Soil Information
Soil is one of our most valuable natural resources. Civilizations have risen and fallen based on how well they cared for their soil. By protecting and conserving soil today, we ensure it remains productive for future generations.
Wayne SWCD now provides soil testing services to gardens, pollinator habitats, wildlife plots, lawns, pastures, and small-scale farm operations (20 acres or less). Samples are $30 and come with a basic recommendation to improve your soil health!
Attached are some alternative locations and labs that you may take your soil to as well.
Soil Sampling, OSU, AGF-513-12
sAL how to sample soil.pdfsAL Soil Interpretive GuideSoilTestReports.pdfsALSoil_GuideLawnGardenSamples.pdfWayne County Auditor GIS – Soils Layer
Use the Wayne County Auditor GIS tool to easily find your soil type.
• Click the WayneCoOH Soils layer
• Type in your address or zoom to your location
• Soil information will automatically appear for that parcel
Web Soil Survey (USDA‑NRCS)
Web Soil Survey allows you to explore soils anywhere in the U.S.
How to use it:
- Click the green Start WSS button
- Search by address, county, or coordinates
- Draw an Area of Interest (AOI)
- Go to the Soil Map tab to see soil types
- Click any soil name to view full descriptions
You can also print reports and maps. It’s a powerful tool!
Google Earth Soil KMZ Layer
If you use Google Earth:
• Download the soil survey KMZ file from the California Soil Resource Lab
• Turn on the layer to see soil data overlaid on aerial photos
• Click on a soil symbol to see detailed soil profiles
(Note: Wayne SWCD no longer distributes paper soil surveys.)
Resources on Soils
Go to the Soil Science Society of America YouTube channel to see the latest videos:
