Introduction
Preface Introduction Geology Soil Descriptions Mapping Interpretive Maps References
The soils that surround us are a link to the past, the present, and the future.
One can observe what has happened, what is happening, and what will
happen within a few meters of soil. With
these observations, one may conclude and derive several facts about the soil
landscape. Further investigation may prove to aid in land use decisions,
future planning, and better management practices. All this information has been done for the general public.
Anyone may view a Soil Survey Report for his or her specific county.
They can be found in most public libraries.
In it, the person will find maps, site interpretations, and specific soil
series descriptions.
In
this miniature soil survey of the Agronomy Farm, I hope to mimic a county soil
survey. This report contains a map
of the area with soils delineated, a legend describing the soil series found,
and several overlays describing several site interpretations of the land mapped.
The Agronomy Farm is located in Centre County, PA.
As the name infers, Centre County is located is the geographic center of
the state. The average state
temperature is 49°
F. Summers are hot (especially
1999) and the winters are cold. Farming
is the main industry in the County. The Pennsylvania State University also resides here.
Coal, limestone, and clean water are all natural resources found in
Centre County (Centre County Soil Survey Report, 1981).
By looking at the Block Diagram of the Agronomy Farm, one can see the general positions of the soils. In the valley, there are extensive fields and barns. Since this is part of Penn State University, there are many experimental fields and test plots located in the valley. On the eastern hillside, one will discover a pond. This was instituted for irrigation during the dry summer season. The hillside is riddled with pits dug for studying different soils at Penn State and is used by several classes.