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Soil Classifier Services
Soil Evaluation for Septics
ISCA Certified Professional Soil Classifiers (CPSC) have verified field experience and training beyond most soil scientists that equips the CPSC to evaluate physical soil properties to determine suitability of a site for on-site private sewage disposal. In the State of Illinois, a soil evalutation by a CPSC is requried for all on-site private sewage disposal systems.
Soil Classification & Mapping
ISCA Certified Professional Soil Classifiers (CPSC) are experienced in the field identification of soil properties that allows them to determine the scientific classification of the soil using Soil Taxonomy - the official manual of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Understanding the soil properties allows the CPSC to predict and interpret how the soil will respond for various uses, such as for homesites, private sewage disposal, agriculture, and many other uses.
Hydric Soil Determinations
ISCA Certified Professional Soil Classifiers (CPSC) are trained to recognize soil properties that have developed in wetlands. These Hydric Soils are a key component in wetlands and are considered by most wetland consultants to be the hardest component of wetlands to identify. CPSCs have the training to identify those soil properties and many CPSCs have had considerable wetland training and field experience in the identification of Hydric Soils and Hydric Soil Indicators for wetland determinations.
Soil Health & Agriculture
Many ISCA Certified Professional Soil Classifiers (CPSC) have had experience working with the US Department of Agriculture, have college degrees in Ag or related degrees, or have taught Ag-related courses at colleges or universities. Most CPSCs have field experience in evaluating soil properties that can be affected by farm management practices. These CPSCs can evaluate the soils in the field and suggest practices that will be beneficial to the biological, physical, and chemical components of the soil to help sustain the soil resource on the farm.
Soil Education & Training
The Illinois Soil Classifier Association and its members provide educational courses and training opportunities for both soil classifiers and non-soil classifiers, throughout the state. ISCA provides training in basic soil properties, training for installers and county health officials for soils & septics, and training for hydric soil identification for wetland determination.
Many ISCA members and CPSCs provide soil training by assisting with collegiate soil juding and high school FFA land judging contests, school envirothons, scouting, and other civic and school events.