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DIVISION S-5-PEDOLOGY

Update and recorrelation of soil surveys using gis and statistical analysis

^a USDA-NRCS, P.O. Box 311, Auburn, AL 36830 USA
^b Agronomy and Soils Dep., Auburn Univ., Auburn, AL 36830 USA

greg.brannon{at}al.usda.gov

The introduction of U.S. soil taxonomy and the increased pressure on land use and development has generated the need to update soil surveys that were published before 1965. A portion of a pre-1965 soil survey from Montgomery county in Alabama was selected to evaluate an update approach using geographic information system (GIS) and statistical analysis. The update included map recompilation, correlation, interpretation, and presentation methods. Sampling points were identified with a stratified random sampling and data obtained at each point were analyzed by traditional statistical methods. The taxonomic accuracy was 75 to 83% at a confidence level of 90%. Interpretative reliability was 90 to 95% for dwellings without basements, 95 to 98% for septic tank absorption fields, and 93 to 98% for local roads and streets. Updating old soil surveys by using GIS technology and statistical evaluation can produce a quality soil survey that meets or exceeds National Cooperative Soil Survey (NCSS) standards. Using this method, an experienced soil scientist can update, recorrelate, and recompile 40180 ha (100000 acres) yr^-1. This is an increase in production of 22090 to 24100 ha (55000–60000 acres) or 120 to 150% compared with conventional remapping methods.

Abbreviations: GIS, geographic information system • MLRA, Major Land Resource Area • NCSS, National Cooperative Soil Survey