About the Soil Surveys
Printed soil surveys were the main source of soils information in the United States from 1900 to 2005. These publications were produced by various bureaus within the U.S. Department of Agriculture. They offer a unique view of local areas, often documenting the same areas over time.
Soil surveys are useful to students and practitioners in various disciplines including agriculture, engineering, and planning. They are also useful for historians, local government officials, and even genealogists who may be interested in family homesteads.
Historic Soil Surveys
Surveys produced from 1899 to approximately 2010 are part of the Government Information Collection at USU Libraries.
- Soil Survey InventoryThis inventory, created by Helen Smith and Jen Kirk in 2020, provides location, call number, and publication information for all print soil surveys produced by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). Use it to find print surveys in the Government Information Collection.
- Soil Surveys by StateHistoric surveys digitized by the US Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service. Organized by State. Digitization is in progress.
Current Survey Data
The Web Soil Survey compiles current data for locations across the United States.
- Web Soil SurveyThis interactive map and data portal provides access to current soil information. Produced by the Natural Resources Conservation Service section of the US Department of Agriculture.
- SoilWebAn interactive map of soil survey information produced by the University of California Davis.
Information about the Soil Surveys
- An Inventory of US Soil Surveys Full ReportThis report provides details about the publication and distribution history of the Soil Surveys. It accompanies the Soil Survey Inventory (2020). Authors: Helen Smith and Jen Kirk.
- USDA NRCS Soil SurveysThis webpage provides access to current soil survey data, historic soil surveys, and background information about the soil survey program.
- Uncovering the Soil SurveysThis poster investigates the status of soil surveys at USU Libraries in 2018. Authors: Sandra Weingart and Jen Kirk.
Need help accessing the surveys?
Author Acknowledgement
The resources on this guide were identified and developed as part of a collaborative project between librarians at Utah State University Libraries (USU) and Penn State University Libraries (Penn State).
Guide contributors include:
- Helen Smith (Penn State)
- Jen Kirk (USU)
- Sandra Weingart (USU)
- Anne Hedrich (USU)
