Soil Survey Interpretation

To identify soil accurately, it is necessary to undertake a soil survey according to standard procedures. The aim is to provide an accurate record of the soil resources of land on a farm. With the soil boundaries drawn on a base map, the map is used to determine the potential, limitations, and management needs of each type of land on the farm.

There are two methods that can be used to assess soil potential, viz. identifying the soil forms and families, or, identifying ecotopes. On a map, areas should be selected for pits to be opened for inspection. The areas marked should have a similar aspect and slope.