STATSGO (1:250,000) aids regional planning, while SSURGO (1:24,000) supports detailed urban and agricultural decisions. Highly specific land uses, such as specialized agriculture or sensitive ecosystems, may necessitate even finer-scale soil sampling beyond SSURGO's capabilities.
STATSGO and SSURGO soil surveys serve distinct planning and management purposes based on their scales. STATSGO, at 1:250,000 scale, suits regional land use planning, watershed management, and broad agricultural decisions due to its broader coverage.
Conversely, SSURGO's finer resolution at 1:24,000 or less makes it ideal for precise urban planning, detailed agriculture, and specific conservation strategies. Situations necessitating more detailed sampling beyond SSURGO include specialized agriculture.
Precise environmental assessments for small-scale developments, or intricate soil conservation plans for delicate ecosystems. Their varying scales enable a spectrum of applications, where STATSGO aids broader decisions.