Web Soil Survey

Using the USDA Web Soil Survey (WSS) was an eye-opening experience, especially as a resident of Oahu. The process began with navigating the "4 Basic Steps" outlined on the website, which were quite user-friendly. These steps guided me from defining my area of interest (AOI) to exploring detailed soil data.

I started by familiarizing myself with the menus on both sides of the page, which offered a range of options for soil data and analysis. To better understand this, I followed along with the video tutorial, pausing frequently to experiment with the various features of the WSS. This hands-on approach was incredibly helpful in grasping the full potential of the tool.

One of the most fascinating aspects was the ability to apply different filters to the data. I focused on an AOI around my home in Oahu, which allowed me to explore the soil health in my immediate surroundings. A particularly interesting filter was the one for "military operations" and Bivouac areas. Given Oahu's significant military presence, this filter provided valuable insights into how military activities can impact the landscape. The soil quality and usage patterns around these areas were distinctly different, highlighting the unique challenges and considerations in managing such lands.

The screen capture I included in my blog post demonstrates the AOI with the "military operations" filter applied. This visual aid not only shows the soil health in my area but also underscores the influence of military activities on the environment. The results revealed that the majority of the soil in my AOI was coral outcrop. This was particularly intriguing, as it highlights the unique geological features of Oahu and underscores the importance of understanding local soil composition for effective land management and conservation efforts.



Overall, I found the USDA Web Soil Survey to be an incredibly useful resource. Whether you're a beginning user like me or a seasoned resource professional, this tool offers valuable insights into soil health and land management. I highly recommend this tool and hope to use it again in the future!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Starting a Nonprofit Organization - Hawaii!

Image
  Steps for establishing RORAH as a 501c(3) organization in Hawaii Name of Non-Profit: Run-off Remedy Alliance Hawaii (RORAH) STEP/TASK ROLE TIMELINE Formulate a mission statement. As a non-profit organization, we exist to accomplish our mission, which should be crafted based upon our purpose, services and values.  The mission statement is: To protect and restore the natural ecosystems of the Pūpūkea Marine Life Conservation District and other endangered shorelines in Hawaii by mitigating stormwater and urban runoff, fostering sustainable practices, and engaging the community through education, volunteer programs, and scientific research. Anna Meeks August 1, 2024 Formulate a vision statement. This is an expansive statement of how our organization will appear to fulfill its mission.   Our vision is to create a resilient and thriving coastal ecosystem in Hawaii, where the Pūpūkea Marine Life Conservation District and other endangered shorelines are safeguarded from ...
Read more

Grizzly Bear: Classification and Taxonomy

Image
  Domain : Eukaryota - Organisms with complex cells which will contain a nucleus. Kingdom : Animalia - Multicellular, eukaryotic organisms that breathe oxygen, consume organic material, and can physically move. Phylum : Chordata - Animals that possess a notochord, a dorsal nerve cord, pharyngeal slits, an endostyle or thyroid gland, and a tail extending beyond the anus. Class : Chordates with mammary glands for nursing young, a neocortex in the brain, body hair or fur, three bones in the middle ear, and warm-blooded metabolism. Order : Carnivora - Mammals that primarily eat meat, equipped with specialized teeth for capturing and consuming prey, often characterized by powerful jaws and heightened senses. Suborder : Caniformia - Carnivores that typically have non-retractable claws and long snouts. Family : Ursidae - Large mammals with stocky legs, large paws, long snouts, shaggy hair, and a “plantigrade” walk. Genus : Ursus - Bears characterized by their large bodies, powerful limbs,...
Read more

Exploring Climate Resources for Pūpūkea Marine Life Conservation District

Exploring Climate Resources for Pūpūkea Marine Life Conservation District When it comes to studying the Pūpūkea Marine Life Conservation District in Hawaii, there is definitely a wealth of resources that can offer valuable insights into the area's climate and environmental conditions. I've created a list of various local/national resources that can help deepen our understanding of the region's climate, marine life, and conservation efforts. Resources: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) Website: https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/ This is a comprehensive resource for climate data and information. The NCEI provides access to a wide range of climate-related data that can be useful for understanding trends and changes in the marine environment around Pūpūkea. NOAA Climate Program Office Website: https://cpo.noaa.gov/ This site offers extensive climate resources, including data, tools, and reports that are essential for climate research. It's particularly usef...
Read more