Benchmark vs. State Soils of the United States. Issue 3 (8th May 2013) - Swanhart, Samantha
Abstract : Benchmark and state soils provide similar, yet unique recognition of noteworthy soils throughout the United States. Presently, more than 1400 benchmark soils are recognized in the United States, though the rationale for their recognition varies widely. Some benchmark soils are geographically extensive, while others have been carefully studied for more than 100 years. By contrast, state soils are a symbol of each individual state. Some state soils are officially sanctioned legislatively, while others remain representative and, to date, unofficial. Analysis of benchmark and state soil data from the Soil Survey Staff identified several unique trends in their spatial distribution and the way in which these concepts are applied throughout the United States. Some represent errors of omission or conflicts that can be corrected via updating. Temporal analysis showed that the establishment of soils that contemporarily have been noted as benchmark series generally follows the evolution of soil survey activities in the United States. Ultisols, Alfisols, and Mollisols are the most common soil orders of state soils.