1. Monolith Collection and Preparation For soils without restrictive layers Conrad Neitsch USDA-NRCS MLRA Region 9 Staff Temple, TX

2. Site Selection and Field Collection

3. Selection of a representative soil profile is the most important step in soil monolith preparation.

4. The site should represent the soil series of interest.

5. The soil pit should be dug several inches deeper than the height of the monolith.

6. Collection of the monolith can be done during sampling for characterization data.

7. Characterization data is useful for the monolith display.

8. A profile that is moist is best for field collection. The face of the pit must be flat before collection.

9. The use of a scoring tool is essential for monolith collection.

10. Uneven areas on the wall are found and shaped.

11. The scoring tool is aligned before securing.

12. Once aligned, the bottom of the tool is secured to the pit wall with a large nail.

13. The top of the tool is secured to prevent any movement.

14. The tool is secure and ready for scoring.

15. A large knife is used to cut a groove in the face of pit. The cut must be even and flat with side of the tool.

16. With the scoring tool removed, cut the bottom of the scored area to the same depth as that of the vertical sides in order to fit the collection board.

17. A collection board ready for use.

18. The collection board is aligned and placed into the cuts on the pit wall.

19. The collection board is braced to prevent any movement. Side cutting begins.

20. Remove soil 4 to 5 inches into the pit wall at a 45 degree angle.

21. Remove all soil possible, without losing stability of the collection board against the pit wall.

22. Bore three or four holes evenly spaced through the remaining soil material.

23. The holes are for bungee cords that are threaded around the backside of collection board.

24. The bungee cords are in place.

25. Brace boards are placed on each side of the collection board and the bungee cords are secured.

26. Back-cutting through remaining soil will loosen the monolith.

27. The monolith is broken away.

28. Ready to lift from pit. The monolith can weigh up to 200 pounds at this point.

29. The monolith is placed on a raised surface for trimming.

30. Remove the excess soil.

31. A final cut is made so the surface is flush with the metal edges of the collection board.

32. The monolith is wrapped for transport. Moisture content must be maintained until the transfer to display board.

33. Display Preparation and Transfer

34. A display board is constructed from ¾ inch plywood and ¾ by 1 ½ inch wood molding.

35. Pilot holes are drilled before nailing or placing wood screws.

36. Note the insert between molding. Insert is size of monolith and aids in alignment of molding.

37. Stain and finish to desired shade.

38. 1 ½ inch nails are hammered through back of display board to stabilize soil monolith.

39. The display board ready for use.

40. White glue is spread over the display board.

41. Cheesecloth is placed over the glue and additional glue is added to surface.

42. Nearly ready to use.

43. The display board is aligned on top of unwrapped collection board containing monolith.

44. Make sure every edge lines up perfectly before transfer.

45. Ready to transfer.

46. Make sure boards stay aligned during transfer.

47. The soil monolith is transferred to display board.

48. Seat the soil monolith into display board to make sure contact with glue is made.

49. Final Preparation for Display

50. After thorough drying, the final preparation begins.

51. Water is used to moisten the monolith to exfoliate the hard surface.

52. Add water in small amounts on surface. Do not soak!

53. The surface pieces begin to break away with a pick. Add water in small amounts as needed.

54. Low pressure air, 20 to 30 PSI, helps remove unwanted peds and particles.

55. Final surface preparation. Keep air pressure low.

56. Ready for glue down. Use 1 part white glue to 3 parts water.

57. Apply this mixture into the cracks to penetrate to the backboard.

58. This will re-wet the glue on the backboard for good adherence.

59. A mixture of 1 part glue to 5 to 7 parts water is used for the final finish.

60. Apply to the surface in small amounts for total coverage. Do not soak!

61. Coat the surface completely.

62. As the surface dries, gently press any loose peds down into moist glue.

63. Let dry for several weeks before any handling is done.

64. The monolith should be covered with protective sheeting for long term use.

65. This cover will protect the monolith from dust and damage.

66. Soil nameplate is centered and installed.

67. Completed monolith is ready for display.

68. Appendix