AOP Resources – What Does a Certified Soil Scientist Do?

Maps and Describes Soils

• Observes soils in the field
• Identifies soils based on an established set of morphological characteristics

Samples and Analyzes Soils

• Performs field sampling and analysis
• Interprets laboratory chemical and engineering data obtained using standard methods and classifies Soils

Based on:

• Texture
• Color
• Horizonation
• Parent material
• Wetness
• Chemistry
• Temperature
• Mineralogy

Onsite Investigations by Certified soil Scientists can determine a properties suitability for for all of the following land uses

Septic tank filter fields
Dwellings
Roads and streets

Farming
Prime agricultural land

Recreation
Camp and picnic areas
Playgrounds
Hiking and riding trails

Wetland preservation

Who Benefits from a Soil Scientist?

Soil is and does what?

1. Filters potential pollutants - The minerals and microbes in soil are responsible for filtering, buffering, degrading, immobilizing, and detoxifying organic and inorganic materials, including industrial, municipal household by-products wastes.
2. Supports structures - Buildings need stable soil for support.
3. Regulates water - Soil helps control where rain, snow melt, and irrigation water goes. Whether and how fast water and dissolved solutes flow over the land or into and through the soil.
4. Sustains plant and animal life - The diversity and productivity of living things depends on soil.
5. Cycles nutrients - Carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and many other nutrients are stored, transformed, and cycled through soil.

Why should you use a Certified soil scientist?

Soil Investigations before purchasing a property can eliminate nuisances such as:

Cracking and movement of foundations
Leaky basements
Ponding of water in the yard
Septic system failure or a very costly septic system
Limitations of use due to the presence of wetlands

Who Uses a Soil Scientist?

STUDENTS, EDUCATORS

. Information for high school and college soil judging contests
. Information for classroom use at all levels of education

OUTDOOR SPECIALISTS

. Recreation specialists
. Wildlife conservationists
. Resource conservationists
. Environmentalists
. Agronomists
. Soil conservationists
. Reclamation specialists

REALTORS, HOME BUYERS, DEVELOPERS, HOME BUILDERS To Determine:

. Wetland identification
. Septic site suitability
. Erosion control structures
. Building site suitability
. Flooding hazard
. Soil and slope stability

FARMERS, FORESTERS

. Land use capability
. Woodland suitability
. Precision agriculture

ENGINEERS and ARCHITECHTS

. Pond site suitability
. Road construction
. Agronomic structures
. Building design

CITY and COUNTY PLANNERS

. Zoning
. Corridors of growth
. Prime agricultural land
. Tax valuation (CAUV)

SANITARIANS

. Location of septic tank filter fields
. Location of sanitary landfills
. Household sewage system design