GlobalSoilMap.net: Canada-United States digital soil mapping case

A consortium of pedologists has formulated a global soil mapping initiative. The GlobalSoilMap.net project currently consists of seven continental nodes that support the goal of mapping selected soil properties over 80% of the Earth’s land surface. The North American Node, lead by the Natural Resources Conservation Service in Morgantown, WV has initiated a collaborative study to test the feasibility of this effort. Agri-Food and Agriculture Canada (AAFC), the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and several universities have begun the study with specific objectives to map selected soil properties based on detailed (1:12,000-1:40,000) and generalized (1:250,000-1:1,000,000) soil survey information using digital soil mapping methods and environmental covariate data, and to compare soil property maps developed from detailed and generalized soil mapping. We also seek to advance international exchange and quality assessment of soil data and information that will improve management of agricultural and natural resources, especially those that transcend national boundaries. The study area is located in north-central North Dakota and southwestern Manitoba where glaciated landscapes support rain-fed small grains agriculture, oilseed and forage crops, and grazing lands. Major environmental concerns are water quality and quantity, accelerated soil erosion, soil salinization, aggregate stability, and organic matter and soil productivity maintenance. To date, the team of soil scientists have assembled spatial data, developed a work plan and have implemented appropriate DSM methods and begun to evaluate mapping outcomes for addressing local and transnational resource management needs.