BLM ARIZONA SOIL PROGRAM

Soils are one of the most fundamental and basic of natural resources. Soil processes determine, to a large extent, the structure and function of ecosystems. Soils provide the foundation for vegetation and biotic communities; sustain healthy, productive rangelands, woodlands, and other areas; safeguard water and air quality; and support many other resource uses on public lands managed by the BLM. Many of BLM’s management issues require reliable and readily accessible soils and accompanying ecological site information. Soil-resource information combined with sound science, therefore, is essential to ensure sustainable resource management and meet BLM’s mission to maintain the health, diversity, and productivity of public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.