This section gives specific information about the new soil series developed for this survey, soil map information, the soil map itself, the detailed soil map units, correlation and classification of soils, lab data results, the heavy metals study and the soil quality in the survey area.

NEW SOIL SERIES FOR URBAN SOILS

In the past, soils that were drastically altered by human activity were classed at the great group level of Soil Taxonomy (Soil Survey Staff, 1975) as "Udorthents" but not classified to the more specific soil series level as other soils were (See Correlation and Classification section below). The great group level does not carry information specific enough to allow interpretations relative to use and management as provided by the soil series level of classification. A soil series is a grouping of soils that have similar texture, color, thickness, chemical properties, and density of the major subsoil horizons. Properties of each soil series are stored in a Soil Interpretation Record database which is used to provide specific recommendations for use of the soil.

In South Latourette Park, human influenced soils are extensive and are of major importance to the use and management of the park. The park itself represents an important and limited land resource for tens of thousands of Staten Island residents. Reflecting this importance and recognizing the need for more soil specific information, five new soil series and interpretation records have been made for the drastically human-influenced soils which carry relatively narrowly defined ranges of characteristics and soil interpretations for urban land use.