Soils Tutorial

by Larry R. Sabata, Soil Scientist
Natural Resources Conservation Service
Topeka, Kansas

If you are looking for a source of information to learn more about soil science, there is an excellent Web site available. The Missouri Cooperative Soil Survey Web site contains a soils tutorial that presents the subject matter in a very clear and easy-to-use format.

The purpose of the tutorial is to educate students and the general public about soil science. Among the topics covered in the tutorial are sections addressing what soil is, soil profile horizons, factors of soil formation, and soil classification. There is also a section that explains soil science tools including the Munsell color charts, the pH scale, and the soil texture triangle. The table of contents even includes an “ask the expert” section where anyone can submit a question. Upon completion of the tutorial, you will have a basic understanding of soil properties and processes.

If you have been looking for some way to obtain a refresher course in soil science, then this soils tutorial, prepared in cooperation with staff from the University of Missouri, is one of the very best around. It is absolutely free and only a “mouse” click away.

The Web site address is: soils.missouri.edu/soilstut/index.html

This article is also available in Microsoft Word format.

Soils Tutorial (DOC; 46 KB)

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Last Modified: 08/05/2008