MANAGING OUR ECOLOGY THROUGH SOIL SCIENCE

Our soil is a living, dynamic body consisting of mineral and organic solids, liquids, and gases occurring on the Earth’s surface.  Our soil is characterized as having distinct horizons that are discernible from the geologic parent, resultant from various energy influences.  Soils perform numerous functions making it an essential life resource.  It is the biologically active zone of the Earth’s crust where our lithosphere and atmosphere coalesce with water and light energy to produce a medium suitable to support plant growth for humans and animals.

Soil regulates rain water conversion to infiltration, runoff, and storage.  As such, this regulation affects transmission of potentially compromising compounds in our environment by capturing and treating contaminants.  Soil also provides a mechanism to decompose waste produced from the human endeavor.  It is not only a cast for development, it serves as the cornerstone of our existence.  Proper interpretation and use of our soil is essential and critical.

As our population expands increasing pressures are placed on the ecological resources necessary for sustaining life.  O.C. Reedy Associates, Inc. (ORA) possesses the technical expertise and leadership requisite for meeting and negotiating the challenges we encounter as we exist within our environment.

Monthly Spotlight

Plant of the Month

Soil of the Month

Orange Blossom

Orange Blossom
Citrus sinensis

The orange blossom was designated State Flower by

Concurrent Resolution Nov. 15, 1909 Legislature. It is one of the most fragrant

flowers in Florida. Millions of these white flowers perfume the atmosphere

throughout central and south Florida during orange blossom time.

read more [...]

Florida Dirt

Manatee Series
hyperthermic Typic Argiaquolls

The Manatee series consists of very deep, very poorly drained, moderately permeable soils in depressions, broad drainage ways, and on flood plains. They formed in sandy and loamy marine sediments. Near the type location, the mean annual air temperature about 73 degrees F., and the mean annual precipitation is about 50 inches. Slope is dominantly less than 1 percent but ranges to 2 percent.

read more [...]

Animal of the Month

Bird of the Month

American Alligator

The American Alligator
Alligator mississippiensis

In 1987, the American alligator was designated the official Florida state

reptile. Alligators occur in freshwater ponds, lakes, and rivers throughout

Florida and are characterized by broad, rounded snouts and dark color.

read more [...]

Northern mockingbird

Northern mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

In 1927, the Mockingbird was designated as the Florida state bird. The

Mockingbird is gray with large white patches on its wings and tail and is noted

for its singing ability. Mockingbirds may sing for hours and sing throughout the

year to defend their feeding territories. read more [...]

For a complete listing of Soil Profiles and Descriptions CLICK HERE >>