Mapping a long-term ecological research area in Puerto Rico

Soil scientists rarely have the good fortune to break new ground and work on a project that is both exciting and professionally rewarding.  The Order 1 Soil Survey of the Luquillo Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) Grid in Puerto Rico provided this opportunity.

As part of the Soil Conservation Services (SCS) Global Change Initiative, the authors were charged with developing a working plan with the research director at the Luquillo LTER to provide baseline soils information to be integrated with studies by other researchers.  After consultation with the LTER personnel onsite, a focused work plan was developed 6 mo before the soil survey.  This work plan outlined the mapping, sampling, and ndear soil surface inventory activities for the Order 1 Soil Survey of the Luquillo LTER.  

The objectives of this article are to: (i) show how the methods used by the authors to map the Luquillo LTER, (ii) describe how the sampling and pedon description phase of the survey was completed, and (iii) explain how the procedures used to document near surface soil properties.