Why are Soil Surveys Important?

If we are educated about land use and take advantage of the information available we will make better decisions when purchasing property or managing land. Soil surveys help us make these decisions by predicting a soil’s suitability for certain land uses. When working with land it is very important to know the soil’s characteristics. Soil surveys contain a description of each soil and interpretation for flooding, slope stability, septic systems, building suitability, crop productions, erosion hazards and many more uses based upon each soil’s properties. Everyone who works with or uses the land can utilize the information contained in soil survey reports to protect our natural resources and avoid making costly mistakes.

Need for a Spokane County Updated Soil Survey

Soils in Spokane County have not changed however, technology and use has. The last soil survey was published in 1968 using field data gathered in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s. The original intent of the soil survey was primarily to provide interpretations for agricultural land uses. Today these interpretation are still significant. However, up to date soil interpretations for many other land uses are needed. The survey provides biologists, engineers, builders, developers, municipalities, and other land managers with tools to make wise and cost effective land management decisions. New technology in soil survey methods coincides with the change in Spokane County’s emphasis from agriculture to urban and other land uses. The new soil survey will also provide data for Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

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