Geospatial Laboratory for Soil Informatics
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Outreach

Two soil scientists measuring a soil profile in a field trench, one standing in water while the other records data with soil samples nearby.

As a soil informatics laboratory, the Geospatial Laboratory for Soil Informatics (GLSI) is dedicated to enhancing soil data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Understanding soil landscapes and their interactions with land use is crucial for addressing challenges in agriculture, ecology, and environmental management. Our lab integrates geospatial technologies, data analytics, and soil science to advance soil information systems and improve land-use decision-making.

“Soil is the underlying factor in Iowa crop production and land use.”
– Gerald A. Miller

Soil is the foundation of Iowa’s crop production and land use, influencing both agricultural and non-agricultural activities. Not all soils are equally suited for every use. The resources on this page provide insights into soil properties, land use trends, crop production, and soil survey data to aid in sustainable land management.

Young green plant seedling growing in soil with digital technology icons overlay, symbolizing agricultural innovation and sustainability.
A seedling growing in soil with digital icons representing smart farming, innovation, and sustainable agriculture.

Soil Intelligence

In collaboration with the National Cooperative Soil Survey (NCSS), we investigate and inventory the soil resources across Iowa and beyond. In this section, we provide interpretations and statistics to support land management, conservation, and agricultural productivity.

Land Use

This section highlights how Iowa’s land resources are used across different landscapes. The Land Use page provides an overview of how land is allocated and managed across the state.

Explore Our Services

Beyond providing soil data and mapping resources, GLSI at Iowa State University offers specialized soil research services:

  •  Deep Soil Core Collection – Extracting high-quality soil cores using a hydraulic Giddings probe for research, monitoring, and land management.
  •  High-Precision Soil Particle Size Analysis – Measuring particle size distribution with a laser diffractometer to gain detailed insights into soil texture and composition.

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