When soil mapping is required within the state of New Hampshire, a soil scientist certified by the State of NH must be hired to perform field investigations of soil properties within a surveyed property. While in the field, he/she will observe such indicators of soil type as color, texture and evidence of a seasonal high water table. Landscape position, rock formations and even vegetation gives further information. Once data from the field has been recorded, it is compared to county soil surveys generated by the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and soil types or soil series are determined for the investigated area. Using a topographical map of the surveyed land parcel, the soil scientist is then able to overlay boundaries of soil series, along with drainage class and slope of each.

One of two types of soil maps are generated, depending on the type of map preferred by the reviewing board to which a map will be submitted:

• Site Specific Soil Mapping Standards for New Hampshire and Vermont (SSSM) is the result of a cooperative effort between the Soil Science Society of Northern New England (SSSNNE) and the NRCS. Site-specific soil mapping is synonymous with Order 1 soil surveys completed by the NRCS. It is used to produce detailed information about soils, often over a relatively small area. It has recently been updated and released as Version 3.0.

• High-Intensity Soil Maps for New Hampshire Standards (HIS). A publication sponsored by SSSNNE and updated in 2006. Some uses for these maps include lot size by soil type and use in local subdivision regulations.

• Initial Contact
  • call or email the office to discuss the property
• Site Inspection
  • brief site walk to estimate area to be investigated
  • a plot plan showing boundary lines and physical markers may be sufficient information to estimate the project
• Consultation & Deposit
  • We will discuss the site visit or plot plan with you, and a deposit may be submitted if you would like to proceed.
• Soil Investigation
  • Prior to field work, a topographical survey of the property by a licensed land surveyor will be necessary. This survey is used to give indications of potential changes in soil series based on slope, aspect and other landscape features.
  • Soils are sampled throughout the property using hand tools and often limited use of a compact excavator. Soil characteristics data is recorded.
• Soil Map and Report
  • A map outlining various soil series (SSSM) or soil types (HIS) and slope changes will be generated using the topographical survey as a base layer. For a SSSM, a narrative report will be included that gives a general description of the property, landscape and any necessary discussion of particular soil features. These documents are forwarded to you, the client, and/or the surveyor working with your project.