What is the Arkansas Association of Professional Soil Classifiers?

Everyone knows what soil is, but few consider the role of soils in advancing human welfare and ecosystem health.

The Arkansas Association of Professional Soil Classifiers (AAPSC) was organized in 1974 to provide a focal point and forum for soil scientists engaged in field evaluations of soil and their best use in Arkansas. At the time the organization was founded, most members were involved with the National Cooperative Soil Survey (NCSS) let by the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (formerly the Soil Conservation Service) whose mission was to map, classify, and interpret the soil resources of the United States. Detailed information on the National Cooperative Soil Survey and soil survey in general is available at https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/conservation-basics/soil/soil-survey.

In addition to soil survey activities associated with the NCSS, AAPSC members also were involved in field evaluation of soils for their suitability for a range of potential uses including onsite waste management systems (septic systems), other soil-based waste management systems, agricultural productivity, homesites, and engineering applications. Soon after the AAPSC was organized, the Arkansas Legislature established licensing of soil classifiers through exam and evaluation of experience to ensure soil evaluation and mapping for the public met the high technical and professional standards professional needed to protect the state’s soil and water resources and the consumer. The AAPSC serves as the liaison between Registered Professional Soil Classifiers and the State Board of Registration.

The AAPSC welcomes membership from all Soil Scientists, Geologists, Engineers, Geographers, and others interested in understanding and protecting the State and Nation’s soils; an important non-renewable component of all ecosystems and a resource without which humankind cannot survive and thrive.