Soil is the foundation of every profitable acre. Understanding texture, drainage, and nutrient-holding capacity helps you match the right crop to the right field and avoid throwing money at unfixable limitations. But how do I know what kind of soil I have? And what can I even do with the data? Let’s explore how to read a soil survey and the actionable insights it brings.
Core metrics at a glance
- Texture class (loam, clay loam, sandy loam) – dictates water retention
- CEC (Cation Exchange Capacity) - higher numbers mean better nutrient storage
- Slope - impacts erosion and machinery safety
- Depth to restrictive layer - shallow bedrock or hardpan limits rooting
Imagine you farm 160 acres with only enough budget to tile 60. The survey might show the western third sports poorly drained clay loam on a flat grade—perfect candidate for tile. The eastern slope, meanwhile, carries lighter silt loam where drainage isn’t the bottleneck. Targeted investment beats blanket solutions every time.
In The Field
Carry two clean quart jars. Scoop soil from the top six inches of contrasting spots, add water, shake, and watch the layers settle. Sand drops in minutes; silt follows; clay hangs in suspension. The visual makes survey jargon real for employees and landlords alike.
Checklist for actionable soil data
- Map each field’s dominant soil series and note limiting factors
- Pair yield maps with soil zones to spot chronic under-performers
- Amend gradually: lime low-pH pockets instead of entire fields
- Re-test; organic matter shifts slower than nutrients
Parsing all this takes time, but the return is tangible.
Final Tips
Before you dive in, check out AcreValue’s Soil Survey map layer to overlay soil data on a parcel map—saving you from toggling between clunky screens.