Describe and explain the distribution of soil orders across the ...

[LCritchfi]

Describe and explain the distribution of soil orders across the United States.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

What is the predominant soil order in the area in which you live? Describe the activities that occur on these soils that reflect the characteristics thereof.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

[manuelcastillo]

Answer to Question 1

Across the United States, there is a soil gradient, one which largely corresponds to climate. To the West of the 98th meridian, Aridisols dominate large swaths of the continental U.S. As one moves east, Mollisols dominate large portions of the area known as the Great Plains. Further to east, Alfisols dominate. In the southeast, Ultisols dominate, whereas Spodosols dominate in the far northeast and northwest. There are bands of Andisols in the northwest and eastern California. Gelisols are typically restricted to portions of Alaska. Entisols are widely distributed with no real pattern. Histosols are confined to the upper midwest, while Inceptisols are found in the Appalachians and elsewhere.Vertisols are found in various areas, but not widely distributes. Lastly, Oxisols are rare, if not non-existent in the U.S.

Answer to Question 2

Answers will vary depending on where students live. For instance, a student living in the Great Plains of the United States might discuss the various farming practices that occur on the Mollisols in the area, while an individual in southwestern United States may discuss the need for extensive irrigation on the Aridisols in the area.