Soil Mechanics Training: Identifying Soil Characteristics that Ensure Grounded Engineering Practices

SALISBURY N.C.-, From May 4 to May 5, employees of the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) from North and South Carolina attended Soil Mechanics training. The two-day course provided hands-on instruction and classroom learning focused on soil classification methods, field evaluation techniques, and practical application of the Unified Soil Classification System (USCS). The training supported NRCS staff in developing stronger technical skills for field assessments and engineering-related soil evaluations. The course was taught by Theodore (Ted) Huscher, a geologist from the National Design, Construction and Soil Mechanics Center located in Nebraska. North Carolina Department of Agriculture provided a classroom and dug soil pits for this course at the Piedmont Research Station located in Salisbury, N.C.

Throughout the training, attendees collaborated in group exercises, asked technical questions, and worked side-by-side in both lab and field settings. The mix of North and South Carolina NRCS staff fostered valuable discussion about soil variability across regions and how classification impacts conservation engineering practices.

"The training provides an opportunity for NRCS staff to ask questions about soil and really gets them thinking about how we utilize soils to benefit producers and landowners," said Theodore (Ted) Huscher, NRCS Geologist and Lead Trainer.

Classroom Instruction

During the classroom sessions, participants were introduced to essential soil mechanics concepts and terminology. The instruction began with a focus on the Unified Soil Classification System (USCS), where the instructor explained key terms and definitions to establish a common understanding among attendees. This foundational knowledge set the stage for more advanced discussions and hands-on activities, allowing participants to build confidence in identifying and classifying soils using standardized methods. Engaging worksheets and examples provided practical opportunities for learners to apply these concepts, ensuring everyone was comfortable with USCS terminology before moving forward into field and laboratory exercises.

Hands-On Laboratory Demonstrations

Participants took part in small-group demonstrations that centered on visually assessing soil characteristics. These collaborative exercises allowed attendees to examine soil samples closely, identify key traits such as color, texture, and structure, and discuss their findings with peers. By working together in these hands-on sessions, participants not only reinforced their understanding of soil classification concepts introduced in the classroom but also developed practical skills that would be valuable in real-world fieldwork and engineering applications.

These practical stations allowed attendees to apply lecture-based concepts and discuss classification decisions in real time.

"Soils are not only interesting from an agronomic perspective, but from an engineering perspective as well… and this training helps put those soils into perspective, accordingly, based on their behavior when worked or manipulated," said Huscher.

Field Soil Pit Work

A large portion of the training involved looking at full soil profiles in open pits. Together, participants practiced identifying distinct soil horizons, going layer by layer while discussing the subtle differences in color, texture, and structure. Each person took turns describing their findings, drawing connections between classroom concepts and the physical evidence revealed beneath their feet.

The Soil Mechanics training successfully strengthened participants' understanding of soil classification principles and field evaluation techniques. Through a balance of classroom instruction, hands-on demonstrations, and in-pit analysis, NRCS staff gained practical skills to support conservation planning and engineering design.

Because many conservation practices implemented by NRCS have an engineering component, it's important for engineers, geologists, and engineering techs to understand how soil affects those practices. Whether a soil type is likely to be a good foundation for a structure, or how well water flows through any soil.

For 90 years, NRCS has helped farmers, ranchers and forestland owners make investments in their operations and local communities to improve the quality of our air, water, soil, and wildlife habitat. For more information, visit nrcs.usda.gov.

###

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.