USDA/NRCS Coastal Zone Soil Survey – Mapping Soils and Blue Carbon Stocks in the Coastal US

NOAA Science Seminar Series

Title: USDA/NRCS Coastal Zone Soil Survey – Mapping Soils and Blue Carbon Stocks in the Coastal US

Presenter(s): Greg Taylor, Senior Soil Scientist for Special Projects, USDA/NRCS, Raleigh, NC

Sponsor(s): NOAA Integrated Ocean and Coastal Mapping program

Seminar Contacts: Amber Butler (amber.butler@noaa.gov) or Ashley Chappell (ashley.chappell@noaa.gov)

Remote Access: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4786228411999553805  
Please contact amber.butler@noaa.gov for technical connectivity troubleshooting.

Abstract: The concept of gathering coastal zone and subaqueous soil survey data is not revolutionary but rather evolutionary. Initially, soil survey publications along the immediate coast overlooked many coastal soil areas and focused on "agricultural lands". Sparse soil survey work done through the National Cooperative Soil Survey (NCSS) and continuous ongoing research by Universities since the 1990's has developed advanced mapping and classification protocols in coastal zone areas. Recent work has provided new updates to soil survey information along the coast, but still not to the extent or volume of information that is associated with subaerial soil surveys.
Coastal Zone Soil Surveys (CZSS) are soil inventory maps of nearshore or subaqueous soils (permanently submerged), along with adjacent subaerial / terrestrial soils which include tidal marshes, barrier islands / beaches, and some near lagoon mainland upland (non-hydric) areas. The current need for timely and reliable CZSS data such as spatial mapping, tabular data, blue carbon stocks and interpretations is widely recognized as critical for mitigating hazards, creating resources inventories, guiding restoration efforts, and tracking environmental changes. A major limitation to science-based management of shallow water habitats and near shore areas has been a lack of definitive information on the properties and spatial distribution of subaqueous and tidal marsh soils as well as more detailed soil data on adjacent terrestrial areas.
This presentation will highlight the how and why of CZSS and blue carbon mapping along with proposals for mitigating sea-level rise and saltwater intrusion in agricultural areas.

Bio(s): Place speaker bio information here, please keep it brief, under 200 words.

Recordings: Will be available upon request after the seminar at iwgocm.staff@noaa.gov

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{Greg Taylor, Senior Soil Scientist for Special Projects, USDA/NRCS, Raleigh, NC}