Soils of the - Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

HOW TO USE THE SOIL MAPS AND REPORT
Long-term soil resource managers such as farmers usually know the characteristics and variations of the soil s
in their immediate locality. However, unless a soil map and report is available, comparison with other soils in th e
area or region is impossible . Regional (and local) similarities and differences among soils are evident after a soi l
map has been made . Proven (or new) management techniques on a soil may then be transferred to the same o r
similar soils elsewhere with the least chance of failure . -
To effeciently use this soil survey report (it consists of 6 volumes), the following procedure is suggested :
(1) Generally locate the area of concern on the "Index of Map Sheets" which immediately precede the soi l
map mosaics in Volume 1 and soil maps in Volume 2 of this report . Note the number(s) of the ma p
sheet(s) which cover the area under consideration . Generally, lands in the Lower Fraser Valley ar e
covered in Volume 1 while areas on the Sunshine Coast or in the Coast Mountains are contained i n
Volume 2 .
(2) Turn to the appropriate map sheet(s) and locate in detail the area of concern . Lakes, creeks, and river s
and other natural features as well as cultural detail including main roads, railways, communities, an d
section numbers are shown to assist in location .
(3) Note the soil map symbols in the map delineations (polygons) which encompass the area(s) unde r
consideration .
(4) Consult the soil legend for a description of the soil map symbols . The topographic and stoniness clas s
symbols are described here as is the soil parent material and drainage classification . Also given is th e
name(s) of the soil(s) identified by a symbol in the soil map polygon(s) .
(5) Locate the named soil in Volume 3 of the report . A detailed description of the soil is given here as wel l
as its general suitability (or limitations) for a variety of uses .
(6) Refer to Volumes 4 and 5 for specific land use interpretations of the named soils . Volume 4 deals wit h
engineering characteristics related mainly to urban and associated land uses, as well as interpretations
dealing with some forest management concerns and recreational endeavour s,. Volume 5 contain s
land capability for agriculture maps which are at the same scale as the soil maps in Volumes 1 and 2 .
These capability maps supercede the currently available provisional series (1 :50 000 scale) . They are
at a larger scale, incorporate more definitive climate data and show improved (drained and/o r
irrigated) ratings as well as ratings when these management inputs are not considered . Also containe d
in Volume 5 are soil groupings and interpretations relating to agricultural land management .
(7) Users requiring the detailed, site specific, technical soil profile descriptions and associated physica l
and chemical analyses are referred to Volume 6 or, if this information is required only on an irregula r
basis, to the British Columbia Soil Information System . (Contact the Assessment and Planning Divisio n
Map Library, B .C. Ministry of Environment, Victoria, B .C .) .
Users of the soil maps and report should note that soils are differentiated on the basis of characteristics to a
depth of a metre or more . Even though several soils have similar surfaces, subsurface and subsoil characte r
can vary widely. Users should also understand that each soil exhibits a range of properties and that boundarie s
between different soils are not necessarily well defined . The boundaries shown on the soil maps are the bes t
estimate of where soil characteristics change sufficiently to warrant identification of another soil .
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