Corn Suitability Rating 2 (CSR2) Distribution Across Iowa
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Author: Bradley Miller
This is an archived story. The content, links and information may have changed since the publication date.
This map displays the Corn Suitability Rating 2 (CSR2) values across Iowa, which estimate the potential soil productivity for row crops, particularly corn. CSR2 ratings range from 5 to 100, with higher values indicating greater potential productivity. Ratings are based on soil properties, topography, and climate, standardized across the state. This dataset helps farmers, landowners, and planners evaluate land value and suitability for agricultural use.
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Source:
Produced by the Geospatial Laboratory for Soil Informatics (GLSI) at Iowa State University. Map authors: Prepared by Aaron Sassman and C. Lee Burras, Department of Agronomy, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011
Resolution:
10-meter raster resolution overlaid on a hillshaded DEM; displayed as a statewide static image
Interpretation:
CSR2 integrates soil survey data and landscape attributes to assess productivity potential. It helps identify high-value farmland and areas where soil limitations may reduce yield potential, guiding decisions in land management and agricultural investment.
Suggested Use:
Useful for evaluating land productivity potential, determining land valuation, supporting conservation planning, and guiding crop suitability decisions. CSR2 maps assist in farm management decisions, agricultural assessments, and land-use prioritization.
References
CSR2 data for Iowa obtained through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Geospatial Data Gateway (https://gdg.sc.egov.usda.gov/) downloaded August 2015.
Map was created in January 2016.