Urban Ag for Southern Californians (March 2015) | Page 12

Classification
Classification is important for understanding the characteristics of your soil . It
organizes information related to soil in order to conduct research and predict it's
functional applications. It serves as guidelines for management and manipulation.
USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service
Information about soil taxonomy, distribution maps and geographical data.
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/soils/survey/class/?
cid=nrcs142p2_053577

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Information, numerical data, and resources concerning soil assessment,
management, and government policies.
http://www.fao.org/soils-portal/soil-survey/soil-classification/en/

testing
Testing your soil is an essential aspect of urban agriculture. A soil test will not only
classify your soil type, it provides information concerning available nutrients.
Many urban soils have been contaminated by lead and other toxic chemicals.
Know before you grow! You can send your soil sample to a laboratory to be
tested for a reasonable price. For the non-commercial grower, a physical jar test
will inform you of the basic components.
University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources-Soil
Information on soil quality, fertility, contaminants and testing.
http://ucanr.edu/sites/UrbanAg/Production/Soils/Soil_Quality_and_Fertility/

Cornell Waste Management Institute
Factsheets, videos and articles about composting, soil testing, and waste
management.
http://cwmi.css.cornell.edu/factsheets.htm

Urban Ag Law- Soil
Links, guidelines and information concerning contaminated soils. Index of existing
soil safety requirements and remediation techniques.
http://www.urbanaglaw.org/soil/