What it is
The USDA Web Soil Survey provides free, detailed soil data for any location in the United States. Users can access soil maps, soil property data (drainage, texture, depth, pH, organic matter), land use interpretations, and management recommendations at the field level. The tool draws from the National Cooperative Soil Survey database covering virtually all US agricultural land.
Why we picked this
Understanding your soil is the first step in any regenerative management plan. The Web Soil Survey provides the baseline data that soil tests build upon, showing what your soil type is, how it drains, what its natural limitations are, and what management practices are recommended. It is free, comprehensive, and covers nearly every field in the United States.
Key takeaways
- The survey provides soil maps at field-level resolution, showing soil type boundaries, drainage classes, and erosion potential for any US location.
- Management interpretations include ratings for crop suitability, building foundations, septic systems, and conservation practices specific to each soil type.
- The tool is free and requires no account, making it accessible to anyone from homeowners to professional land managers.