740 SOILS: PROPERTIES AND MANAGEMENT 



many cases important problems of soil improvement that 

 need attention; (6) affords a guide in the exchange of 



real estate and in the selection of land for particular pur- 

 poses. For the state the soil survey (1) shows its soil 

 resources; (2) by the collection of this data at a central 

 point, affords the basis for the correlation of all other 

 types of information, the character of which is affected 

 by the soil relations; (3) shows in main cases the occur- 

 rence and importance of large questions of soil improve- 

 ment, and may point out the need for further investiga- 

 tions; (4) gives a basis on which much of the results of 

 experiments, investigations, and observations on soil im- 

 provements, crop growth, and in many cases farm man- 

 agement, should be applied ; (5) is a means of commu- 

 nication and mutual understanding between the state 

 institutions concerned with agricultural information and 

 the individual farmer; ((>) by affording a basis of facts, 

 promotes sound commercial, social, and governmental 

 development. 



The soil survey is essentially an inventory of the re- 

 sources in land and closely allied interests. It helps the 

 farmer to understand the situation of his farm and its 

 relations to other farms. It helps the state to get ac- 

 quainted with its domain, and promotes a better sense of 

 mutual understanding and helpfulness. The soil survey 

 in some form is an essential step in sound community 

 building, for the success of most interests — commercial, 

 social, and institutional — rests ultimately, to a large 

 extent, on the character and value of the soil 



