Keys to Soil Taxonomy

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Keys to Soil Taxonomy, Tenth Edition (2006) (PDF; 3.9 MB)

Recommended citation: Soil Survey Staff. 2006. Keys to Soil Taxonomy, 10th ed. USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, Washington, DC.

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Summary of changes to Keys to Soil Taxonomy (DOC; 37 KB)

Previous versions of Keys to Soil Taxonomy
 

Spanish version of Keys to Soil Taxonomy

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Claves para la Taxonomía de Suelos, Décima Edición, 2006 (PDF; Spanish translation; 3.6 MB)

Recommended citation: Soil Survey Staff. 2006. Keys to Soil Taxonomy, 10th ed. USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, Washington, DC.

For decades, NRCS has worked with soil scientists from around the world to increase awareness and expand knowledge concerning the importance of soil and its impact on all aspects of life. By translating the “Keys” into Spanish, many soil scientists and other professionals from Latino America, the United States, and other countries will benefit from this effort for years to come. According to NRCS leadership, it will expand the horizons of U.S. Soil Taxonomy by having professionals in all parts of the world applying and interpreting the system in a more uniform and consistent way. While soils differ globally, the ability to apply a system that is universally understood and accepted is a goal shared by many soil scientists. As the world struggles with global warming and other environmental challenges, having a universally accepted method that can be applied when addressing soil problems will contribute to successful outcomes.

The translation of the “Keys” into Spanish was the initiative of Luis Hernandez, Arkansas State Soil Scientist. Hernandez coordinated this important effort with Dr. Carlos A. Ortiz, Professor of Soil Science, “Colegio dePostgraduados,” Montecillo, Mexico, who undertook the large task of translating the publication into Spanish. Following the translation work, the technical review was done by Spanish-speaking NRCS soil scientists and cartographers from various states and field offices. They included Milton Cortes, Asst. State Soil Scientist, Raleigh, North Carolina; Edwin Muniz, MLRA Soil Survey Project Leader, Hammonton, New Jersey; Astrid Martinez, MLRA Soil Survey Project Leader, Scottsbluff, Nebraska; Milton Martinez, Soil Scientist, Quincy, Florida; Alvin Perez, Soil Scientist, North Platte, Nebraska; Manuel Matos, Soil Scientist, Fargo, North Dakota; and Diana Angelo, Cartographic Technician, Little Rock, Arkansas. The layout and printing support was provided by Stan Anderson, Soil Survey Editor, National Soil Survey Center, Lincoln, Nebraska.

In addition to the PDF file listed above, the publication is available on a CD and can be requested by contacting the National Soil Survey Center in Lincoln, Nebraska. A limited number of hard copies will be printed and available by late winter through LANDCARE (see ordering information below).
 

Ordering Keys to Soil Taxonomy, 10th edition (Spanish only)

1. Order on-line: Go to http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/, select “Publications” on the left Quick Access list which will take you to the Publications ordering page.
2. Order by phone: 1-888-LANDCARE (follow recorded message instructions)
3. Order by FAX: 515-289-4561 (Ask for “Keys to Soil Taxonomy” and provide your name, institution, complete shipping address, and phone number)
4. Order by mail: LANDCARE, USDA-NRCS, 5140 Park Ave., Building 6, Suite C, Des Moines, IA 50321

If you need assistance with your order, call 1-888-LANDCARE, extension 30.