Part 609 - QUALITY CONTROL AND QUALITY ASSURANCE
CONTENTS
PART
TITLE
PAGE
609.00
Definition and Purpose ......................................................................................................... 609-1
609.01
Policy and Responsibilities................................................................................................... 609-1
(a) Soil Survey Project Office ............................................................................................ 609-1
(b) National Cartography and Geospatial Center ............................................................... 609-1
(c) MLRA Office ................................................................................................................ 609-1
(d) National Soil Survey Center .......................................................................................... 609-1
(e) State Soil Scientist ........................................................................................................ 609-2
609.02
General Guidelines and Procedures for Quality Control and
Quality Assurance................................................................................................................. 609-2
609.03
Quality Control and Quality Assurance Functions in Soil Survey ....................................... 609-2
609.04
Memoranda of Understanding .............................................................................................. 609-2
609.05
Maps ..................................................................................................................................... 609-2
(a) Detailed Soil Survey Maps ............................................................................................ 609-2
(b) General Soil Maps, Index Maps, and Location Maps ................................................... 609-4
609.06
Soil Correlation .................................................................................................................... 609-5
(a) Progressive Soil Correlation ......................................................................................... 609-6
(b) Field Reviews ................................................................................................................ 609-6
(c) Final Correlation ........................................................................................................... 609-6
(d) Role of MLRA Office in Correlation ............................................................................ 609-6
609.07
Soil Survey Manuscripts ....................................................................................................... 609-7
Exhibit 609-1
Format for Correlation Memorandum ....................................................................... 609-8
Exhibit 609-2
List of Soil Property or Quality Attributes for Joining............................................ 609-13
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i
Part 609 - Quality Control and Quality Assurance 609-1
Part 609 - QUALITY CONTROL AND QUALITY ASSURANCE
609.00 Definition and Purpose.
(a) Soil survey quality control is the process of providing direction, inspection, and coordination of soil
survey activities to ensure that soil survey products meet the defined standards for content, accuracy, and
precision.
(b) Soil survey quality assurance is the process of providing technical standards, review, and training to
support soil survey quality control.
(c) Quality control and quality assurance are important at all levels of the preparation, publication, and
maintenance of a soil survey. Their purpose is to ensure that soil survey products are accurate, consistent,
meet the objectives outlined in the memorandum of understanding, and satisfy the needs of the majority of
soil survey users.
609.01 Policy and Responsibilities.
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) ensures the quality and integrity of soil surveys
through a system of quality control and quality assurance at all levels of activity. The NRCS has the
leadership responsibility for nationwide soil correlation within the NCSS.
(a) Soil Survey Project Office.
The soil survey project office is responsible for meeting NCSS standards. Quality control functions
necessary to do so are the responsibility of the project office. Many technical disciplines share the quality
control of interpretations, reports, and narrative sections. Manuals of various technical fields provide more
specific guidance on these responsibilities and standards.
(b) National Cartography and Geospatial Center.
The National Cartography and Geospatial Center ensures the cartographic quality of soil survey maps for
archiving and distribution and assists MLRA offices in the quality assurance of completed soil maps and
other cartographic soil survey products.
(c) MLRA Office
The MLRA office is responsible for:
-- coordination and quality assurance for all soil survey production activities including all data collection,
interpretation, correlation, manuscripts, and map compilation, finishing, and digitizing;
-- quality control of edited soil survey technical reports; and
-- quality assurance of the data entered on the soil databases, such as interpretations and soil property,
performance data, and geospatial data.
(d) National Soil Survey Center.
The National Soil Survey Center is responsible for:
-- formulation and coordination of national guidelines, procedures, and criteria for producing soil survey
information;
-- quality control of the criteria for classifying soils and of training in soil taxonomy;
-- quality control of the standards for making soil interpretations;
-- quality control of standards and criteria and of training for the soils portion of geographic and
information systems; and
-- quality control of analytical procedures used in the laboratory investigation of soils.
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609-2 Part 609 - Quality Control and Quality Assurance
(e) State Soil Scientist.
The state soil scientist assists the state conservationist identify the purpose and needs of the soil survey as
documented in the memorandum of understanding.
609.02 General Guidelines and Procedures for Quality Control and Quality
Assurance.
The policies, guidelines, and standards for the soil survey program are given in or referenced by the NRCS
National Soil Survey Handbook. Reviews are conducted on a regularly scheduled basis in each soil survey to
certify that the products meet these standards.
609.03 Quality Control and Quality Assurance Functions in Soil Survey.
Within the framework of the national guidelines and procedures for conducting soil surveys, the MLRA
office implements quality assurance to provide direction, regulation, and coordination of soil survey
activities.
609.04 Memoranda of Understanding.
The memorandum of understanding records the responsibilities and specifications for conducting the soil
survey. The MLRA office reviews the memorandum of understanding and performs all subsequent quality
assurance functions connected with that soil survey. The items emphasized during the review of the
memorandum of understanding include:
-- purpose of the soil survey;
-- guidance on soil survey procedures;
-- consistency within the MLRA;
-- plans to enact an exact join with adjacent surveys;
-- average size of management units;
-- kinds of interpretations to be developed;
-- maximum size of contrasting inclusions;
-- map kind and scales for mapping and publication;
-- schedule for completion of work;
-- soil survey interpretations and their needed documentation;
-- publication or other plans for distribution;
-- plans for a digital soil database; and
-- quality control standards including specifications for documentation and joining.
609.05 Maps.
Soil survey maps produced for publication and distribution include detailed soil survey maps, locator
maps, index maps, and various thematic maps. The publication of the general soil maps is an option. If a
general soil map is to be published, the State Soil Geographic (STATSGO) database is the basis. The MLRA
office controls the quality of completed maps where NRCS is the lead agency for the survey area. If an
agency other than NRCS is the lead agency, that agency has responsibility for the quality of completed maps.
(a) Detailed Soil Survey Maps.
(1) Ordering. Order orthophotos at least 2 years before their need. Order other imagery needed for
mapping at least 1 year before its need. A signed memorandum of understanding for the survey area must be
on file at the National Cartography and Geospatial Center.
(2) Joining plans and responsibility. Determine joining plans and specifications for new projects with
the initiation of a soil survey memorandum of understanding. Determine joining for previously correlated soil
survey areas following the evaluation of the soil survey and during planning for revisions. In most cases, an
exact join should be achieved. An acceptable join may be the best join that can reasonably be achieved at the
current time. Plans should be developed for achieving an exact join in the future. The MLRA office assures
the quality of detailed soil survey maps prepared for public distribution including assuring that exact or
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Part 609 - Quality Control and Quality Assurance 609-3
acceptable joins are achieved as specified within the memorandum of understanding or determined during the
soil survey evaluation. It is a joint responsibility of the MLRA office and state soil scientist to determine the
appropriate join.
(3) Quality of field maps. The soil survey project office is responsible for the quality of the detailed
field soil maps. Ensured are:
-- consistent and accurate map unit boundary placement;
-- representation of the landform segment or segments described in the map unit by delineations;
-- the proper symbol in each map unit delineation;
-- consistent level of detail on the maps that conforms to the specifications described in the
memorandum of understanding;
-- continuity of map unit lines across map sheets within the survey area and across survey area
boundaries,
-- shared basic soil properties and select soil qualities for map units to be exactly joined across survey
area boundaries, and
-- legend identification of all soil survey, ad hoc, cultural, and hydrographic features appearing on the
maps.
(4) Checking and certification. The review team leader checks detailed soil survey maps during each
field review. The MLRA office certifies the maps as being technically accurate at each review or at the time
of final correlation.
(5) Processing. The project office checks individual field sheets and processes them as soon as possible
after completing the mapping of the sheet. The field sheets are to be of a quality that permits their use for
advance information, such as interim reports. Part 651 of this handbook discusses the requirements for field
sheets that are provided to users before the survey is published. Part 647 discusses quality standards for map
sheets.
(6) Joining requirements. When completing a soil survey, the boundary with each of the other survey
areas is to be joined.
To achieve this goal, soil landscape features must be identified, mapped, and described consistently
across political and physiographic boundaries. Data collection, analysis, and summary must represent these
natural landscapes. Individual subset areas are not required to “stand alone”, but rather should be the result of
sharing data across political boundaries. Only rarely do we collect sufficient data to reliably adjust soil
property ranges from one project area to another where the same soil occurs.
The goal of soil survey is a seamless product across political and physiographic boundaries. A seamless
product entails an exact join between soil survey areas.
An exact join between soil survey areas occurs when soil polygon lines and features are continuous
across and along the common boundary and joined soil polygons share the same basic soil properties and
selected soil qualities (Exhibit 609-2). Sharing basic properties and selected qualities includes major and
minor component composition, basic property ranges (low, high, rv), as well as layer depths.
An exact join should be achieved between two surveys of the same, or nearly the same, vintage, stated
purpose, scale and order of survey.
An acceptable join between soil survey areas occurs when soil polygon lines and features are continuous
across and along the common boundary and soil properties and selected soil qualities share the same basic
soil properties and selected soil qualities (Exhibit 609-2) for most polygons. Where map unit components do
not match, they fit the concept of similar soils. Rationale for the non-joined polygons (map units) is to be
documented in the correlation document and official copy of the involved soil surveys.
It is the responsibility of the MLRA office when employing the acceptable join to effect the best join
possible and to document the need for future improvement to the join as appropriate. Acceptable joins are
employed primarily when joining previously correlated surveys for SSURGO development and the join
discrepancies require field investigations to resolve.
(7) Record all changes made to enact an exact or acceptable join in the official file copy of the adjacent
published soil surveys and document in writing the reasons for the changes. Adjustments in map units or
additions of map units or delineations to the existing survey may require an amendment to the final
correlation document of these surveys. Part 610 of this handbook provides information on amending the
correlation. Keep copies of the written record, or the amendment, on file in both the field office and the
MLRA office.
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609-4 Part 609 - Quality Control and Quality Assurance
(i) If two soil surveys of different orders of mapping are adjacent, an exact join is in effect since the
boundary between soil survey areas also serves as soil map unit boundaries. A note is printed parallel to the
boundaries that separate the areas of each survey order, such as "Limit of Order 3 Survey". Chapter 2 of the
Soil Survey Manual provides more information. Each soil line in the survey of lower intensity must have a
corresponding soil line in the adjacent survey of higher intensity, but the converse is not required.
(ii) If an ongoing soil survey borders a survey area that requires extensive revision and is out-of-date
and therefore acknowledged as being obsolete, the MLRA office should effect the best join possible using
available knowledge and tools, but it is not required to revise any part of the out-of-date survey until such
time as a maintenance project is initiated. The joining statement in the correlation should state the situation.
(iii) All discrepancies from an exact join are to be documented, recorded, and filed in the final
correlation. These discrepancies are noted on the official copy of all soil surveys involved.
(iv) When two previously correlated surveys are prepared for SSURGO, there is usually no project
office staff available to investigate join discrepancies in the field. To expedite SSURGO preparation,
compilers may have to adjust lines and associated data as is practical from the office to affect the best
possible join. This generally involves moving lines slightly to conform with new imagery and to come
together at the same point along the survey boundary, and coordinating the boundary between the two
surveys. The state soil scientist and MLRA office may choose to amend the correlation document for one or
both of the survey areas and link joining soil map units to a shared data mapunit. Digital soil surveys and
discrepancy documentation and statements in the correlation and its addendum are tools for future update
activities to implement MLRA legends and exact joins. The MLRA office initiates a plan for completing an
exact join between soil surveys that have discrepancies with their join.
(8) The principles and many of the procedures used for checking field sheets also apply to checking
map compilation sheets. Part 647 provides more information.
(9) If maps are compiled for publication by digitizing, the digitizing process includes edit and check
procedures to perform the 100 percent checks.
(10) If maps are compiled using a system of scribing or drafting overlays, prepare diazo or similar prints
using two or three overlays for use later to edit the map finish job. Another method of editing involves
placing an edit sheet over the map finishing overlays. Color check the edit prints by tracing the boundary of
each soil delineation to ensure that the prints have no open boundaries and no missing or unidentified
symbols and that all closed boundaries have the same soil symbol. This is a 100 percent total quality edit.
(11) The MLRA office may select a 10 percent sample of the finished full quadrangle soil maps (with at
least one join between quadrangles) and send to the National Cartography and Geospatial Center for
assistance in review. The National Cartography and Geospatial Center checks the maps for cartographic
quality and to ensure that all map unit delineations are closed and contain map unit symbols. The Center
returns the findings of the cartographic review and the soil maps to the MLRA office where a final 100
percent review of all maps is made. The compiled soil boundaries are checked to ensure that lines properly
delineate landform segments and that the map unit names and symbols are consistent with the areas mapped.
The soil scientist also reviews the edit comments made by the National Cartography and Geospatial Center
and corrects the maps accordingly. The goal is zero map errors in the released maps. The MLRA office
certifies the completed maps ready to be submitted for publication or release.
(b) General Soil Maps, Index Maps, and Location Maps.
The MLRA office controls the technical quality of general soil maps, index maps, and location maps. The
general soil maps are optional in published soil surveys, but index maps and location maps are required.
If a general soil map is not to be included in the published soil survey, the fact should be noted in the
memorandum of understanding. The cooperators should agree with the decision. Also, an up-to-date State
Soil Geographic (STATSGO) database map of the survey area should be readily available to the public. The
availability of the STATSGO map should be noted in the published soil survey. For example, it could be
noted in the section "How To Use This Soil Survey."
(1) General soil maps and index maps.
(i) Each published soil survey includes an index sheet. The MLRA office orders the base map and
State Soil Geographic (STATSGO) database data (when publishing the optional general soil map) from the
National Cartography and Geospatial Center at the same time that it orders the base imagery for the detailed
soil maps. The National Cartography and Geospatial Center staff provides a soil survey area subset of the
STATSGO as the map source and assists the MLRA office in determining format and the number of maps in
a multi-county survey area. A draft of the general soil map developed from STATSGO and its legend are
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Part 609 - Quality Control and Quality Assurance 609-5
completed to the extent possible at the final field review. The MLRA office reviews the general soil map and
legend to verify that:
-- soil map boundaries are accurate;
-- map unit names conform to the final correlation memorandum;
-- the map legend and manuscript are in agreement;
-- map delineations and legends match the STATSGO general soil maps of adjacent surveys;
-- if the percentage of each component in the general soil map unit is given, the total acreage of each
is not more than is shown on the acreage table for the detailed map units; and
-- the map meets the specifications listed in the "Guide to Authors of Soil Survey Manuscripts."
(ii) The draft general soil map from STATSGO is approved during the final correlation. The detailed
soil legend and feature and symbol legend are ordered at this time.
(iii) The procedure for ensuring map quality is as follows:
-- Edit the general soil map legend to match adjoining survey areas. The review ensures that all
delineations are closed and symbolized, that the area of each map unit compares with the
percentage given for the survey area, and that the organization and levels of generalization of the
map and legend are appropriate.
-- Order the color check print of the general soil map, the index to map sheets, the feature and symbol
legend, and the detailed soil legend from the National Cartography and Geospatial Center by using
form SCS-CGI-019. List the headnote to accompany the detailed soil legend on the SCS-CGI-019
if it is different from that shown in the final correlation memorandum. If the headnote is different,
amend the final correlation memorandum to reflect the change.
-- Indicate additional instructions for completing the order as needed in the "Supplement to SCS-CGI019." Include special instructions needed by the cartographic staff to prepare the symbols legend.
Show suggestions for the selection of the colors that show soil groupings or levels of generalization
on the supplement or on the edited legend. Attach a copy of the final correlation memorandum,
including any amendments, the electronic file of STATSGO, and a copy of the edited general soil
map legend to the order.
(iv) The National Cartography and Geospatial Center completes the order and sends the STATSGO
generated general soil map color check print, the index to map sheets, and the legends to the MLRA office
for final review and approval. The MLRA office checks:
-- the general soil map legend against the edited copy,
-- the detailed soil map legend against the final correlation memorandum and any amendments,
-- the names of cooperating agencies on maps and legends against the final correlation memorandum
and any amendments,
-- the name of survey area on maps and legends against the final correlation memorandum and any
amendments, and
-- the conventional and special symbols legend for agreement with maps and the final correlation
memorandum.
The MLRA office makes needed changes and corrections on the STATSGO files and returns them to the
National Cartography and Geospatial Center. The National Cartography and Geospatial Center staff makes
the corrections identified and prepares the final negatives. They forward these to the Government Printing
Office at the same time the detailed soil map negatives are submitted for printing.
(2) Location maps.
Each published soil survey requires a location map. This map shows the location of the survey area in the
state. The MLRA office orders the location map at the time the soil survey manuscript is received for
technical review. The National Cartography and Geospatial Center staff prepares the location map.
609.06 Soil Correlation.
The NRCS has the leadership responsibility for nationwide soil correlation within the NCSS. The MLRA
office assures quality of soil surveys through a formal process of soil correlation. Soil correlation ensures
consistent and accurate mapping, naming, classification, joining, and interpretation within the major land
resource area. Soil correlation requires that data entered into the soil survey database meets national
standards. Soil correlation means that all adjacent soil survey maps sharing the same purpose, scale, and
order of survey exactly join within the major land resource area. Soil correlation requires that soil properties
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609-6 Part 609 - Quality Control and Quality Assurance
are populated using standard criteria in NSSH part 618, that each map unit in a major land resource area is
distinguished from all others, and that proper interpretations are assigned to each map unit component.
Correlation facilitates the effective transfer of technology.
(a) Progressive Soil Correlation.
Progressive soil correlation is a management technique that addresses soil survey needs and problems
throughout the course of a soil survey. Progressive correlation requires that, during each field review, the
taxonomic units and map units recognized since the last review are evaluated and, if appropriate, certified.
For soils that extend beyond the boundary defining the project area, data and descriptions representing the
soil on similar landforms and parent materials are considered in defining ranges for soil properties and
determining map unit composition and contribute to the documentation of the survey in progress. All soil
survey activities, including interpretation, legend development, joining, soil investigation, and manuscript
development, are concurrent with mapping. A record is kept of all decisions made during the course of the
soil survey project.
(b) Field Reviews.
Each soil survey area conducts field reviews . The review is a vehicle through which the MLRA office
maintains quality assurance, ensures that technical standards are met, and provides for progressive
correlation.
(c) Final Correlation.
(1) The soil survey project office schedules time between the final field review and submission of the
final correlation memorandum to perform final checks and joining, to review the completed fieldwork, to
complete the manuscript, and to update all supporting records and data.
(2) During the final correlation, the project office and MLRA office jointly update the preliminary
correlation memorandum and confirm recommendations for naming and classifying soil map units. They
examine maps and the database to confirm an exact join or record information explaining the circumstances
for not achieving an exact join. They examine map unit descriptions, check names of map units for
conformity with current conventions for nomenclature, appraise the validity of series and database entries,
and examine the classification of series. They review the classification of each pedon that has been analyzed
in a soil survey laboratory or engineering laboratory and revise the classification, as needed. They review
interpretations common to the area.
(3) They record an approved name for each map unit. They note reasons for decisions that are not
obvious or that may cause questions later, such as decisions regarding taxadjuncts and joining discrepancies.
(4) The state conservationist and the MLRA office soil scientist sign the final correlation memorandum.
Their signatures certify that the soil survey is complete and accurate. Exhibit 609-1, item 19, provides more
information.
(5) The state conservationist distributes copies of the signed classification and correlation document
and of any subsequent amendments to the document as follows:
-- Four copies to the MLRA office.
-- One copy to Director, National Cartography and Geospatial Center.
-- One copy to each adjacent state and to each MLRA office that has responsibility for soil series used in
the survey area.
-- One copy to the representative of each cooperating agency within the state.
--One copy to the National Soil Survey Center.
-- Distribution to NRCS staff within the issuing state is made at the discretion of the state
conservationist.
Amendments to the final correlation document receive the same signatures and distribution as the original
document.
(d) Role of MLRA Office in Correlation.
(1) The MLRA office is responsible for the quality assurance of soil survey products.
(2) The MLRA office provides quality assurance in soil correlation through the following functions:
(i) Field review reports.
Field review reports especially emphasize quality control procedures, the naming and joining of map units,
legend control, soil classification, mapping techniques, interpretation, data base entries, and progress, and
management of the survey.
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Part 609 - Quality Control and Quality Assurance 609-7
(ii) Maintenance of the official series description and soil classification files.
Official series description and soil classification files are an integral part of the correlation process. Part
614 of this handbook discusses the procedures that maintain these files.
609.07 Soil Survey Manuscripts.
(a) The NRCS publishes soil surveys for the NCSS. Part 644 of this handbook, Chapter 7 in the Soil
Survey Manual, and the "Guide to Authors of Soil Survey Manuscripts" provide information on the planning,
development, organization, and content of soil surveys manuscripts.
(b) The MLRA office assures the content and technical accuracy of the NRCS soil survey manuscripts.
The soil handbook of the survey area provides the information needed to prepare the first draft of the
manuscript. Part 627 of this handbook provides more information about the survey area soil handbook.
Quality assurance of the manuscript benefits through the field review and correlation process and through
completion of technical and editorial reviews at the field, and MLRA levels.
(c) After the final correlation memorandum of a survey area is completed, the soil survey project office
ensures that the revised draft of the soil survey manuscript reflects all correlation decisions. The project
office submits the updated manuscript to the MLRA office for a complete technical review. When the
MLRA office judges the manuscript to be technically correct and complete, it is ready for publication.
(d) The MLRA office editors edit the manuscript for coherence, consistency, syntax, and logic of the text.
They also check grammar, punctuation, and spelling; ensure that the manuscript meets publication standards;
and typeset and prepare a camera-ready copy for publication. A soil scientist reviews the final edited copy
before the manuscript is published. Maps are sent to the digital map finishing site when the manuscript is
submitted for edit. The MLRA office leader, editor, digital map finishing site, and the National Cartography
and Geospatial Center coordinate work on the text with work on the maps.
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609-8 Part 609 - Quality Control and Quality Assurance
Exhibit 609-1 Format for Correlation Memorandum.
The following outline shows the order and character of items and data ordinarily contained in a
correlation memorandum. It does not preclude the inclusion of other information pertinent to the survey or
the explanation of actions taken in the correlation. An example follows each item.
1. Heading.
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Natural Resources Conservation Service
Classification and Correlation
of the Soil Survey of
Any Area, Any State
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activies on the basis of race, color,
national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or famiyl status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all
programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.)
should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (Voice and TDD).
To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence
Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
2. Introductory Paragraph.
In this paragraph cite persons participating in the correlation, the date, the location, data reviewed,
the basis for the correlation, and other items if pertinent. For example: " John C. Smith, soil data quality
specialist, and David G. White, soil survey project office, of the Natural Resources Conservation Service and
Joseph I. Black, associate professor, Anytown State University at Any Town, Any State, prepared this
correlation the week of October 21-25, 2000. The soil survey database, soil survey manuscript, field notes,
interpretations, laboratory data, correlation samples, field map sheets, and materials from the adjacent soil
surveys provide the basis for this correlation."
3. Headnote for Detailed Soil Survey Legend.
This headnote is an explanation of the symbols on the detailed soil maps in the published survey. It
appears on the "SOIL LEGEND" in the published report and precedes the list of map unit symbols and map
unit names. For example: "Map unit symbols consist of numbers or a combination of numbers and letters.
The initial numbers represent the kind of soil. A capital letter following these numbers indicates the class of
slope. Map unit symbols without a slope letter indicate nearly level soils or miscellaneous areas."
4. Field and Publication Names and Symbols.
The correlation of soil map units is formatted into four columns. List map unit symbols for
publication alphabetically or numerically in sequence. The heading and format are as follows:
Field Map
Unit Symbol
Field Map
Unit Name
Publication Map
Unit Symbol
Approved Map
Unit Name
DeB
Delta sandy loam,
2 to 6 percent
slopes
AbB
Alpha sandy
loam, 2 to 6
percent slopes
Bf
Beta mucky silt
loam
Be
Beta silt loam
GaB,
GhB
Gamma silt loam,
2 to 6 percent
slopes
GaB
Gamma silt
loam, 2 to 6
percent slopes
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Part 609 - Quality Control and Quality Assurance 609-9
5. Series Established by This Correlation.
List the soil series established by this correlation. List in parentheses, after the series name, the
county, the parish or survey area, and the state in which the type location occurs if the type location is in a
soil survey area other than the one being correlated. For example: "The Alpha series is established by this
correlation, the Alpha type location in the adjoining Beta County soil survey area, Any State." Enter "None"
if no new series were established.
6. Series Dropped or Made Inactive.
List the soil series that were dropped or made inactive by the correlation. For example: "The Beta
series is made inactive by this correlation." Enter "None" if no series were dropped or made inactive.
7. Cooperators' Names and Credits.
List the following:
--The cooperators' names as they are to appear on the front cover, and
--The credits to be given on page ii of the published soil survey.
The cooperators for the front cover are:
"United States Department of Agriculture
Natural Resources Conservation Service
In cooperation with
Anystate Agricultural Experiment Station
Anystate Conservation Commission
Anystate Cooperative Extension Service"
The credits to be given on page ii of the published soil survey are as follows:
"This survey was made for Any Survey Area, Anystate, by the Natural Resources Conservation
Service and the Anystate Agricultural Experiment Station, Anystate Conservation Commission, and the
Anystate Cooperative Extension Service. It is part of the technical assistance furnished to the Any Survey
Area Soil and Water Conservation District. The Any Survey Area Board of Commissioners provided
financial assistance for the survey."
8. Prior Soil Survey Publications.
Indicate the reference to prior soil survey publications that will appear in the introduction of the
published soil survey. A prior published soil survey is a literature citation in the soil survey manuscript. For
example: "The first soil survey for Any Survey Area, Anystate, was published by the U.S. Department of
Agriculture in 1903. Maps were printed in 1905. This soil survey is on an aerial photography base and
contains more interpretative information." Enter "None" if there is no prior soil survey publication.
9. Miscellaneous Items.
Use the appropriate headings and include items pertinent to the correlation or publication of the
survey. For example: "The soil map has been digitized and is included in a geographic database."
10. Instructions for Map Compilation, Map Finishing, and Digitizing.
Indicate who will do the work and give any special instructions that are needed for the job. For example:
"The soil survey project office will compile all field map sheets to orthophoto imagery. Roads will
not be drafted. Numbered highways will be indicated on the finished maps by emblems. The most recent
road map from the Anystate Highway Department will be used as a reference in ordering road emblems."
"Railroads will be designated on the finished map by entering the word 'railroad' in the right-of-way
that is discernible on the imagery."
"The symbol for short, steep slopes will be used instead of that for escarpment (other than bedrock).
The escarpment symbol and the symbol for short, steep slopes were interchanged in the survey area."
11. Feature and Symbol Legend.
Include a copy of form NRCS-SOI-37A and indicate the features and symbols that are used in the
survey area by underlining in red. For example: "Only those symbols indicated on the NRCS-SOI-37A will
be shown on the legend." Complete the descriptions for standard landform and miscellaneous surface features
and descriptions for ad hoc features on the back of the NRCS-SOI-37A for those features indicated.
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12. General Soil Map Units.
List the map unit names from STATSGO and their converted names that will be shown on the legend
of the general soil map of the survey area. For example:
"The following map units will be used on the general soil map legend:
Alpha-Beta to Alpha-Beta association
Beta-Gamma-Zeta to Beta-Gamma-Zeta association."
13. Conversion Legend.
List all field symbols and their approved publication symbols. A conversion legend is not needed if
field symbols and publication symbols are identical. For example:
CONVERSION LEGEND, ANY SURVEY AREA, ANYSTATE
Field
Symbol
Publication
Symbol
Field
Symbol
Publication
Symbol
7A
7A
20B
20B
7B
7B
21C
21D
7C
7C
21E
21E
14. Legend of Map Units in Alphabetical Sequence.
This legend is used only where numeric symbols will be published to assist manuscript
crosschecking. For example:
LEGEND OF MAP UNITS IN ALPHABETICAL SEQUENCE, ANY SURVEY AREA, ANYSTATE
Publication
Symbol
Approved Map Unit Name
43
Alpha clay
37
Beta clay loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes, eroded
39
Beta clay loam, 9 to 14 percent slopes, eroded
15. Classification of Pedons Sampled for Laboratory Analysis.
This table lists pedons that have laboratory data or engineering test data. Give the source of the data
and other pertinent information. In the table "Publication Symbols," refer to the map symbol that identifies
the area from which the sample was taken. Additional columns can be added if needed. For example:
CLASSIFICATION OF PEDONS SAMPLED FOR LABORATORY ANALYSIS
Sampled as
Soil Survey
Sample No.
Publication
Symbol
Approved Series
Name or Class
Identification
1. Laboratory Data from the NSSC Soil Survey Laboratory
Alpha
S79AS-047-003
AbB
Alpha
Beta
S79AS-047-004
GbB
Gamma
2. Laboratory Data from the Anystate Agricultural Experiment Station Laboratory
Beta
S79AS-047-005
BgB
(430-VI-NSSH, 2003)
Beta
Part 609 - Quality Control and Quality Assurance 609-11
Gamma
S79AS-047-006
AaA
Alpha
3. Laboratory Data from the Anystate Highway Department Laboratory
Alpha
S79AS-047-007
AaA
Alpha
Beta
S79AS-047-008
BbC
Beta
16. Sampled Pedons in Published Soil Survey Report.
This table lists the pedons and laboratory data that will be included in the published soil survey
report. These pedons should represent the typical pedon for the series in the survey area. Where the pedon is
not the typical pedon for the series in the survey area, also place a tabular or semi-tabular description in the
soil survey report.
Series
Sample No.
Status
Alpha
S79AS-047-003
Typical pedon for the Alpha in
the survey area.
Alpha
S79AS-047-011
Typical pedon from map unit Aa.
17. Notes to Accompany the Classification and Correlation of the Soils of Any County, Any State, by
A. B. Smith, Soil Correlator.
Any notes of general explanation that contribute to the understanding of the correlation can be
included as an introductory paragraph. For example: "This survey area is in a transitional zone of
temperature regimes. Soils of mesic and thermic temperature regimes have been correlated."
In the notes, include items such as:
(a) Pertinent information about series being established. For example: "Alpha Series. The Alpha
series is established by this correlation for soils that were formerly mapped as Beta but that have mixed
mineralogy rather than siliceous mineralogy as defined for Beta."
(b) How taxadjuncts differ from the series concept. For example: "Gamma Series. This soil is a
taxadjunct because it contains less than 15 percent sand that is coarser than very fine. The soil classifies as
coarse-silty."
(c) How the soils that are outside the official series range but not how taxadjuncts differ from the
official series. For example: "Beta soils in this survey have a redder subsoil and are slightly more acid
throughout than those defined in the official series description. These differences do not affect taxonomic
placement or use and management. The official series description was not revised because the color and
reaction differences are due to the inherent characteristics of the Theta geologic formation in which these
soils formed and which is not the typical formation in which the Beta series formed."
18. Classification of the Soils.
This table is the classification of the taxonomic units that are used in the survey area. Classify
taxonomic units that are named at a level above the series as precisely as the data permits. Designate
taxadjuncts with an asterisk only if the representative pedon is a taxadjunct. Address map units with major
components that are taxadjuncts in the "Notes". Do not list miscellaneous area names in the classification
table. For example:
CLASSIFICATION OF THE SOILS OF ANY SURVEY AREA, ANYSTATE
Soil Name
Family or Higher Taxonomic Class
Alpha
Coarse-loamy, mixed, active, frigid Aridic Haploxerolls
(430-VI-NSSH, 2003)
609-12 Part 609 - Quality Control and Quality Assurance
Beta
Fine-silty, mixed, active, frigid Cumulic Epiaquolls
Gamma*
Coarse-loamy, mixed, active, frigid Dystric Eutrudepts
Udorthents
Udorthents
*Taxadjunct. See "Notes to Accompany Classification and Correlation of the Soils of Any Survey Area,
Anystate" for details.
19. Certifications.
The correlation memorandum is to contain certification of the following:
(a) Mapping is complete. For example: "Mapping completed in June 1999."
(b) General soil maps and detailed maps are to exactly join with those of adjacent survey areas, and
detailed maps join within the survey area. Discrepancies in the join of maps with those of adjacent areas are
documented, and a detailed statement of join differences is referenced. The reason the maps cannot be joined
is given. For example: "A detailed account of the join differences with Smith County Soil Survey is a part of
the final field review report and is on file in the MLRA office as a part of the archived correlation records.
Smith County Soil Survey is outdated."
(c) Databases and interpretations are coordinated. For example: "Databases and interpretations are
coordinated, map unit lines of adjoining surveys are continuous across and along the shared borders and the
joined map units share basic soil properties and selected soil qualities."
(d) Survey area type locations are in soil areas that have the referenced names, and location
descriptions are correct. For example: "The locations of all typical pedons in the survey area are correct and
are within delineations that have the referenced name."
(e) Forestland and rangeland site plots were taken in soil areas that have the referenced series names
and the series names have been correlated in the forestland and rangeland databases and all data is certified.
(f) All typical pedons are classified according to Soil Taxonomy, 2nd Edition and the latest
amendment. For example: "All typical pedons are correctly classified according to Soil Taxonomy, 2nd
Edition and the latest amendment."
(g) The soil maps have been reviewed for completeness, accuracy, and consistency. For example:
"The soil maps are complete, accurate, and consistent."
20. Approval Signature and Date.
_________________________________
________________________________
MLRA Team Leader
State Conservationist
(430-VI-NSSH, 2003)
Part 609 - Quality Control and Quality Assurance 609-13
Exhibit 609-2 List of Soil Property or Quality Attributes for Joining.
The following list provides basic soil properties and selected soil qualities that are to be joined between soil
surveys to achieve an “exact” join. NASIS data element names are used for convenience, but their usage is
not intended to suggest a database solution.
National Attributes *
Soil Property or Quality Name
aashto_group_classification
aashto_group_index
albedo_dry
aluminum_oxalate
available_water_capacity
bulk_density_fifteen_bar
bulk_density_one_tenth_bar
bulk_density_one_third_bar
bulk_density_oven_dry
calcium_carbonate_equivalent
cation_exch_capcty_nh4oacph7
clay_sized_carbonate
clay_total_separate
component_kind
component_name
component_percent
corrosion_concrete
corrosion_uncoated_steel
diag_horz_feat_depth_to_botm
diag_horz_feat_depth_to_top
diag_horz_feat_kind
diag_horz_feat_thickness
earth_cover_kind_level_one
earth_cover_kind_level_two
effective_cation_exch_capcty
electrical_conductivity
elevation
erosion_accelerated_kind
erosion_class
excavation_difficulty_class
excavation_difficulty_moist_st
exists_on_feature
extractable_acidity
extractable_aluminum
flooding_duration_class
flooding_frequency_class
fragment_hardness
fragment_kind
fragment_roundness
fragment_shape
fragment_size
fragment_volume
free_iron_oxides
geomorph_feat_modifier
geomorph_micro_relief
geomorphic_feat_id
geomorphic_position_flats
(430-VI-NSSH, 2003)
609-14 Part 609 - Quality Control and Quality Assurance
geomorphic_position_hills
geomorphic_position_mountains
geomorphic_position_terraces
gypsum
hillslope_profile
horizon_depth_to_bottom
horizon_depth_to_top
horizon_designation
horizon_thickness
horz_desgn_discontinuity
horz_desgn_letter_suffix
horz_desgn_master
horz_desgn_master_prime
horz_desgn_vertical_subdvn
hydrologic_group
interpretation_kind** (hydric only)
interpretation_rating** (hydric only)
interpretation_restriction** (hydric only)
iron_oxalate
linear_extensibility_percent
liquid_limit
local_phase
major_component_flag
manner_of_failure
mean_distance_between_rocks
month
organic_matter_percent
parent_material_general_mod
parent_material_group_name
parent_material_kind
parent_material_modifier
parent_material_order
parent_material_origin
particle_density
ph_01m_cacl2
ph_1_1_water
phosphorous_bray1
phosphorous_oxalate
phosphorous_total
phosphorous_water_soluble
plasticity
plasticity_index
ponding_depth
ponding_duration_class
ponding_frequency_class
pore_continuity_vertical
pore_quantity
pore_shape
pore_size
potential_frost_action
restriction_depth_to_bottom
restriction_depth_to_top
restriction_hardness
restriction_kind
restriction_thickness
rock_frag_3_to_10_in
rock_frag_greater_than_10_in
(430-VI-NSSH, 2003)
Part 609 - Quality Control and Quality Assurance 609-15
rupture_resist_block_cem
rupture_resist_block_dry
rupture_resist_block_moist
rupture_resist_plate
rv_indicator
sand_coarse_separate
sand_fine_separate
sand_medium_separate
sand_total_separate
sand_very_coarse_separate
sand_very_fine_separate
sat_hydraulic_conductivity
shape_across
shape_down
sieve_number_10
sieve_number_200
sieve_number_4
sieve_number_40
silt_coarse_separate
silt_fine_separate
silt_total_separate
slope_aspect_clockwise
slope_aspect_counterclockwise
slope_aspect_representative
slope_gradient
slope_length_usle
sodium_adsorption_ratio
soil_erodibility_factor_rf
soil_erodibility_factor_whole
soil_moist_depth_to_bottom
soil_moist_depth_to_top
soil_moisture_status
soil_temp_depth_to_bottom
soil_temp_depth_to_top
soil_temperature_mean_monthly
stickiness
stratified_textures_flag
structure_grade
structure_group_name
structure_id
structure_parts_to
structure_size
structure_type
sum_of_bases_nh4oacph7
surface_frag_cover_percent
surface_frag_hardness
surface_frag_kind
surface_frag_roundness
surface_frag_shape
surface_frag_size
t_factor
terms_used_in_lieu_of_texture
texture_class
texture_modifier
texture_modifier_and_class
total_subsidence
unified_soil_classification
(430-VI-NSSH, 2003)
609-16 Part 609 - Quality Control and Quality Assurance
water_fifteen_bar
water_one_tenth_bar
water_one_third_bar
water_satiated
wind_erodibility_group
wind_erodibility_index
* Soil performance elements (crop yields, range and forest production, etc.) are not included as being
required to be joined, but they should at least be coordinated between surveys.
** Hydric rating and restrictions are to join, other kinds, ratings. and restrictions are not required to enact a join.
(430-VI-NSSH, 2003)