Knowing your soils is a good idea, no matter where you live or what type of country living activity you pursue. The USDA’s National Resources Conservation Service makes that job easy.

The Web Soil Survey site takes a little bit of getting used to, but it provides a wealth of information. Once you have selected an area of interest, you can view a map identifying the types of soils on your property.

But that’s just the beginning—these facts are then translated into information that you can use to determine the best use of your land. View details on:

• Building site development (potential challenges to dwellings, lawns, shallow excavations, small commercial buildings, etc.).
• Construction materials (usefulness as a source of gravel, sand, topsoil, etc.).
• Land classifications (suitability for farming, irrigation, forest, conservation tree plantings, etc.).
• Land management (erosion hazard, fence post depth, potential for damage by fire, potential for seedling mortality, soil rutting hazard, etc.).
• Recreational development (suitability for motorcycle trails, paths, playgrounds, etc.).
• Vegetative productivity (productivity of crops, range, and forests).
• Plenty more to keep you busy!

If you want to get to know your soil better, this is a very informative start. Enjoy!