On-the-Job Training (OJT) Modules

PDF files require Acrobat Reader and DOC files require Microsoft Word.

OJT for MLRA Soil Survey Offices

• Mapping Soils
  • How to name map units (PDF; 36 KB)
  • How to recognize and distinguish map units (PDF; 35 KB)
  • How to recognize and use components in soil survey (PDF; 80 KB)
  • Know what environmental issues exist - how to deal with emergencies (PDF; 142 KB)
  • Understanding the processes of mapping soils (PDF; 12.2 MB)
  • How to develop a soils key for your survey area (PDF; 86 KB)
  • How to identify native and non-native plant vegetation and relate them to soils in your survey area (PDF; 192 KB)
     
• Soil Classification
  • How to use Soil Taxonomy and Keys to Soil Taxonomy (PDF; 41 KB)
     
• Soil Survey Information
  • How to access and use the soils.usda.gov website (PDF; 26 KB)
  • How to find access and use the Web Soil Survey website (PDF; 32 KB)

OJT for Technical Soil Services Providers

• Soil Science
  • How to find access and use the Web Soil Survey website (PDF; 32 KB)
  • What are hydric soils? (PDF; 100 KB)
  • Understanding soil erosion (PDF; 67 KB)
  • Soil salinity -- the what, where, and how of salinity development (PDF; 47 KB)
  • Soil salinity -- identification and measurement (PDF; 32 KB)
  • Soil salinity -- effects and management (PDF; 31 KB)
  • Importance of OM and SOC to soil quality (PDF; 62 KB)
     
• Soil Survey
  • Understanding map units, delineations, and the components within your survey area (PDF; 643 KB)
     
• Describing Soils
  • How to determine soil texture in the USDA Soil Classification System (PDF;