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Soil datasets â including 25+ soil attribute mapsâare available in Overyield via an integration with the US Soil Web Survey.
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Adding Soil Layers to the Map:
Viewing Soil Data:
All soil data is accessible via the righthand Layers menu â âSoil boundaries (US)â
Soil Attribute | Definition |
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Available Water Capacity (AWC) | The amount of water that a soil can store and make available to plants, calculated as the difference between field capacity and wilting point. |
Calcium Carbonate (CaCOâ) | The proportion of calcium carbonate in the soil, which influences pH, nutrient availability, and structure. |
Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) | Soilâs capacity to hold and exchange positively charged nutrients (e.g., CaÂČâș, Kâș, MgÂČâș), typically measured at pHâŻ7. |
Clay | The percentage of particles less than 0.002 mmâhigher clay content affects water retention and drainage. |
Drainage Class | A classification describing how well water moves through the soil (e.g., poorly, somewhat poorly, well, excessively drained). |
Electrical Conductivity (EC) | A measure of soil solution salinity, indicating total dissolved salts concentration. |
Gypsum | The percentage of gypsum (CaSOâ·2HâO) in the soil, relevant for drainage and fertility. |
Hydric Rating | A designation indicating whether a soil is formed under wet, anaerobic conditions (âhydricâ), often used in wetland identification. |
Hydrologic Group | USDA soil classification (AâD) reflecting infiltration ratesâGroup A soils drain quickly, Group D very slowly. |
Kâ Factor (Kâ or Kâ) | Soil erodibility index used in erosion modeling (e.g., RUSLE) based on texture, structure, organic matter, and permeability. |
Ksat (Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity) | A measure of how fast water moves through saturated soil, typically in inches/hour or cm/day. |
Land Capability Class | A USDA classification (IâVIII) describing soil suitability for agriculture, considering limitations like erosion risk or moisture. |
Linear Extensibility | Indicates soil shrinkâswell potential as moisture changesâimportant for foundation stability. |
Map Unit Type | Identifies whether a soil map unit is a single soil series, miscellaneous area, or a mixture. |
Organic Matter | Percentage of soil composed of decomposed plant and animal residuesâkey for structure and nutrients. |
pH | A measure of soil acidity or alkalinity (scale ~4â9), crucial for nutrient availability. |
Sand | Percentage of particles between 0.05â2 mmâaffects texture, drainage, and aeration. |
Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR) | The ratio of sodium to calcium plus magnesium in soil waterâhigh values can degrade soil structure. |
T Factor | The maximum average annual soil loss (in tons per acre per year) that is considered tolerable without degrading long-term productivity. |
Wind Erodibility | Factor measuring soilâs susceptibility to wind erosion, based on texture and aggregation. |
K Factor, Whole Soil (All Layers) | An estimate of the soil's erodibility averaged across all soil layers. Used in erosion models like RUSLE. |
K Factor, Whole Soil (Surface Layer) | Soil erodibility factor specifically for the surface horizon, where erosion is most active. |
pH, 1:1 Water (All Layers) | Average soil pH across all layers using a 1:1 water-to-soil ratio. Indicates overall acidity or alkalinity. |
pH, 1:1 Water (Surface Layer) | Soil pH measured in the surface horizon using a 1:1 water-to-soil ratio. |
Cation Exchange Capacity: CEC-7 (All Layers) | Soilâs capacity to hold exchangeable cations across all layers, measured at pH 7.0. |
Cation Exchange Capacity: CEC-7 (Surface Layer) | CEC for the surface layer only. Critical for nutrient availability in biologically active zones. |
Farmland Classification | Indicates whether soil is 'prime', 'statewide important', or 'not prime' farmland, based on NRCS standards. |
Ponding Frequency Class | Describes how often water collects on the soil surface: none, rare, occasional, or frequent. |
Soil Health: Organic Matter (All Layers) | Percentage of organic matter across all soil layers. Important for water retention and fertility. |
Soil Health: Organic Matter (Surface Layer) | Organic matter content in the surface layer. Indicator of soil health and microbial activity. |