Methods of Soil Survey, their phases and uses in different sectors

Mainul Ahsan
Director (Rtd.)
SRDI

Survey: Surveying implies examining or measuring the extent of an object and representing
this in the form of a map or chart.
Soil Survey: Soil survey means recognizing different soils as they occur in nature and
representing the area they cover on map. Many peoples believe that main purpose of soil
survey is to carryout soil samples for laboratory analysis in order to assess the nutrient status
of the soil and thereby make recommendation for use of fertilizers on the soils.
According to Soil Survey Manual (SSM) soil survey includes those researches necessary (1)
to determining the important characteristics of soils (2) to classify soils into defined types and
other classification units (3) to established and to plot on maps the boundaries among kinds
of soils and (4) to correlate and predict the adaptability of soils to various crops, grasses and
trees, their behavior and productivity under different management systems, and the yields of
adapted crops under defined sets of management practices. So, we can conclude that soil
survey includes soil description, soil classification, boundary determination, map making and
soil survey interpretation.
Objectives:
The major objectives of soil survey are-
 to find out and record the kinds, amount and locations of different soils occur in a
particular area.
 to assess the potentialities and limitations of soils for various kinds of use and
management.
The fundamental purpose of a soil survey is-

 to inventories the soils occurring in a certain area and

 to make prediction regarding their use, management and productivity.

The main applications are in the agricultural field but, increasingly, soil survey information is
also used to other fields such as road planning and town or urban planning. Consequently, the
methods of soil survey depend on the kinds of soil survey. A kind of soil survey depends on
the purpose of work and available time. There are five different kinds of soil survey used for
different purposes. These are a) Exploratory soil survey b) Reconnaissance soil survey c)
Semi detailed soil survey d) Detailed soil survey and e) Very or ultra detailed soil survey.

Examination and description of soil

Two essential elements for soil survey required intensive field work. These are i) complete
description of mapping unit and ii) the location and plotting of soil boundaries.
Purpose of examination and description (data gathering) -
1. For adhoc decisions on soil boundaries.
2. For mapping unit characterization.
3. For taxonomic unit characterization.
4. For soil correlation on a national and international scale.
Department of soils in ITC (Netherlands) distinguished three types of observations. These are
–

1. Full description- for correlation.

2. Detailed description- for characterization (Minipit and augering).
3. Identification observation-for plotting and delineating soil boundary.

1. Full description: Full description is normally carried out in freshly dug pits.
Descriptions are made according to FAO guidelines for soil description. They serve to
illustrate the model concept of the taxonomic unit. Data gathered through full
description of soil profile will serve for soil correlation on a national and international
scale.
2. Detailed description: Descriptions are made according to FAO guidelines for soil
description, but in an abridge version (short profile card). They serve to established
the range of characteristics of the taxonomic units, which in turn are used to describe
the mapping unit. These observations are carried out by minipits and augering in order
to be able to examine the undisturbed samples of subsurface diagnostic horizons, if
present. The location of observation is plotted on the aerial photographs by a pin prick
and a serial number is assigned.
3. Identification observation: They are augering or other observations that allow us to
identify the taxonomic unit to which a certain pedon belongs. Only the resultant
classifications or a reference to a detailed observation of a similar soil profile is
plotted and noted down on the aerial photo graphs. No observation number is
assigned. No further data need not to record on profile sheet.

Steps of examination and observation: In the initial stages of any survey, detailed
observations are made. With this, a range of characteristics for taxonomic unit is set up.
Model profiles are selected, described and sampled. In the later stage of the survey,
identification observation and detailed observation carryout alternatively. The latter are added
to the range of characteristics. Ideally, selected new model profiles are described and sampled
at the end of the survey.

F Rang of characteristics Correlation

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Items need to be described during soil examination: The following criteria of land and soil
need to be described in the field during soil survey work. These are as follows-

1. Landform, relief, drainage-

Landform- Kind of landform- e.g., dissected terrace, active floodplain drumlin,

old floodplain, fan etc.
Relief- gradient, length, shape and pattern of slope.
Drainage-Type of drainage, pattern etc.

2. Parent material- texture, structure, colour, consistency, stratification and

mineral composition.
3. Soil profile-

Colour- Name and mathematical notation from colour chart.

Texture- By filling soil with the finger.
Structure- Need careful attention.
Porosity- Observed vision and counting.
Consistency- By fill the soil moisture condition.
Reaction and effervescence- Fields and 10% HCL may be used.
Concretion and other features- Hand feeling and keen observation.
Organic matter and roots- Observed vision and counting.
Chemical and mineralogical composition- Following standard methods in the laboratory.

4. Stoniness- Number, size and distribution.

5. Erosion or truncation: Observation and evaluation of existing landscape condition.
6. Vegetation- Principal plants are to be noted, both dominate and associated plants are
also to be noted.
7. Land use- Principal crops with their condition, type of farming, yield, management
practices, fertilizer application practices are need to be recorded.

Collection of soil samples-

Reasons of sample collection- Soil samples are collected from soil survey area for
laboratory analysis in order to determine fundamental properties of soils in relation to their
classification such as type, series, family, great soil group; suggesting their genesis and
relationship to their environment; check field measurement and observation of textural class,
pH, soluble salts, carbonate, permeability etc.; help in assessing their responses to
management practices; help in assessing their physical properties that influence traficability,
highway and airport design.

Kind of soil samples- In general four kinds of soil samples are collected in the soil survey
programme. These ere-

1. Fragmental or loose samples from individual horizons.

2. Undisturbed core samples taken from individual horizon
3. Undisturbed monolith for study and exhibit.
4. Composite topsoil samples for study of topsoil fertility status.
Fragmental samples are taken from individual horizons by loosing the materials and storing
them in proper cloth or polythene bag. These samples are used for soil correlation,
mechanical and chemical analysis. Undisturbed core samples are taken from individual
horizon by careful cutting and stored in a way to preserve soil structure. Such samples are
useful for determination of porosity, bulk density, petrographic examination and other
physical measurements. Undisturbed monolith is used mainly for exhibit. Fragmental
composite topsoil samples are mainly used for assessing fertility of the topsoil.

Preparation of soil for sampling- Soil samples should collect properly with great care. Two
major steps involved in soil samples collection and preparation. These are sampling and
leveling respectively.

Sampling- For the purpose of correlation it is usually adequate to sample for each
recognizable horizon. For laboratory analysis particularly if a study of genesis is to be made,
thicker horizon may need to be separated arbitrarily into thinner sub horizons. Nothing is
gained by subdividing recognizable horizons into layers less than 3.7 cm thick. Fragmental
samples of about 1.0 kg are needed for most analysis. Samples should be taken in a vertical
section, one directly beneath the other from one side of the pit. Margins or gradations
between the horizons need to be avoided into taking samples During sampling the material is
to be collected on the spade blade and then transferred to a container. Care must be taken to
avoid material from the horizon above that would contaminate the samples. The pit may be
dug as a series of steps. This kind of pit having several steps is helpful for collecting vertical
undisturbed core samples. Coarser fragments larger than a 2.5 cm or so in diameter should be
discarded.
Leveling- Each sample should be labeled adequate as soon as it is taken. Samples from
various horizon may become separated from one another. The level should carry the
information on the date, location, name of the collector, name of the soil type, number of the
soil horizon, its position in the profile, depth of the horizon, very brief summary of its
description.

Methods of soil survey: Three are three main methods of soil survey. These are i) Grid
survey ii) Free survey and iii) Physiographic survey.

i) Grid survey- Grid survey involves ground observation at regular and irregular intervals
along the traverse lines. In detailed and semi-detailed survey, the traverse lines are spaced at
regular intervals. In reconnaissance soil survey traverse line are not spaced at regular
intervals. Parallel traverse should run at right angles to the general trend of the topography.

Advantage- Precise location of the ground observation is possible, particularly amongst dense
vegetation and flat terrain without any market ground features. A relative numerical
assessment of the proportion of different kinds of soil in the survey area is possible.

Free survey- It is not included on a regular grid basis and is in many cases a soil boundary
survey. This method is only possible in open country where both access and visibility are
unlimited and when high quality aerial photograph or topographical map is available.

Advantage- If the surveyor has sufficient experience free survey is the most efficient and
most economic methods of ground survey.
Disadvantage- Most observation is concentrated near the boundaries. It needs more
interpretation and sufficient skillness.

Physiographic survey: It is primarily concerned with characterizing the mapping units. The
boundaries of the mapping units are located by aerial photograph interpretation. Few or no
ground observation are made to verify those boundaries mapped on aerial photographs.
Ground observations are made along the representative traverses and were used to
characterize the physiographic units. The primary aim of the ground observation is to
characterize the mapping units. This method is particularly employed in the small scale,
reconnaissance type surveys.

Advantage- General soil condition of a large area can be investigated within limited time and
the relations among broad soil units can be shown easily. Potential information can gather for
any development programme.

Disadvantage- The degree of accuracy achieved with this method is almost entirely
depending on a sufficiently close correlation between air photo pattern and soil mapping
units. Data /information gathered through this type of survey is not detail enough for local
level planning.

Phases of soil Survey work:

Type of soil survey- Previously 5 types of soil survey developed on the basis of purpose and
objectives of the work. Type of survey depends upon the checking intensity of soils, scale of
base materials used during the survey, detailness of information and scale of published map.
These are –

 Exploratory soil survey

 Reconnaissance soil survey
 Semi detailed soil survey
 Detailed Soil survey
 Ultra detailed soil survey

Exploratory soil survey- Exploratory soil surveys are carried out in order to show
schematically the broad differences in soil conditions. The result is an exploratory soil map, a
schematic soil map or a general soil association map.

Purpose of Reconnaissance soil survey: Reconnaissance soil survey is carried out

 to investigate the general soil condition of a large area.

 to show the relations among broad soil units and
 to outline area of potential information for development programme.

Reconnaissance soil survey- Reconnaissance soil survey is based on aerial photo

interpretation supported by planned programme of field traverses and laboratories analysis of
soil samples. Scale of aerial photograph varies from 1:40000-1:70000. A network of traverses
should be laid down before starting the field survey so as to examine the major landscape.
Generally, are made at interval of 5-10 kilometers apart and observations along the traverses
should be mad from few yards to approximately 1-2 kilometers. Soil should be examined as
and when necessary. Sampling intensities varies according to the complexity of the soils and
soil patterns. Soils should be described with minipits and auger holes supplemented by
numerous check holes. In case of major soils, it needs to be described and sampled. In
general soil should be described with a depth of 4 feet (1.2 meter) but occasionally upto 8 feet
(2.0 meters). In RSS accepted mapping unit should be subgroup level. but in Bangladesh it
was done on soil series level. In RSS soil association will be the mapping unit for final soil
map. After final checking and correlation soil boundaries need to be transferred directly from
aerial photo mossaic to toposheet (1:50000). Reduction should be made by pentograph from
1: 50000 to 1:125,000. Physical, chemical and physico-chemical analysis of soil samples
should be made according to the purpose. Soil, Land Capability and Land use map should be
prepared with report.

Semi - detailed Soil survey- Semi - detailed Soil surveys are carried out to determine and to
locate the most important differences in soils and to show the local soil conditions of a large
area. The soil mapping units should be homogenous enough for important soil characteristics,
which are generally determined by the purpose for which such a soil survey is made.

Detailed Soil survey:

Objectives: To map individual soil series and phase, boundaries between the soils are
checked throughout their extent, so that may be mapped precisely.
Importance - Detailed soil survey map can be used for detailed planning of field layouts for
irrigation or drainage, fertilization, crop selection etc. If precise recommendation on crops,
fertilizer use and soil management are to be given to the farmers of agriculturally important
area, detailed soil survey will be eventually needed. Priority for detailed soil survey will need
to be given to development project area where high capital investment is involved. Costly
irrigation and reclamation work should not be undertaken without prior detailed soil survey
of the proposed development areas.
Method of survey- Detailed soil survey based on field survey and chemical analysis. Aerial
photograph, mouza map, RSS map may be used as base materials. Proper planning and
rational use of the resources should be ensured for proper survey work. Grid survey method
may be accepted for detailed soil survey work. During field survey soil should be checked
after 30 meters along the traverse and checking intensity will depends upon the complexity of
the soil. Horizon wise soil samples should be collected and composite topsoil samples should
also be collected for assessing soil fertility status. Soil series, phase and type is the soil unit in
detailed soil survey and consociation is the mapping unit. Soils should be described with a
depth of 4 feet (1.2 meter) but occasionally upto 8 feet (2.0 meters). Representative soil
profile should be described according to FAO guide lines. Scale of the projected map of
detailed soil survey varies from 1:4000 to 1:1000. Physical, chemical and physico-chemical
analysis of soil samples should be made. Soil, Land capability and Land use map should be
prepared with report. The area and extent of the mapping unit should be calculated
cartographically. It is a slow job. One surveyor with supporting staff is expected to map 0.25
to 1.0 square mile per day, depending on the complexity of the soil.
Phasing of soil survey operation.
It is important to systematically phase the aerial photo interpretation and ground survey
stages of a soil survey. These stages are described below in the preferred order. They apply
all the types of soil surveys and should, at least, always be used in detailed surveys.
1. Preliminary photo interpretation of the area. - to obtain a general assessment of the
landscape and physiographic units.
2. Rapid field reconnaissance- to relate features distinguished on the photos with actual
ground conditions. It is important to make sufficient soil observations so as to be able to
identify-

 major diagnostic criteria for the soil

 required sample density and
 to establish a field legend for soil mapping

3. Selection and systematic photo interpretation of sample area- select sample area which
appear to be representative for the study/survey area.

4. Field work in sample area- to correlate the mapping units identified with actual soil
characteristics on the ground.

5. Systematic photo interpretation of the whole survey area- to extrapolate the boundaries
identified in the sample area.

6. Field check out side the sample area – to check the photo interpretation
 Soil Survey methodology (ITC model)

Type of Applications Taxonomic Physiographic Observation density Scale of Publication Minimum Estimated Remarks
survey units units (Average case) Base scale mappable minimum
Detailed Identification material area production
(Minipit) (Augering) (Per man
year)
1st Planning of Soil type Element/Site 15/km2 85/km2 AP 1:10,000 0.25 hec 2000 Preferably
Order intensive use >1:20000 consociation
(Very (developed (Blowups) mapping
detailed) area), unit
accessibility
++

nd
2 Planning of Soil Series Element/Site 2/km2 8/km2 AP 1:25,000 1.56 hec 10,000 Preferably
Order intensive use >1:30000 consociation
(Detailed) (developed (Blowups) mapping
area), unit
accessibilit
++

rd
3 Feasibility Soil Sets Land unit /Facet 1 km2 4/km2 AP 1:50,000 6.25 hec 25,000
Order studies per 1:20000- -Sample
(Semi- predecessor subgroup Sample area: 1:40000 area + 10%
Detailed) of 1 or 2 of total area
(Area with
2/km2 8 /km2 -Preferably
potential)
some
association
development mapping
accessibility+ unit
Type of Applications Taxonomic Physiographic Observation density Scale of Publicatio Minimu Estimated Remarks
survey units units (Average case) Base n scale m minimum
Detailed Identification material mappable production
(Minipit) (Augering) area (Per man
year)
4th Inventory of Greatgroup Land Types 1/3 km2 2/3/km2 AP 1:10,0000 25 hec 100,000 Sample area
Order areas of or soil set (ITC)/ >1:70000- + 5 % of
(General) relatively low per great Local system Sample area: 1:80000 total area
potential group 2/km2 4 /km2 Association
some
development
accessibility +
5th General Greatgroup Land Type 0.2/km2 - AP 1:10,000 0.25 hec 100,000 Sample area
Order inventory or Suborder or Higher >1:70000- + 2 % of
(Prelimi undevelope Sample area 1:100,000 total area
-nary) d area Association
accessibility 2/km2 -
--

6th Very Greatgroup Land Type or 0.01/km2 - AP 1:250,000 156 hec 400,000 Sample area
Order general or Suborder Higher >1:30000 + 1 % of
(Explorato inventory (Blowups) total area
ry)
Sample area
undevelope Association
d area 1/km2 -
accessibility
--
Soil Survey planning.
Soil survey planning depends upon the purpose, budget and time available for the work. In general soil
survey work is considered as three steps work. i) pre field work ii) field work or field survey and iii)
post field work. all the activities should perform sequentially. After completing one step next one
should start. Every step should complete according to schedule. For each step of work time frame
should be fixed accordingly. During pre field work activities they must have an idea about local
reference level, particularly on land use. To make a proper plan for any kind of soil survey work the
following activities should complete sequentially.
a. Pre field work: Before starting field, work soil surveyor should collect and interpret the
available base materials and literature. Aerial photographs with required scale should interpret
through stereoscope. After proper interpretation, an interpretative map may be prepared. On
the basis of the photo image several traverse lines should be selected on the photographs.
Aerial photograph interpretation needs skill manpower. Along the traverse lines site should be
selected at a definite interval for observation.
ii. Field work: To have an idea about local reference level and communication
soil surveyor may visit the field intermittently during base material interpretation. Field survey
should be carried out along the pre selected traverse lines in suitable seasons. Soil should be
examined through digging minipits and auger holes. Soil should be described and classified
according to FAO guide lines and USDA Soil Taxonomy. For analysis soil samples should be
collected systematically from each horizon. All sorts of information like soil, land, water, land
use, climate, environment, tenure system, socio-economic condition etc. should be collected
during field survey
iii. Post field work: Soil boundary should be transferred of from aerial
photographs to toposheet for making soil map. Soil correlation, preparation of final soil map
legend should also be done systematically. Final soil map should be prepared with definite
scale. Following standard procedure necessary physical, chemical and physico-chemical
properties of soil should be determined in the laboratory according to the purpose of the
survey. Finally soil survey report will be prepared and published with Soil association, Land
use and Land Capability Map.
The essential materials needed for soil survey work is given below.
Base materials:
a) Aerial photographs (1: 30,000-1:70,000) b) Photo mossaic c) Toposheet (1:50,000) d) Satellite
imagery (SPOT/LANDSAT) e) DLR map (1” =1 mile) f) Mouza map (16” =1 mile) g)
Contour map h) Photo map i) Topographic map with standard accuracy j) Planemetric map
with standard accuracy k) Land use map l) Hydrological map m) Geological map.
Equipment and materials needed:
i) GPS ii) Auger with extension rod and spade iii) Country spade iv) Munsell colour chart v) pH kit vi)
10% HCL acid vii) Knife viii) Measuring tape ix) Plastic water pot x) Polythene bag with tag and
thread xi) Core sampler with core xii) Correlation box xiii) Hammer xiv) Duster cloth xv) Magnifying
glass (10x) xvi) Clip board xvii) Pen and pencil xviii) Glass pencil xix) White paper xx) Alpin and
Jems clip xxi) Steel trunk xxii) Folding cot xxiii) Tent ( if available) xxiv) Other equipment and
materials as per requirement
Transport facility: Vehicle, speed boat, country boat etc.
Uses of Soil survey data.
Soil survey data /information has an important role in the planning sector. It can be used widely both
in agricultural and non-agricultural sectors.
Use in agricultural sector

A. Farm planning.
i. Major land uses - Plan need to be balanced among the major land uses according to pattern of soil
type. Land use planning need proper soil information. Soil survey report can provide required soil
information on land use planning.
ii. Cropping system/pattern - A well planned cropping pattern is needed that fits the kinds of soil on
the farm.
iii. Tillage methods - Tillage method should be selected on the basis of soil type to prepare seed bed
properly and on time, to make soil to receptive to water, to incorporate organic matter, lime and
fertilizer deeply where necessary.
iv. Soil protection - It is important to know whether or not the soil can be used for growing
shelterbelts to control wind erosion.
v. Water control, use and disposal on the land - Minimizing excess runoff of rain water, to assess
the water erosion hazard, protection from flood water need information on soil and landform. Soil
survey report provides soil and landform.
vi. Recreation controls – Problems regarding acid soils, excess salt and alkali and nutrient
availability due to soil reaction can be predicted from soil survey information.
vii. Fertilization – For both lime and fertilizer recommendation it is helpful to have the results of
chemical data in areas. The reader should be able to interpret these data from soil map and report.
B. Rural land classification: The results of the soil survey are often applied through grouping of soil
type and phases, called land classification. The soil units shown on the map may be grouped on any
one of the several bases.
a. Degree of some soil characteristics like texture, stoniness, slope, acidity etc.
b. Adaptability to some or group of crops.
c. Productivity under certain management practices.
d. Erosion hazard and conservation requirements for erosion.
e. Potential irrigability.
f. Response to lime and other fertilizer.
C. Agriculture land use planning: Carefully prepared plans in writing with a soil map for several
years in advance, plans that are revised with the season. This kind of planning is called farm planning.
a. The planning of irrigation – Especially detailed soil map is required in planning of irrigation. To
make a proper plan for irrigation soil characteristics need to be considered.
b. The planning of drainage- In principle, planning of drainage is similar to the planning of
irrigation. Soil characteristics of little influence in the natural state become very important when the
soil is drained.
c. The planning of large dams for water storage- Carefully plotting alternative pool lines on
detailed soil map, accurate comparison can be made.
d. Planning measures for flood reduction- Planning for flood reduction involves the study of the soil
condition of a whole watershed in order to estimate infiltration rate, and the effect of land management
and structures on runoff and erosion.
Non agricultural use

a. Classification of social units of land – The broad use classes include i) cropping ii) grazing iii)
forestry iv) recreation v) mining vi) urban vii) public services viii) wildlife preservation and ix)
protection. The soil survey is concerned primarily with the first three uses classes- cropping, grazing
and forestry but also has a great deal to contribute to management plan for the others.
b. Land appraisal- Rural land appraisals for determining the value of land for tax assessment of
appraisal for loan special kind of land classi8fiaction is needed. For this reason, a basic soil survey is
required.
c. Settlement of new lands – The soil survey in a new or undeveloped area needs to be correlated
with soil conditions in known area. The soil map is helpful in locating roads, schools, and other public
services in order to keep costs at a minimum and provide orderly settlements as compactly as possibly.
d. Guidance of prospective farm buyers- The soil survey report and map should give the prospective
buyers a clear picture of the principal potentialities and problems.
e. Assessing potentialities for special crops- Special interpretation of the soil map may be made for
the special crop.
f. Forest management- The soil survey makes possible the synthesis of results from research and
from experience and the orderly application of the available knowledge in forest management.
g. Engineering use – Soil survey data are being used increasingly in engineering use, especially in
highway and airport planning and construction and for predicting trafficability of heavy vehicles.
h. Other uses – Soil maps have been used to locate and design pipelines. They are helpful in locating
radio station. They can be used as maps of surface geology. They are useful in studying landform
and geomorphology process. It can be used to construct maps of the original vegetation and to predict
succession of plant cover. The hazards of nutritional deficiency among plants and animals may be
anticipated from soil map.