Information For Land Managers

Soil surveys contain information that affects land use planning. They contain predictions of soil behavior for selected land uses. The also highlight soil limitations, improvements needed to overcome the limitations, and the impact of selected land uses on the environment.

Soil surveys are designed for many different users. Farmers, ranchers, foresters, and agronomists can use them to evaluate the potential of the soil and the management needed for maximum food and fiber production. Planners, community officials, engineers, developers, builders, and home buyers can use the survey to plan land use, select sites for construction, and identify special practices needed to ensure proper performance. Conservationists, teachers, students, and specialists in recreation, wildlife management, waste disposal, and pollution control can use the survey to help them understand, protect, and enhance the environment. Click on a link below to see a soil survey.

• Online soil surveys in the MO–7 region.
• Online soil surveys throughout the country.
• Published soil surveys throughout the country.

Descriptions of the Major Land Resource Areas provide further information regarding the soils. Major land resource areas are geographically associated land resource units, usually encompassing several thousand acres, characterized by a particular pattern of soils, geology, climate, water resources, and land use. A unit can be one continuous area or several separate nearby areas.