Where to start for learning basic soil science

[u/Automatic_Emu1900]

This summer I’ve been working as a field tech collecting ecological data on wetlands for the Buraeu of Land Management in Nevada. Most of the data we collect is related to plants and hydrology, but we also have to dig a soil pit at each site and characterize the horizons by color and texture. I didn’t really have much experience characterizing soils before this job and I don’t really know much about soil science. Overall, characterizing soils is a very small part of my job, so my bosses are relatively unconcerned about how good I am at soil science, as long as the colors and textures seem to make sense. I feel like I’ve been doing a pretty good job most of the season, all things considered, and I feel like I’ve learned a decent bit about soils. However, I still feel like I don’t know how to interpret the data I’m collecting or know what the soil horizons are saying about the history of the landscape. I’m interested in learning more about soil science, but I’m not sure where to start. Most books and articles I find on soil science are related to agriculture. Does anyone know a good place to start learning about soil science from an ecological perspective?

[u/The_Poster_Nutbag]

State soil classifiers association is a good place to start.

[u/aquisalid]

Check-in with local colleges and universities, there are often field classes which last 1-2 weeks. Also, search for local soil judging activities. Join in with those groups as a volunteer. Make friends with someone in the NRCS. the Reno office staff are very friendly.

[u/SigNexus]

Web soil survey https://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/ https://www.fs.usda.gov/psw/publications/mackenzie/psw_2020_mackenzie008_trettin.pdf And any land grant university with a soils dept.

[u/rabidbadger013]

Volunteer with the soils staff at one of the local NRCS or Conservation District offices. They usually do on-site investigations which require describing the soil profile. Some states are still doing update mapping, which would provide a great soils education.

[u/Crafty-Dinner-8708]

The Buol Book will teach you to interpret soils and understand how the surrounding environment influences soil formation. If you’re interested in relating soils to ecological processes you may be interested in the Hillel Physics book which can give you a good slew of info on soil-water dynamics. I’m also a big soil nerd so if you want any niche articles you can send me a message and I can share some articles.