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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.

2011 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 2011 in accordance with the memorandum of understanding between the UKAES and other cooperators.

About 15 soil sites involving 92 samples were sampled in 2011 following preliminary surveying and extensive reference sampling for verification of soil unit representation in each survey area. 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. Eleven more sites were sampled and soil samples and soil solutions were analyzed for phosphorus concentrations as part of a research study with a goal to evaluate indigenous P level effects on soil and water quality of Bluegrass soils in Kentucky.

In addition, profile descriptions and characterization data for additional 30 pedons were entered into the national data base in 2010 bringing the total to 980 pedons amounting to 98% of the existing characterized pedons.

Basic Soil Morphology training was also provided to 20 Kentucky Health Department personnel to improve the evaluation efficiency of soil sites suitable for septic system installation in the state.

2011 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.

2011 Publications

Dillehay, T.D., J. Rossen, A.D. Karathanasis, V. Vasquez, and P.J. Netherly. 2010. Early Holocene Coca Leaves and Calcite from Houses in Northern Peru. Antiquity. 84: 939-953.

Miller, J. O., A.D. Karathanasis, and C.J. Matocha. 2011. In-Situ Generated Colloid Transport of Cu and Zn in Reclaimed Mine Soil Profiles Associated with Biosolid Application. J. Applied & Environ. Science (in press).

Thompson, Y.L., E.M. D Angelo, A.D. Karathanasis, and B. Sandefur. 2011. Plant Community Composition as a Function of Geochemistry and Hydrology in three Appalachian Wetlands. Ecohydrology (DOI:10.1002/eco.228).