, showing the percentages of ELT units in each soil map unit, and vice versa. Two soil map units were selected for detailed analysis. Results indicate strong soil-ELT correlations, as well as significant discrepancies. For example, one ELT “shoulder” unit extends down steep convex nose slopes, into areas mapped as backslope soil map units. Other examples are given in the power point show. In conclusion, explicit integration of soil and ELT units seems possible, but will not become reality unless soil scientists and ecologists work together to define the underlying geo-landform units. For example, where exactly are “shoulder” units located on maps? Can we define ELT and/or soil phases to help integrate these products? I remain cautiously optimistic about such an integration. Soils and ELTs may not match up line-for-line, but hopefully units will “nest”. There may well be ELT criteria that are not relevant to soil survey purposes, and vice versa, and I do not advocate forcing a soil-ELT fit at any cost. However, we in the National Cooperative Soil Survey need to recognize that other natural resource agencies, including the US Forest Service, are committed to using ecological units in their planning (USDA Forest Service, 1993). The more closely we can integrate soils information with these ecological units, the more likely it is that our soils information will be used. References Nigh, T.A., C. Becker, J. Grabner, J. Kabrick and D. Meinert. 2000. An ecological classification system for the Current River Hills subsection. Working Draft Manual. Missouri Department of Conservation. Jefferson City, Mo. USDA Forest Service. 1993. National hierarchical framework of ecological units. Washington, DC: US Department of Agriculture, ECOMAP. 28pp. Zhu, A, L. Band, R. Vertessey, and B. Dutton. 1997. Derivation of soil properties using a soil land inference model (SoLIM). Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J. 61:523-533. Soil Survey Investigations and Soil-Geomorphic ResearchCarolyn Olson, National Leader- Soil Survey Investigations, NSSC These materials were compiled from the Investigations Staff and the few researchers who are still located on other staffs. 1. Geographic distribution of research and assistance provided by the Investigations Staff FY 2001. Geophysical assistance was separated out and displayed on a separate map. 
2. Topical Research. This list is composed of research activities that the researchers are currently involved in. It includes joint projects with NCSS cooperators. Expert Systems Techniques Decision Support Tools Predictive Models
Electromagnetic-Induction Studies (EMI) Geophysical Program Initiative Ground-Penetrating-Radar Studies (GPR) LTER Studies Involvement in about half of the 24 current LTER sites
Ashy Soils Deconvolution of XRD Information Eolian Admixtures to Tephra Minerals and Human Health Nutrient Cycling Nitrate, Nitrogen Soil Phosphorus
Paralithic Materials and Soil- Water Properties Relict Soils and Weathering Stable Isotopic Studies Vertisols/Paleovertisols Salinity in Soils Irrigation Canal Seepage in Arid and Semiarid Areas
Bulk Density Studies Predicting Soil Resistivity Rock Fragment Conversions Soil Erosivity Predictions Use-Dependent and Use-Invariant Data Integration Soil Biology Field Sampling Protocol Methods Development Microbial Activity and Biomass Analysis
Assessments Carbon Storage - No till, CRP
Major and Trace Element Studies Soil Classification Andisols Properties Cascade Range Soils Diagnostic Features Remotely-sensed inventories
Hydrologic Indicators Small-scale Infiltrometer Comparisons Soil Color Soil Hydrology and Water Movement through Landscape Soil Moisture Studies Soil Temperature Studies Soil-Water Regimes Wet-Soil Monitoring Projects Soil Geomorphology Carolina Bays Chihuahuan Desert Study Deep Investigations Studies Mountainous Terrain Models Macon Ridge South-central Iowa Terraces Southern High Plains - MLRA 77 Soil Health Urban Soils and Anthropogenic Impacts 3. Announcements: a. The pending Memorandum of Agreement with State Geological Surveys and the NRCS. b. Request for volunteers to take part in the Task Force to develop regional course curriculum in soil geomorphology.
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