39  Patty, Ryder, Adam, Nora Check-in 28JAN2025

Date: January 28, 2025

39.0.1 Attendees

  • Patty Burns
  • Nora Pearson
  • Ryder Anderson
  • Adam Devlin

39.1 1. Pedon Entry Process Updates and Guidelines

39.1.1 Data Entry Review Feedback (Presented by Ryder)

  • Overall completeness of entries needs improvement
  • Survey123 has some glitches in data population
  • Several specific corrections and guidelines were discussed:

39.1.1.1 Iron Concretions vs. Masses

  • Many entries used “iron concretions” when “iron masses” would be more appropriate
  • For 7.5YR 5/8 rust color features, use F3M (iron masses) instead of FMC
  • Distinction: Iron masses for rust-colored features; concretions for cemented nodules
  • Reference the Red Book for proper codes

39.1.1.2 Anthropogenic Features

  • All sites with Human Transported Material (HTM) should have:
    • Anthropogenic landform populated
    • HTM listed in parent material
    • Use of number “2” after HTM in horizon designation
  • Recommendation to use LIDAR data to help identify anthropogenic landforms
  • Even small amounts (20cm) of fill should be documented

39.1.1.3 Course Fragments Documentation

  • Need to include size ranges rather than single measurements
  • Current entries often only mark largest fragment size
  • Should document percentages for different size classes
  • Can break down analysis (e.g., 10% gravel size, 5% cobble size)

39.1.1.4 Till Classification

  • Simplify to “till unspecified” instead of specific types like “till, melt-out”
  • Keeps consistency across descriptions
  • Can be more specific if tied to specific landforms

39.1.1.5 C Horizon Guidelines

  • C horizons should not have structure populated
  • If structure exists, it’s likely a BC or Bw horizon
  • For C horizons, use “structureless massive” or “single grain” for sandy materials
  • Document any inherited structure in text notes

39.1.2 Process Improvements

  • Recommended hand-digging first 45-50cm when possible
  • Document “hand dug to X cm, then augered” in notes
  • Survey123 vs. NASIS entry options discussed
    • NASIS-trained staff can enter directly
    • Others should continue using Survey123

39.2 2. Geomorphic Mapping Project Update (Presented by Patty and Adam)

39.2.1 Current Status

  • Created broad groupings of geomorphic surfaces:
    • Anoka Sandplain (Blue)
    • Superior Red Till - coarse loamy (Red)
    • Des Moines Lobe Till - fine loamy (Green)
    • Outwash (Buff)
    • Lacustrine (Purple)
    • River Systems (Brown)
    • Till/Outwash Mix (Orange)

39.2.2 Till Classifications

  • Coarse Loamy Till: <18% clay (sandy loam till)
  • Fine Loamy Till: 18-35% clay
  • Complex area identified where Des Moines lobe overrode Superior lobe in Carver, Hennepin, and Ramsey counties
    • Variable thickness and mixing of materials
    • More consistent in center of advance
    • More variable at edges

39.2.3 Next Steps

  1. Further subdivision of broad groupings:
    • River systems to be divided into bottomland and upland
    • Different landscape positions within till plains
    • Customized breaks for each physiographic region
  2. Development of reference materials:
    • Spreadsheet linking geomorphic units to expected soil series
    • Documentation of typical soil patterns
    • Integration with historical SSURGO data
  3. Cleanup Tasks:
    • Remove small anomalous areas
    • Resolve complex transition zones
    • Refine boundaries in overridden areas

39.3 3. Action Items

39.3.1 For Nora

  • Update Survey123 guide with new guidelines
  • Email Ryder when new batches are uploaded to Box

39.3.2 For Ryder

  • Share example Pedon Entry classifications
  • Send guidance on anthropogenic vs. mollic classifications
  • Work with Randy on Box access for NRCS staff
  • Continue QC of submitted pedons

39.3.3 For Patty

  • Continue cleanup of geomorphic map units
  • Coordinate with Joe on Randy meeting agenda
  • Further develop soil series reference spreadsheet

39.3.4 For Adam

  • Begin planning secondary cuts for geomorphic regions
  • Consider landscape position breaks within main units

39.4 4. Next Meetings

  • February 11th meeting with Randy scheduled
  • Regular 9am check-in cancelled
  • Ryder will be unavailable for two weeks due to training

39.5 5. Outstanding Questions for Randy

  1. Definition and implications of “rock structure” in anthropic epipedon requirements
  2. Clarification on artifact classifications vs. litter discarded by humans
  3. Additional taxonomy questions to be compiled

39.6 6. Notes

  • Quality of Pedon Entry submissions improving over time
  • Some early entries may need revision
  • Emphasis on making entry process accessible for undergraduates
  • Complex areas may require additional sampling density
  • Team working to balance detail vs. practicality in classifications