Science

Here you will find information on current and past projects. Read more…

Latest News

Learn about exciting activities at the lab and beyond. Read more…

Soil is Life

Here you will find out why your life depends on soil! Read more…

For Teachers

Discover soil educational materials and activities for pre-school - 12th grade teachers. Read more…

Pennsylvania Soil Information

Soil

Here we provide information to help understand soils and in conducting land-use decision making.

  • Pennsylvania Association of Professional Soil Scientists
  • Penn State Soil Characterization Database
  • Federal agency responsible for helping private land owners and managers conserve their soil, water, and other natural resources (maps soils in Pennsylvania): USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service
  • Pennsylvania State Soil—Hazleton
  • Web Soil Survey
  • NRCS soil survey extent mapping tool
  • Hydric soil indicators for our region
    • Site also includes a detailed color educational guide to hydric soil indicators for the Mid-Atlantic region
  • Pennsylvania NRCS Map Compilation and Digitizing Center
  • Pennsylvania Major Land Resources Areas (explanation of MLRA’s)
  • Soil Survey Manual
  • Field Handbook for describing and sampling soil
  • Soil Taxonomy and Keys
  • Agronomy Series Publications (more coming as scanned)
  • video capture

    Soils, Landscapes and Effluent Disposal

    Basic soil information is vital for many homeowners and landowners in Pennsylvania. In 1989, Dr. Ed Ciolkosz and Dr. Dan Fritton worked to create the following video helping landowners and sewage enforcement owners understand some of the basics of soils, landscapes and how they are important in disposing of effluent from septic systems. The video is targeted to the Ridge and Valley province of Pennsylvania, but provides very useful base knowledge of soils and landscapes

  • Support the Drive for PA’s Official State Soil

    Hazleton soil profile

    Hazleton Soil Series, PA State Soil (Photo courtesy of Ed White)

    The Pennsylvania Association of Professional Soil Scientists and Penn State Soil Characterization Lab are working with PA Legislators in an attempt to have the Hazelton Soil Series identified as the State Soil. Read more…