Soil: the Foundation of Life (Please read description!)
"As responsible scientists and technicians the members of the soil survey have a responsibility to explain their information, how it was obtained, what it seems to mean, and how good or how uncertain the information may be. Without such a responsibility to the customers, the public, and to science there would not be the keen sense of pride and accomplishment of being professionals." (Dr. Richard W. Arnold, Director, Soil Survey Division, USDA-NRCS; 1980 to 1996)
Soils are the basis of life and the foundation for agriculture. (Genesis 2:7: Then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.)
Yet, during the past few decades, focus on the importance of soils has diminished, coupled with harsh man-made and natural conditions that have resulted in soil erosion and soil nutrient depletion. Without vibrant and healthy soil, plants and animals cannot flourish. Therefore, it is vital that we have a deep understanding of soil so we may conserve and protect this very valuable natural resource.
The word “soil,” like many common words, has several meanings. In its traditional meaning, soil is the natural medium for the growth of land plants, whether or not it has discernible soil horizons. This meaning is still the common understanding of the word, and the greatest interest in soil is centered on this meaning. Soil covers the earth’s surface as a continuum, except on bare rock, in areas of perpetual frost or deep water, or on the bare ice of glaciers. In this sense, soil has a thickness that is determined by the rooting depth of plants.
The images provided in the Soil Science Photo Gallery offer a unique perspective of the world underfoot. They are designed to be used by students, naturalists, scientists, or anyone seeking a better understanding of the natural world in which we live. In general, the images and accompanied information are an overview of the contemporary process of describing, classifying, and correlating soils. These materials will assist the reader to increase their knowledge about soil as a natural, evolving feature of the earth’s surface and its critical role in sustaining life.
Many of the images were photographed over a 35-year career as a soil scientist with USDA-NRCS and as an international soil consultant. Others were downloaded from various web-based articles, publications, photo albums, etc. Where known, the images have been sourced, cited, or credited to the original author or photographer and a link provided to the original and related sites. Otherwise, it may be assumed they have been provided by USDA-NRCS (SCS) staff. Please keep in mind, over time links may be broken as web sites are changed or files deleted or moved.
In order to make comparison easier, they have been revised to a standard size and format. Soil profiles may have been edited to remove extraneous objects such as tools, scales, markers, cross shadows, etc. or to clarify features. If the image is of a soil or landscape outside the U.S., the standard ISO two-digit country code has been provided. (i.e., AU indicating Australia)
If you would like a copy of an image(s), they may be downloaded via the Flicker download feature in various resolutions including the original size (5x7 inch @ 500 ppi for pedons). Request for permission to use individual image(s) is not required; however, if used, please cite the original source or photographer (e.g., Photo courtesy of John Kelley, USDA-NRCS or Photo by USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, or Photo source unknown.)
If a photo from this site is used in a publication, on a web site, or as part of any other project, please use the provided photo credit. This photo may not be used to infer or imply USDA-NRCS endorsement of any product, company, or position. Please do not distort the image the photo portrays.
The contributions to this site from the original authors and photographers are greatly appreciated. Comments, suggestions, or contributions can be made by contact through FlickrMail or…
bettmark.john@gmail.com
To view a list of individual albums, click HERE
John A. Kelley
Soil Scientist, Retired
USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service
Soil and Plant Science Division
President, Bettmark, Inc.
Raleigh, NC USA 27613
To view Research Gate profile/research click HERE
PLEASE NOTE:
The information provided by the “Soil Science Photo Gallery”, is for general informational purposes only. All information on the Site is provided in good faith, however, there is no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, availability, or completeness of any information on the Site. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL THE SITE HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY LOSS OR DAMAGE OF ANY KIND INCURRED AS A RESULT OF THE USE OF THE SITE OR RELIANCE ON ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED ON THE SITE. USE OF THE SITE AND RELIANCE ON ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED ON THE SITE IS SOLELY AT THE USERS OWN RISK.
The site may contain (or you may be sent through the Site) to other websites or content belonging to or originating from third parties or links to websites and features in banners or other advertising. Such links (or images associated with these links) are not investigated, monitored or checked by the managers of the Soil Science Photo Gallery. WE DO NOT WARRANT OR ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ACCURACY OR RELIABLILITY OF ANY INFORMATION OFFERED BY THIRD-PARTY WEBSITES LINKED THROUGH THE SITE OR ANY WEBSITE OR FEATURE/IMAGE LINKED IN ANY BANNER OR OTHER ADVERTISING. WE WILL NOT BE A PARTY TO OR IN ANY WAY BE RESPONSIBLE FOR MONITORING AND TRANSACTION BETWEEN THE USER AND THIRD-PARTY PROVIDERS OR PRODUCTS OR SERVICES.
The site does not contain site specific information or advice. The scientific information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not to be used as legal advice. Accordingly, before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with an appropriate professional soil scientist. THE USE OR RELIANCE OF ANY INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS SITE IS SOLEY AT THE USERS OWN RISK.
Soil: the Foundation of Life (Please read description!)
"As responsible scientists and technicians the members of the soil survey have a responsibility to explain their information, how it was obtained, what it seems to mean, and how good or how uncertain the information may be. Without such a responsibility to the customers, the public, and to science there would not be the keen sense of pride and accomplishment of being professionals." (Dr. Richard W. Arnold, Director, Soil Survey Division, USDA-NRCS; 1980 to 1996)
Soils are the basis of life and the foundation for agriculture. (Genesis 2:7: Then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.)
Yet, during the past few decades, focus on the importance of soils has diminished, coupled with harsh man-made and natural conditions that have resulted in soil erosion and soil nutrient depletion. Without vibrant and healthy soil, plants and animals cannot flourish. Therefore, it is vital that we have a deep understanding of soil so we may conserve and protect this very valuable natural resource.
The word “soil,” like many common words, has several meanings. In its traditional meaning, soil is the natural medium for the growth of land plants, whether or not it has discernible soil horizons. This meaning is still the common understanding of the word, and the greatest interest in soil is centered on this meaning. Soil covers the earth’s surface as a continuum, except on bare rock, in areas of perpetual frost or deep water, or on the bare ice of glaciers. In this sense, soil has a thickness that is determined by the rooting depth of plants.
The images provided in the Soil Science Photo Gallery offer a unique perspective of the world underfoot. They are designed to be used by students, naturalists, scientists, or anyone seeking a better understanding of the natural world in which we live. In general, the images and accompanied information are an overview of the contemporary process of describing, classifying, and correlating soils. These materials will assist the reader to increase their knowledge about soil as a natural, evolving feature of the earth’s surface and its critical role in sustaining life.
Many of the images were photographed over a 35-year career as a soil scientist with USDA-NRCS and as an international soil consultant. Others were downloaded from various web-based articles, publications, photo albums, etc. Where known, the images have been sourced, cited, or credited to the original author or photographer and a link provided to the original and related sites. Otherwise, it may be assumed they have been provided by USDA-NRCS (SCS) staff. Please keep in mind, over time links may be broken as web sites are changed or files deleted or moved.
In order to make comparison easier, they have been revised to a standard size and format. Soil profiles may have been edited to remove extraneous objects such as tools, scales, markers, cross shadows, etc. or to clarify features. If the image is of a soil or landscape outside the U.S., the standard ISO two-digit country code has been provided. (i.e., AU indicating Australia)
If you would like a copy of an image(s), they may be downloaded via the Flicker download feature in various resolutions including the original size (5x7 inch @ 500 ppi for pedons). Request for permission to use individual image(s) is not required; however, if used, please cite the original source or photographer (e.g., Photo courtesy of John Kelley, USDA-NRCS or Photo by USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, or Photo source unknown.)
If a photo from this site is used in a publication, on a web site, or as part of any other project, please use the provided photo credit. This photo may not be used to infer or imply USDA-NRCS endorsement of any product, company, or position. Please do not distort the image the photo portrays.
The contributions to this site from the original authors and photographers are greatly appreciated. Comments, suggestions, or contributions can be made by contact through FlickrMail or…
bettmark.john@gmail.com
To view a list of individual albums, click HERE
John A. Kelley
Soil Scientist, Retired
USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service
Soil and Plant Science Division
President, Bettmark, Inc.
Raleigh, NC USA 27613
To view Research Gate profile/research click HERE
PLEASE NOTE:
The information provided by the “Soil Science Photo Gallery”, is for general informational purposes only. All information on the Site is provided in good faith, however, there is no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, availability, or completeness of any information on the Site. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL THE SITE HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY LOSS OR DAMAGE OF ANY KIND INCURRED AS A RESULT OF THE USE OF THE SITE OR RELIANCE ON ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED ON THE SITE. USE OF THE SITE AND RELIANCE ON ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED ON THE SITE IS SOLELY AT THE USERS OWN RISK.
The site may contain (or you may be sent through the Site) to other websites or content belonging to or originating from third parties or links to websites and features in banners or other advertising. Such links (or images associated with these links) are not investigated, monitored or checked by the managers of the Soil Science Photo Gallery. WE DO NOT WARRANT OR ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ACCURACY OR RELIABLILITY OF ANY INFORMATION OFFERED BY THIRD-PARTY WEBSITES LINKED THROUGH THE SITE OR ANY WEBSITE OR FEATURE/IMAGE LINKED IN ANY BANNER OR OTHER ADVERTISING. WE WILL NOT BE A PARTY TO OR IN ANY WAY BE RESPONSIBLE FOR MONITORING AND TRANSACTION BETWEEN THE USER AND THIRD-PARTY PROVIDERS OR PRODUCTS OR SERVICES.
The site does not contain site specific information or advice. The scientific information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not to be used as legal advice. Accordingly, before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with an appropriate professional soil scientist. THE USE OR RELIANCE OF ANY INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS SITE IS SOLEY AT THE USERS OWN RISK.