As a soil informatics lab, GLSI curates and improves information collection about our soil landscapes and their interactions with land use. Soil information is essential for addressing critical agricultural, ecological, and environmental challenges. Our laboratory advances these efforts by integrating geospatial technologies, data analytics, and soil science.
Resources
Land Use Information
Land Use Information
Iowa’s land is primarily dominated by agriculture, supporting the state as one of the top producers of corn, soybeans, pork, beef, and eggs. The state is also one of the top areas for soil erosion worldwide.
How is Land Used
About 85% of Iowa’s land is used for farming, with the majority dedicated to growing corn and soybeans. These two crops are foundational for food, animal feed, and ethanol production. With local sources of animal feed, Iowa is a leader in livestock farming, particularly in pork and egg production. Some land, especially in areas unsuitable for crops, is used for grazing livestock or left as natural grassland. Urban areas, including cities like Des Moines and Cedar Rapids, comprise a small but growing portion of Iowa’s land as infrastructure expands. Portions of Iowa are dedicated to wetlands, forests, and conservation areas. These lands play a role in preserving biodiversity, mitigating soil erosion, and managing water resources.
Land Use Data
Soil Information
Soil Information
Soil information is essential for addressing critical agricultural, ecological, and environmental challenges. Our laboratory advances these efforts by integrating geospatial technologies, data analytics, and soil science.
History
The Soil Survey program in the United States began in 1899 and is a partnership between federal, state, and local agencies. Universities often fill the states’ role in this collaborative effort. It has been one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive soil mapping programs, with a long history of collecting and investigating soil data. The result of the U.S. Soil Survey is the most detailed soil map covering a large extent (i.e., the conterminous United States +) produced in the 20th century. Today, the USDA-NRCS maintains the map with ad hoc refinements.
Soil Survey Explanation
A soil survey is a scientific inventory and evaluation of the soil in a specific area. It provides critical information about soil types, properties, and potential uses. Soil surveys are used by farmers, engineers, conservationists, and urban planners to make informed decisions about land management.