What is the purpose of a county soil survey?

A county soil survey serves multiple vital purposes, primarily to assist in conducting site evaluations. The survey assesses and maps the different soil types and their characteristics within a specific area. This information is invaluable for various applications, including land use planning, agricultural development, and environmental conservation. When evaluating a site for a particular purpose, such as agriculture, construction, or conservation, understanding the soil's properties can dramatically influence decisions regarding usability, management practices, and the potential for erosion or nutrient retention.

While other options presented do encompass aspects of soil surveys in a broader context, they do not directly define the primary function of a county soil survey. For instance, while irrigation guidelines might be informed by soil characteristics, creating those guidelines is an ancillary function rather than the core purpose of the survey itself. Similarly, identifying crop types can be relevant but is dependent on comprehensive site evaluations utilizing soil survey data rather than being an end goal of the survey alone. Overall, the fundamental aim of a county soil survey is to conduct thorough and informed site evaluations, leading to informed decision-making about land use.