SSURGO

SSURGO, which stands for Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) Database, is a comprehensive digital soil survey database developed by the United States Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). It provides detailed information about the soil resources of the United States, including soil properties, classifications, and interpretations. SSURGO is part of the National Cooperative Soil Survey, which aims to provide accurate and up-to-date soil information to support various land use and management decisions.

The SSURGO database is structured in a geographic information system (GIS) format, allowing users to access and analyze soil data spatially. It includes information on soil map units, which are areas of similar soil properties, as well as soil components, which are the individual soil types within a map unit. The database also provides detailed soil property data, such as texture, depth, and drainage, which are essential for agricultural, environmental, and engineering applications.

SSURGO data is collected through field surveys and laboratory analyses, and it is updated regularly to reflect changes in soil conditions and land use. The database is accessible to the public through the NRCS's website, and it can be used by a wide range of users, including farmers, land managers, researchers, and policymakers. SSURGO plays a crucial role in supporting sustainable land use practices, conservation efforts, and environmental management in the United States.