Soil surveys — their value and use to communities in Massachusetts

Abstract

For many decades, the study and mapping of soils in Massachusetts has primarily been related to farming with little or no attention given to other uses. About 1960 important changes in the use of soil surveys occurred in the state. Planners and communities drastically increased their demand for soil surveys and, particularly, for nonagricultural soil interpretations. Towns and cities have contributed $1/2 million since 1962 to accelerate soil surveys and have received special soil reports for operational planning. They have saved millions of dollars through the use of soil survey information. A number of examples are cited indicating the use and value of soil data to planners and communities.