US Federal Soil Conservation Programs and Policies

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is responsible for implementing soil conservation policies and programs in the United States.

The Soil and Water Resources Conservation Act (SWRCA) of 1977 aims to promote sustainable agriculture and protect soil and water resources by providing financial assistance to farmers for soil conservation practices and establishing a national soil conservation policy.

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) provides financial assistance to farmers and landowners for implementing soil conservation practices that improve water quality, reduce soil erosion, and enhance wildlife habitat.

The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) provides financial assistance to farmers for retiring highly erodible cropland and planting permanent vegetation, such as grasses and trees, to reduce soil erosion and improve water quality.

The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) provides technical assistance to farmers and landowners for implementing soil conservation practices that improve water quality, reduce soil erosion, and enhance wildlife habitat.

The Agricultural Management Assistance Program (AMA) aims to promote sustainable agriculture and protect soil and water resources by providing technical assistance to farmers and landowners for implementing soil conservation practices.

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) provides financial assistance to farmers for adopting conservation tillage practices, such as no-till farming and strip-till farming, which reduce soil erosion and improve soil health.

The Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS) is a professional organization dedicated to promoting sustainable agriculture and protecting soil and water resources through education, advocacy, and research.

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) provides financial assistance to farmers for implementing nutrient management practices, such as using cover crops and applying manure and fertilizers at appropriate rates, to reduce nutrient runoff and improve water quality.

The National Soil Survey aims to provide detailed information about soil properties and characteristics, such as texture, structure, and pH, to assist farmers, land managers, and other stakeholders in making informed decisions about land use and management.

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) provides financial assistance to farmers for implementing irrigation water management practices, such as using drip irrigation and scheduling irrigation based on soil moisture conditions, to reduce water use and improve water quality.

The National Resources Inventory (NRI) is a comprehensive survey conducted by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to assess the status and trends of soil, water, and other natural resources on non-federal lands in the United States.

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) provides financial assistance to farmers for implementing grazing management practices, such as rotational grazing and prescribed grazing, to improve forage production, reduce soil erosion, and protect water quality.

The Soil Health Initiative aims to promote soil health and improve soil productivity by providing technical assistance to farmers and landowners, conducting research on soil health, and developing educational resources.

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) provides financial assistance to farmers for implementing cover cropping practices, such as planting cover crops between cash crops or during fallow periods, to improve soil health, reduce soil erosion, and enhance wildlife habitat.