Soil Survey Manual – Part 2
This online engineering PDH interactive presentation provides a detailed overview of soil description and classification concepts used in field investigations and land evaluation. Adapted from Chapter 3 of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Soil Survey Manual (Handbook 18, March 2017), the course focuses on the terminology, methods, and observational techniques required for accurate soil characterization and interpretation.
This presentation begins by introducing key terminology and concepts used in soil description, including the definition of pedons and the examination of soil profiles in field investigations. It explains soil horizons and layers, including their standard designations and how they are used to describe and interpret soil profiles. Participants will explore near-surface subzones and root-restricting depth, and their importance in evaluating soil behavior and land use potential. The course also covers soil particle-size distribution and soil texture, including the classification of soils into texture classes. In addition, it examines the identification of rock fragments, pararock fragments, artifacts, and compound texture modifiers, and their role in soil characterization. Key indicators such as soil color and surface features are also discussed, highlighting their significance in understanding soil composition, drainage conditions, and environmental processes.
This 3 PDH online interactive presentation is designed for engineers, soil scientists, environmental professionals, and planners seeking a practical understanding of soil description methods for field analysis, classification, and land use applications.
This continuing education interactive presentation is intended to provide you with the following specific knowledge and skills:
- To understand the terminology and concepts used in soil description, including pedons and the examination of soil profiles in field investigations
- To explain soil horizons and layers, including their designations and how they are used to describe soil profiles
- To examine near-surface subzones and root-restricting depth and their significance in soil interpretation and land use
- To explore soil particle-size distribution and soil texture, including the use of texture classes in soil classification
- To identify rock fragments, pararock fragments, artifacts, and compound texture modifiers, and their role in soil characterization
- To understand soil color and surface features as key indicators of soil composition, drainage conditions, and environmental processes
For this course, you will need to watch the interactive presentation titled, “Soil Survey Manual - Part 2”. To access the interactive presentation, you will need to login or register and purchase the course. Following the course purchase, please click on the link provided in your account history to view the interactive presentation. The duration of the interactive presentation is approximately 185 minutes.
Upon successful completion of the quiz, print your Certificate of Completion instantly. (Note: if you are paying by check or money order, you will be able to print it after we receive your payment.) For your convenience, we will also email it to you. Please note that you can log in to your account at any time to access and print your Certificate of Completion.