Managing soils with a site-specific approach has several potential benefits. When combined with variable rate technology, site-specific management distributes nutrients and other amendments according to the spatial variation in soil properties used to determine agronomic optimum amendment rates. In site-specific management, higher rates of amendments are typically applied to locations in the field where the potential crop response is greatest, and lower rates are applied in areas less likely to respond. The desired result of a site-specific management approach is not limited to optimizing growth and yield; producers also may be aiming for increased pest and disease resistance or a better quality crop. By matching the needs and production potential of the crop to a location in the field, amendments are distributed at prescribed amounts and set to meet production goals. The approach may also have environmental benefits: though higher nutrient rates are applied in the most productive areas, reduced rates in areas where nutrients are not needed can potentially lessen the impact of nutrient runoff on water quality. Furthermore, the correction of localized nutrient deficiencies should increase nitrogen use efficiency (since other nutrients will not be limiting) and potentially reduce the risk of nitrogen runoff and leaching., Soil Survey Data Collection, Management, and Dissemination. Introduction. D. uring the course of a soil survey, a large amount of data, of various types and in various formats, is commonly collected or developed. These data include, but are not limited to, field notes, soil profile and landscape descriptions, drawings, laboratory data, photographs,, The soil sample depths chosen for both the site and background reference areas should be consistent with the receptors (as described in the CSM) that are expected to have contact with the soil. As noted above, background and site sample locations should be similar in physical, chemical, geological, biological, and ecological characteristics .