ABSTRACT
Research and educational programs have had a major influence on the formulation and enactment of government policies in soil and water conservation. Likewise government policies at both the federal and state level have influenced the kind and emphasis of research and education programs. A constant dialogue between policy-makers and researchers is needed. Effective communication can ensure that current information is used in the development of policies and can guide the selection of the most pressing research needs. Colonial and early US leaders were concerned about soil erosion and land degradation in the states east of the Appalachian mountains. Soil surveys provide an inventory of the quality and aerial extent of soils and landscapes. Soil surveys have been used in implementing nearly all government programs in soil and water. Soil surveys are used extensively in federal, state and local policies and regulations.
