Research Accomplishment Reports 2009

Soil Survey Characterizations and Interpretations for Kentucky Soils

A.D. Karathanasis
Department of Plant and Soil Sciences

 

Non-Technical Summary

The Kentucky Cooperative Soil Survey program depends on the soil characterization support of the Pedology-Mineralogy Laboratory of UKAES in order to maintain a quality control over the soil survey activities in the state. The UKAES, as one of the leaders in this program, provides soil characterization data as well as pedological and soil use interpretations to USDA-NRCS scientists through an array of laboratory and field activities. This information has been critical for the successful completion of the once over mapping of the state (2000) and is currently used to update, modernize and digitize old soil surveys.

Soil survey reports are the best available sources of soils information. As demographics, technologies, land uses, and management practices change there is a strong need to keep our soils information data bases current to address local, regional, and national concerns. The research information generated through this project will enable private and public service sectors to make more informed environmental assessments and resource management decisions.

2009 Project Description

The Pedology-Mineralogy Lab continued to provide strong laboratory characterization, pedological interpretation, and field review support to the Cooperative Soil Survey Program of the state during 2009 in accordance with the memorandum of understanding between the UKAES and other cooperators. About 18 official soil sites involving 135 samples were sampled in 2009 following preliminary surveying and extensive reference sampling for verification of soil unit representation in each survey area. Supplemental reference sampling involving 12 more sites in complex areas was also completed to help the field soil scientists develop viable models of soil mapping units. Basic soil characterizations included particle size distribution, sand fractionation, pH, extractable acidity and bases, cation exchange capacity, organic matter, base saturation, and mineralogy, which were used for proper soil correlation and classification.

In addition, soil profile descriptions and characterization data for about 850 pedons were entered into the national data base in 2009 amounting to 85% of the existing characterized pedons. Basic Soil Morphology training was also provided to 32 Kentucky Health Department personnel to improve the evaluation efficiency of soil sites suitable for septic system installation in the state.

2009 Impact

The Kentucky Cooperative Soil Survey program depends on the soil characterization support of the Pedology-Mineralogy Laboratory of UKAES in order to maintain quality control over the soil survey activities in the state. The UKAES, as one of the leaders in this program, provides soil characterization data as well as pedological and soil use interpretations to USDA-NRCS scientists through an array of laboratory and field activities. This information is critical in the process of updating, modernizing and digitizing old soil surveys, while developing more efficient standards for soil use interpretations.

Soil survey reports are the best available sources of soils information. As demographics, technologies, land uses, and management practices change there is a strong need to keep our soils information data bases current to address local, regional, and national concerns. The research information generated through this project will enable private and public service sectors to make more informed environmental assessments and resource management decisions.

2009 Publications

Hamilton, N.J., B. Mijatovic, T.G. Mueller, B.D. Lee, B.W. Kew, H. Cetin, and A.D. Karathanasis. 2009. Google Earth Dissemination of Soil Survey Derived Interpretations for Land Use Planning. Journal of Extension (http://www.joe.org/joe/2009october/a3.php).

Manios, T., M.S. Foundoulakis, and A.D. Karathanasis. 2009. Construction Simplicity and Cost as Selection Criteria Between Two Types of Constructed Wetlands Treating Highway Runoff. Environ. Management, 43:908-920.

Pike, A.C., T.G. Mueller, A. Schorgendorfer, S.A. Shearer, and A.D. Karathanasis. 2009. Erosion Index Derived from Terrain Attributes Using Logistic Regression and Neural Networks: An Approach for Precision Conservation. Agron. J. 101: 1068-1079.

Edwards, J., C.D. Barton, and A.D. Karathanasis. 2009. A Small Scale Sulfate Reducing Bioreactor Mn Removal from a Synthetic Mine Drainage. Water Air & Soil Poll. (DOI 10,1007/s11270-009-0010-3).