WEB SOIL SURVEY

Appalachian Mountains (2).

Water meadows can provide high quality fodder reliably and serve as a refuge for many endangered species. As such, I believe landowners in the United States should take a page from their ancestors by implementing water meadows wherever feasible. 

 

To establish a water meadow, there are several factors that must be taken into consideration including, suitability of the land and availability of water. The climate in Northern Italy is generally characterized as humid continental which means that it experiences four distinct seasons. After assessing other factors such as elevation, I tried to find a location in the United States that shared similar characteristics. 

 

I settled on the lands surrounding the Appalachian Mountains which function as an ecological corridor. Along this mountainous range, there are many valleys with rivers that could serve as potential water sources. These lands can be suitable for the growth of grasses and plants typically found in water meadows. The varied topography contributes to a diverse array of microclimates. 

 

The Appalachians span across several states. Using the Web Soil Survey, I was able to narrow down the search to an area in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia where the winters tend to be colder, but the summers are warm and humid.

Selecting the Area of Interest (AOI), I was able to access important data regarding the conditions of the land. 

 

Link to AOI: https://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/App/WebSoilSurvey.aspx?aoicoords=((-78.53740%2038.74716,-78.53740%2038.87873,-78.31632%2038.87873,-78.31632%2038.74716,-78.53740%2038.74716))

 

By selecting the Soil Map tab, I was able to determine the specific properties of the soils of the area.

Printable Version:

https://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/WssProduct/e0qdlwadps0niog1kanef3l3/e0qdlwadps0niog1kanef3l3/20230709_10490110423_18_Soil_Map.pdf

Using the Map Unit Legend, I was able to view detailed descriptions of  the land. 

 

By selecting the Soil Data Explorer tab, I was able to isolate a number of properties including land classification, soil health and vegetative productivity. 

Printable Version: https://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/WssProduct/e0qdlwadps0niog1kanef3l3/e0qdlwadps0niog1kanef3l3/20230709_11291111196_45_Yields_of_Non-Irrigated_Crops_Component_Grass-legume_hay_Tons.pdf

 

Drainage Class:

Available Water Supply, 0 to 100 cm:

Overall, I found the Web Soil Survey was a powerful tool for determining the suitability of a particular area for a water meadow. However, it is important to recognize that there are many other factors that must be taken into consideration including land ownership and local regulations. 

 

1. Web Soil Survey. (n.d.). USDA. https://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/App/HomePage.html

 

2. Wikipedia. (2023). Appalachian mountains. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Appalachian_Mountains