Tech Tools | Natural Resources Conservation Service

Tech Tools | Natural Resources Conservation Service Skip to main content An official website of the United States government Here's how you know Here's how you know Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock Locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Menu Natural Resources Conservation Service U.S. Department of Agriculture Subscribe About NRCS farmers.gov USDA.gov Contact Us Main navigation Conservation Basics Conserving our natural resources is a vital part of creating and maintaining healthy ecosystems on our nation’s lands. View All Conservation Basics Natural Resource Concerns Soil Water Plants Animals Land Air Energy Wildlife Habitat Invasive Species and Pests View All Natural Resource Concerns Soil Water Plants Animals Land Air Energy Wildlife Habitat Invasive Species and Pests View All Natural Resource Concerns Featured Soil Science NRCS delivers science-based soil information to help farmers, ranchers, foresters, and other land managers effectively manage, conserve, and appraise their most valuable investment — the soil. Getting Assistance For 90 years, we’ve helped America’s farmers, ranchers, and landowners conserve our nation’s resources through our voluntary programs and science-based solutions. View All Getting Assistance Technical Help Conservation Technical Assistance Helps producers identify conservation objectives and a roadmap for conservation on their operation. Conservation Concerns Tool Use this tool to learn about natural resource concerns that may impact your ag operation (farmers.gov). Engineering NRCS applies sound engineering tools and principles to plan, design, and implement conservation practices and systems through delegated approval authority. Technical Service Providers Technical service providers offer planning, design, and implementation services to agricultural producers on behalf of NRCS. Financial Help Act Now Enables states to pre-approve applications when they meet or exceed a state's pre-determined minimum ranking score. Applications and Forms Find more information on how to apply for NRCS conservation programs. How to Apply Follow our step-by-step process to get started making improvements on your land with our one-on-one conservation assistance. Payment Schedules Review the amount and availability of financial assistance for selected conservation practices in your state. Ranking Dates Applications for NRCS conservation programs are ranked and funded at key times throughout the year. Compliance and Cultural Resources Conservation Compliance: Wetlands and Highly Erodible Land Provisions To maintain eligibility for most USDA programs, producers must comply with wetland conservation provisions. Cultural Resources NRCS programs are administered following the National Historic Preservation Act and other laws. Environmental Compliance NRCS programs are administered following the National Environmental Policy Act. Other Topics Disaster Recovery NRCS can help ag producers and communities recover when natural disasters strike. Nutrient Management This practice helps producers reduce input costs, maximize yields, and efficiently manage nutrients. Organic Agriculture Conservation and organics go hand-in-hand, and NRCS offers tools for organic farmers to improve their operations. Urban Agriculture Conservation assistance is available for urban farmers, including high tunnels, soil health practices, composting and irrigation. 2 CFR 400 – NRCS SPECIFIC APPROVED EXCEPTIONS Pursuant to 2 CFR 415.1(e), the USDA Office of the Chief Financial Officer and the Office of Management and Budget have approved the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) establishment of two alternative exceptions to the requirement for competition in discretionary grant and cooperative agreement funding opportunities under 2 CFR parts 200 and 400. Conservation Technical Assistance Helps producers identify conservation objectives and a roadmap for conservation on their operation. Conservation Concerns Tool Use this tool to learn about natural resource concerns that may impact your ag operation (farmers.gov). Engineering NRCS applies sound engineering tools and principles to plan, design, and implement conservation practices and systems through delegated approval authority. Technical Service Providers Technical service providers offer planning, design, and implementation services to agricultural producers on behalf of NRCS. Act Now Enables states to pre-approve applications when they meet or exceed a state's pre-determined minimum ranking score. Applications and Forms Find more information on how to apply for NRCS conservation programs. How to Apply Follow our step-by-step process to get started making improvements on your land with our one-on-one conservation assistance. Payment Schedules Review the amount and availability of financial assistance for selected conservation practices in your state. Ranking Dates Applications for NRCS conservation programs are ranked and funded at key times throughout the year. Conservation Compliance: Wetlands and Highly Erodible Land Provisions To maintain eligibility for most USDA programs, producers must comply with wetland conservation provisions. Cultural Resources NRCS programs are administered following the National Historic Preservation Act and other laws. Environmental Compliance NRCS programs are administered following the National Environmental Policy Act. Disaster Recovery NRCS can help ag producers and communities recover when natural disasters strike. Nutrient Management This practice helps producers reduce input costs, maximize yields, and efficiently manage nutrients. Organic Agriculture Conservation and organics go hand-in-hand, and NRCS offers tools for organic farmers to improve their operations. Urban Agriculture Conservation assistance is available for urban farmers, including high tunnels, soil health practices, composting and irrigation. 2 CFR 400 – NRCS SPECIFIC APPROVED EXCEPTIONS Pursuant to 2 CFR 415.1(e), the USDA Office of the Chief Financial Officer and the Office of Management and Budget have approved the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) establishment of two alternative exceptions to the requirement for competition in discretionary grant and cooperative agreement funding opportunities under 2 CFR parts 200 and 400. Featured Conservation Technical Assistance Conservation Technical Assistance (CTA) provides our nation’s farmers, ranchers and forestland owners with the knowledge and tools they need to conserve, maintain and restore the natural resources on their lands and improve the health of their operations for the future. State Offices Explore State-specific resources, updates, and contact information to support your conservation efforts. View All State Offices State Offices Learn about the conservation needs and latest updates in your state, and access needed resources. State Technical Committees Every state has an NRCS State Technical Committee. The State Technical Committee advises the State Conservationist on technical guidelines necessary to implement the conservation provisions of the Farm Bill. Contact Your State Office Find contact information for your state office location and employees. Programs & Initiatives Our natural resource conservation programs help people reduce soil erosion, enhance water supplies, improve water quality, increase wildlife habitat, and reduce damage caused by floods and other natural disasters. View All Programs & Initiatives Programs Environmental Quality Incentives Program Provides assistance to agricultural producers to address natural resource concerns. Regional Conservation Partnership Program Brings together partners to expand the reach of NRCS conservation programs. Conservation Innovation Grants Brings together partners to innovate on conservation approaches and technologies. Conservation Stewardship Program Helps agricultural producers take their conservation efforts to the next level. Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program Helps state and tribal governments improve public access to private lands for recreation. Agricultural Management Assistance Helps agricultural producers manage financial risk through diversification, marketing or natural resource conservation practices. Wetland Mitigation Banking Program Offers competitive grants to support wetland mitigation bank for agricultural producers. Conservation Reserve Program The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) provides a yearly rental payment to farmers who remove environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production and plant species that will improve environmental health and quality. Easements Agricultural Conservation Easement Program Helps producers protect wetlands, grasslands and farmlands for future generations. Wetland Reserve Easements Helps private and tribal landowners protect, restore, and enhance wetlands degraded by agricultural uses. Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership Brings together partners and producers to protect wetlands. Healthy Forests Reserve Program Helps landowners restore, enhance, and protect forestland resources on private and tribal lands and aids the recovery of endangered and threatened species. Agricultural Land Easements Helps private and tribal landowners, land trusts, and other entities protect croplands and grasslands on working farms and ranches. Appraisal Submission Center Centralized point for submitting valuation reports and reviews for easement programs. Watershed Programs Emergency Watershed Protection Assists communities recovering from natural disasters. Watershed and Flood Prevention Operation Offers assistance to communities to address watershed resource concerns. Watershed Rehabilitation Rehabilitates NRCS dams to comply with design safety performance standards. Initiatives Regenerative Pilot Program Regenerative Agriculture is a conservation management approach that emphasizes natural resources through improved soil health, water management, and natural vitality for the productivity and prosperity of American agriculture and communities. Landscape Conservation Initiatives Accelerates conservation benefits through targeted efforts for water quality, water quantity and wildlife. Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative Nationwide collaborative process working to maintain and improve the management, productivity, and health of privately owned grazing land. High Tunnel Provides targeted assistance to promote use of high tunnels, which offer many benefits including longer growing season. On-Farm Energy Initiative Assistance to inventory and analyze farm systems that use energy and identify ways to improve efficiency through an Agricultural Energy Management Plan. Organic Initiative Voluntary conservation program that provides technical and financial assistance for organic farmers and ranchers, or those interested in transitioning to organic. Sentinel Landscapes Initiative The Sentinel Landscapes Partnership is a coalition of federal agencies, state and local governments, and nongovernmental organizations that work with private landowners. Environmental Quality Incentives Program Provides assistance to agricultural producers to address natural resource concerns. Regional Conservation Partnership Program Brings together partners to expand the reach of NRCS conservation programs. Conservation Innovation Grants Brings together partners to innovate on conservation approaches and technologies. Conservation Stewardship Program Helps agricultural producers take their conservation efforts to the next level. Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program Helps state and tribal governments improve public access to private lands for recreation. Agricultural Management Assistance Helps agricultural producers manage financial risk through diversification, marketing or natural resource conservation practices. Wetland Mitigation Banking Program Offers competitive grants to support wetland mitigation bank for agricultural producers. Conservation Reserve Program The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) provides a yearly rental payment to farmers who remove environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production and plant species that will improve environmental health and quality. Agricultural Conservation Easement Program Helps producers protect wetlands, grasslands and farmlands for future generations. Wetland Reserve Easements Helps private and tribal landowners protect, restore, and enhance wetlands degraded by agricultural uses. Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership Brings together partners and producers to protect wetlands. Healthy Forests Reserve Program Helps landowners restore, enhance, and protect forestland resources on private and tribal lands and aids the recovery of endangered and threatened species. Agricultural Land Easements Helps private and tribal landowners, land trusts, and other entities protect croplands and grasslands on working farms and ranches. Appraisal Submission Center Centralized point for submitting valuation reports and reviews for easement programs. Emergency Watershed Protection Assists communities recovering from natural disasters. Watershed and Flood Prevention Operation Offers assistance to communities to address watershed resource concerns. Watershed Rehabilitation Rehabilitates NRCS dams to comply with design safety performance standards. Regenerative Pilot Program Regenerative Agriculture is a conservation management approach that emphasizes natural resources through improved soil health, water management, and natural vitality for the productivity and prosperity of American agriculture and communities. Landscape Conservation Initiatives Accelerates conservation benefits through targeted efforts for water quality, water quantity and wildlife. Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative Nationwide collaborative process working to maintain and improve the management, productivity, and health of privately owned grazing land. High Tunnel Provides targeted assistance to promote use of high tunnels, which offer many benefits including longer growing season. On-Farm Energy Initiative Assistance to inventory and analyze farm systems that use energy and identify ways to improve efficiency through an Agricultural Energy Management Plan. Organic Initiative Voluntary conservation program that provides technical and financial assistance for organic farmers and ranchers, or those interested in transitioning to organic. Sentinel Landscapes Initiative The Sentinel Landscapes Partnership is a coalition of federal agencies, state and local governments, and nongovernmental organizations that work with private landowners. Featured Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) The Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) is a partner-driven approach to conservation that funds solutions to natural resource challenges on agricultural land. Resources The technical resources and references NRCS provides uses science-based technology to aid conservation planning and benefit soil, water, air, plants, and animals for productive lands and healthy ecosystems. View All Resources Guides and Instructions Field Office Technical Guides Conservation Practice Standards How to Get a DUNS Number National Soil Survey Handbook Keys to Soil Taxonomy Soil Survey Manual Soil Taxonomy Technical Soil Services Handbook View All Guides and Instructions Data and Reports Web Soil Survey PLANTS Database RCA Dataviewer Soil Texture Calculator Official Soil Series Descriptions SSURGO/STATSGO2 Metadata Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) View All Data and Reports Education and Teaching Materials What is Soil? State Soils Soil Colors Soil Formation and Classification View All Education and Teaching Materials Tech Tools WIN-PST WinTR-20 WinTR-55 View All Tech Tools Field Office Technical Guides Conservation Practice Standards How to Get a DUNS Number National Soil Survey Handbook Keys to Soil Taxonomy Soil Survey Manual Soil Taxonomy Technical Soil Services Handbook View All Guides and Instructions Web Soil Survey PLANTS Database RCA Dataviewer Soil Texture Calculator Official Soil Series Descriptions SSURGO/STATSGO2 Metadata Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) View All Data and Reports What is Soil? State Soils Soil Colors Soil Formation and Classification View All Education and Teaching Materials WIN-PST WinTR-20 WinTR-55 View All Tech Tools Featured Ag Innovator’s Guide Tips for Recommending Innovation and New Technologies for Use in Conservation Assistance News & Events Welcome to the NRCS newsroom! Here you’ll find the latest information on USDA’s conservation agency, including news releases, feature stories, downloadable media files and more. View All News & Events News View All News NRCS Chief Aubrey J.D. Bettencourt highlights the Regenerative Pilot Program launched in 2025. The program is a farmer first, outcomes-based approach to conservation designed to return the agency to its core mission – helping people help the land. Featured NRCS Highlights Benefits of New Regenerative Pilot Program Read more Events View All Events Register for a free webinar for military veterans and transitioning service members on how to work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to prepare for a career in agriculture. Featured USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Veterans Webinar - April 21 Apr 21, 2026 Read more Full Menu Conservation Basics Conserving our natural resources is a vital part of creating and maintaining healthy ecosystems on our nation’s lands. View All Conservation Basics Natural Resource Concerns Soil Water Plants Animals Land Air Energy Wildlife Habitat Invasive Species and Pests View All Natural Resource Concerns Soil Water Plants Animals Land Air Energy Wildlife Habitat Invasive Species and Pests View All Natural Resource Concerns Featured Soil Science NRCS delivers science-based soil information to help farmers, ranchers, foresters, and other land managers effectively manage, conserve, and appraise their most valuable investment — the soil. Getting Assistance For 90 years, we’ve helped America’s farmers, ranchers, and landowners conserve our nation’s resources through our voluntary programs and science-based solutions. View All Getting Assistance Technical Help Conservation Technical Assistance Helps producers identify conservation objectives and a roadmap for conservation on their operation. Conservation Concerns Tool Use this tool to learn about natural resource concerns that may impact your ag operation (farmers.gov). Engineering NRCS applies sound engineering tools and principles to plan, design, and implement conservation practices and systems through delegated approval authority. Technical Service Providers Technical service providers offer planning, design, and implementation services to agricultural producers on behalf of NRCS. Financial Help Act Now Enables states to pre-approve applications when they meet or exceed a state's pre-determined minimum ranking score. Applications and Forms Find more information on how to apply for NRCS conservation programs. How to Apply Follow our step-by-step process to get started making improvements on your land with our one-on-one conservation assistance. Payment Schedules Review the amount and availability of financial assistance for selected conservation practices in your state. Ranking Dates Applications for NRCS conservation programs are ranked and funded at key times throughout the year. Compliance and Cultural Resources Conservation Compliance: Wetlands and Highly Erodible Land Provisions To maintain eligibility for most USDA programs, producers must comply with wetland conservation provisions. Cultural Resources NRCS programs are administered following the National Historic Preservation Act and other laws. Environmental Compliance NRCS programs are administered following the National Environmental Policy Act. Other Topics Disaster Recovery NRCS can help ag producers and communities recover when natural disasters strike. Nutrient Management This practice helps producers reduce input costs, maximize yields, and efficiently manage nutrients. Organic Agriculture Conservation and organics go hand-in-hand, and NRCS offers tools for organic farmers to improve their operations. Urban Agriculture Conservation assistance is available for urban farmers, including high tunnels, soil health practices, composting and irrigation. 2 CFR 400 – NRCS SPECIFIC APPROVED EXCEPTIONS Pursuant to 2 CFR 415.1(e), the USDA Office of the Chief Financial Officer and the Office of Management and Budget have approved the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) establishment of two alternative exceptions to the requirement for competition in discretionary grant and cooperative agreement funding opportunities under 2 CFR parts 200 and 400. Conservation Technical Assistance Helps producers identify conservation objectives and a roadmap for conservation on their operation. Conservation Concerns Tool Use this tool to learn about natural resource concerns that may impact your ag operation (farmers.gov). Engineering NRCS applies sound engineering tools and principles to plan, design, and implement conservation practices and systems through delegated approval authority. Technical Service Providers Technical service providers offer planning, design, and implementation services to agricultural producers on behalf of NRCS. Act Now Enables states to pre-approve applications when they meet or exceed a state's pre-determined minimum ranking score. Applications and Forms Find more information on how to apply for NRCS conservation programs. How to Apply Follow our step-by-step process to get started making improvements on your land with our one-on-one conservation assistance. Payment Schedules Review the amount and availability of financial assistance for selected conservation practices in your state. Ranking Dates Applications for NRCS conservation programs are ranked and funded at key times throughout the year. Conservation Compliance: Wetlands and Highly Erodible Land Provisions To maintain eligibility for most USDA programs, producers must comply with wetland conservation provisions. Cultural Resources NRCS programs are administered following the National Historic Preservation Act and other laws. Environmental Compliance NRCS programs are administered following the National Environmental Policy Act. Disaster Recovery NRCS can help ag producers and communities recover when natural disasters strike. Nutrient Management This practice helps producers reduce input costs, maximize yields, and efficiently manage nutrients. Organic Agriculture Conservation and organics go hand-in-hand, and NRCS offers tools for organic farmers to improve their operations. Urban Agriculture Conservation assistance is available for urban farmers, including high tunnels, soil health practices, composting and irrigation. 2 CFR 400 – NRCS SPECIFIC APPROVED EXCEPTIONS Pursuant to 2 CFR 415.1(e), the USDA Office of the Chief Financial Officer and the Office of Management and Budget have approved the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) establishment of two alternative exceptions to the requirement for competition in discretionary grant and cooperative agreement funding opportunities under 2 CFR parts 200 and 400. Featured Conservation Technical Assistance Conservation Technical Assistance (CTA) provides our nation’s farmers, ranchers and forestland owners with the knowledge and tools they need to conserve, maintain and restore the natural resources on their lands and improve the health of their operations for the future. State Offices Explore State-specific resources, updates, and contact information to support your conservation efforts. View All State Offices State Offices Learn about the conservation needs and latest updates in your state, and access needed resources. State Technical Committees Every state has an NRCS State Technical Committee. The State Technical Committee advises the State Conservationist on technical guidelines necessary to implement the conservation provisions of the Farm Bill. Contact Your State Office Find contact information for your state office location and employees. Programs & Initiatives Our natural resource conservation programs help people reduce soil erosion, enhance water supplies, improve water quality, increase wildlife habitat, and reduce damage caused by floods and other natural disasters. View All Programs & Initiatives Programs Environmental Quality Incentives Program Provides assistance to agricultural producers to address natural resource concerns. Regional Conservation Partnership Program Brings together partners to expand the reach of NRCS conservation programs. Conservation Innovation Grants Brings together partners to innovate on conservation approaches and technologies. Conservation Stewardship Program Helps agricultural producers take their conservation efforts to the next level. Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program Helps state and tribal governments improve public access to private lands for recreation. Agricultural Management Assistance Helps agricultural producers manage financial risk through diversification, marketing or natural resource conservation practices. Wetland Mitigation Banking Program Offers competitive grants to support wetland mitigation bank for agricultural producers. Conservation Reserve Program The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) provides a yearly rental payment to farmers who remove environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production and plant species that will improve environmental health and quality. Easements Agricultural Conservation Easement Program Helps producers protect wetlands, grasslands and farmlands for future generations. Wetland Reserve Easements Helps private and tribal landowners protect, restore, and enhance wetlands degraded by agricultural uses. Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership Brings together partners and producers to protect wetlands. Healthy Forests Reserve Program Helps landowners restore, enhance, and protect forestland resources on private and tribal lands and aids the recovery of endangered and threatened species. Agricultural Land Easements Helps private and tribal landowners, land trusts, and other entities protect croplands and grasslands on working farms and ranches. Appraisal Submission Center Centralized point for submitting valuation reports and reviews for easement programs. Watershed Programs Emergency Watershed Protection Assists communities recovering from natural disasters. Watershed and Flood Prevention Operation Offers assistance to communities to address watershed resource concerns. Watershed Rehabilitation Rehabilitates NRCS dams to comply with design safety performance standards. Initiatives Regenerative Pilot Program Regenerative Agriculture is a conservation management approach that emphasizes natural resources through improved soil health, water management, and natural vitality for the productivity and prosperity of American agriculture and communities. Landscape Conservation Initiatives Accelerates conservation benefits through targeted efforts for water quality, water quantity and wildlife. Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative Nationwide collaborative process working to maintain and improve the management, productivity, and health of privately owned grazing land. High Tunnel Provides targeted assistance to promote use of high tunnels, which offer many benefits including longer growing season. On-Farm Energy Initiative Assistance to inventory and analyze farm systems that use energy and identify ways to improve efficiency through an Agricultural Energy Management Plan. Organic Initiative Voluntary conservation program that provides technical and financial assistance for organic farmers and ranchers, or those interested in transitioning to organic. Sentinel Landscapes Initiative The Sentinel Landscapes Partnership is a coalition of federal agencies, state and local governments, and nongovernmental organizations that work with private landowners. Environmental Quality Incentives Program Provides assistance to agricultural producers to address natural resource concerns. Regional Conservation Partnership Program Brings together partners to expand the reach of NRCS conservation programs. Conservation Innovation Grants Brings together partners to innovate on conservation approaches and technologies. Conservation Stewardship Program Helps agricultural producers take their conservation efforts to the next level. Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program Helps state and tribal governments improve public access to private lands for recreation. Agricultural Management Assistance Helps agricultural producers manage financial risk through diversification, marketing or natural resource conservation practices. Wetland Mitigation Banking Program Offers competitive grants to support wetland mitigation bank for agricultural producers. Conservation Reserve Program The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) provides a yearly rental payment to farmers who remove environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production and plant species that will improve environmental health and quality. Agricultural Conservation Easement Program Helps producers protect wetlands, grasslands and farmlands for future generations. Wetland Reserve Easements Helps private and tribal landowners protect, restore, and enhance wetlands degraded by agricultural uses. Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership Brings together partners and producers to protect wetlands. Healthy Forests Reserve Program Helps landowners restore, enhance, and protect forestland resources on private and tribal lands and aids the recovery of endangered and threatened species. Agricultural Land Easements Helps private and tribal landowners, land trusts, and other entities protect croplands and grasslands on working farms and ranches. Appraisal Submission Center Centralized point for submitting valuation reports and reviews for easement programs. Emergency Watershed Protection Assists communities recovering from natural disasters. Watershed and Flood Prevention Operation Offers assistance to communities to address watershed resource concerns. Watershed Rehabilitation Rehabilitates NRCS dams to comply with design safety performance standards. Regenerative Pilot Program Regenerative Agriculture is a conservation management approach that emphasizes natural resources through improved soil health, water management, and natural vitality for the productivity and prosperity of American agriculture and communities. Landscape Conservation Initiatives Accelerates conservation benefits through targeted efforts for water quality, water quantity and wildlife. Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative Nationwide collaborative process working to maintain and improve the management, productivity, and health of privately owned grazing land. High Tunnel Provides targeted assistance to promote use of high tunnels, which offer many benefits including longer growing season. On-Farm Energy Initiative Assistance to inventory and analyze farm systems that use energy and identify ways to improve efficiency through an Agricultural Energy Management Plan. Organic Initiative Voluntary conservation program that provides technical and financial assistance for organic farmers and ranchers, or those interested in transitioning to organic. Sentinel Landscapes Initiative The Sentinel Landscapes Partnership is a coalition of federal agencies, state and local governments, and nongovernmental organizations that work with private landowners. Featured Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) The Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) is a partner-driven approach to conservation that funds solutions to natural resource challenges on agricultural land. Resources The technical resources and references NRCS provides uses science-based technology to aid conservation planning and benefit soil, water, air, plants, and animals for productive lands and healthy ecosystems. View All Resources Guides and Instructions Field Office Technical Guides Conservation Practice Standards How to Get a DUNS Number National Soil Survey Handbook Keys to Soil Taxonomy Soil Survey Manual Soil Taxonomy Technical Soil Services Handbook View All Guides and Instructions Data and Reports Web Soil Survey PLANTS Database RCA Dataviewer Soil Texture Calculator Official Soil Series Descriptions SSURGO/STATSGO2 Metadata Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) View All Data and Reports Education and Teaching Materials What is Soil? State Soils Soil Colors Soil Formation and Classification View All Education and Teaching Materials Tech Tools WIN-PST WinTR-20 WinTR-55 View All Tech Tools Field Office Technical Guides Conservation Practice Standards How to Get a DUNS Number National Soil Survey Handbook Keys to Soil Taxonomy Soil Survey Manual Soil Taxonomy Technical Soil Services Handbook View All Guides and Instructions Web Soil Survey PLANTS Database RCA Dataviewer Soil Texture Calculator Official Soil Series Descriptions SSURGO/STATSGO2 Metadata Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) View All Data and Reports What is Soil? State Soils Soil Colors Soil Formation and Classification View All Education and Teaching Materials WIN-PST WinTR-20 WinTR-55 View All Tech Tools Featured Ag Innovator’s Guide Tips for Recommending Innovation and New Technologies for Use in Conservation Assistance News & Events Welcome to the NRCS newsroom! Here you’ll find the latest information on USDA’s conservation agency, including news releases, feature stories, downloadable media files and more. View All News & Events News View All News NRCS Chief Aubrey J.D. Bettencourt highlights the Regenerative Pilot Program launched in 2025. The program is a farmer first, outcomes-based approach to conservation designed to return the agency to its core mission – helping people help the land. Featured NRCS Highlights Benefits of New Regenerative Pilot Program Read more Events View All Events Register for a free webinar for military veterans and transitioning service members on how to work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to prepare for a career in agriculture. Featured USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Veterans Webinar - April 21 Apr 21, 2026 Read more Subscribe About NRCS farmers.gov USDA.gov Contact Us Tech Tools Breadcrumb Home Resources Title Resource Type - Any - Data and Reports Education and Teaching Materials Guides and Instructions Tech Tools Natural Resource Concerns - Any - Land -- Easements -- Forestry -- Range & Pasture -- Wetlands -- Urban Agriculture -- Croplands -- National Resources Inventory (NRI) Soil -- Soil Health Water Plants -- Organic Agriculture -- Cover Crops -- Grasses -- Legumes -- Forbs -- Shrubs -- Trees -- Plant Materials Animals -- Wildlife -- Livestock -- Fish -- Birds -- Insects and Pollinators Air Energy Climate Wildlife Habitat Invasive Species and Pests Watersheds Programs/Initiatives - Any - Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) Agricultural Land Easements Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) Air Quality Initiative Colorado River Basin Salinity Project Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program Buyouts Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative (GLCI) Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) Healthy Forests Reserve Program (HFRP) High Tunnel Initiative Joint Chiefs' Landscape Restoration Partnership Landscape Conservation Initiatives Lesser Prairie-Chicken Initiative Longleaf Pine Initiative Mississippi River Basin Healthy Watersheds Initiative (MRBI) Monarch Butterflies National Water Quality Initiative (NWQI) On-Farm Energy Initiative Organic Initiative Regenerative Pilot Program Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) Sage Grouse Initiative Sentinel Landscapes Initiative Snow Survey and Water Supply Forecasting Program Source Water Protection Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program (VPA-HIP) Water Bank Program Watershed Programs Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Operations (WFPO) Program Watershed Rehabilitation Program (REHAB) WaterSMART Initiative (WSI) Wetland Mitigation Banking Program (WMBP) Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE) Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership (WREP) Working Lands for Wildlife (WLFW) States/Territories - Any - Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Caribbean Area Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pacific Islands Area Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Tech Tools AutoCAD Symbology Tools Symbology for CAD/Civil 3D software and will correspond with software versions 2022, and 2024. Tech Tools CropFlex - Version 1 CropFlex is a management system for irrigated crops. The goal of CropFlex is to provide irrigation and fertility management advice to assist farmers in maintaining or increasing yields while minimizing the potential of leaching nitrates. Tech Tools DrainMod - Version 6.1 Build 103 Drain Modification simulates the hydrology of poorly drained, high water table soils on an hour-by-hour, day-by-day basis for long periods of climatological record (e.g. 40 years). The model predicts the effects of drainage and associated water management practices. Tech Tools EFH-2 software Version 2.0.11 The EFH-2 software implements procedures outlined in Title 210, National Engineering Handbook 650 - Engineering Field Handbook, Chapter 2 (EFH-2), "Estimating Runoff Volume and Peak Discharge". Tech Tools EFH-2 software Version 2.0.12 The EFH-2 software implements procedures outlined in Title 210, National Engineering Handbook 650 - Engineering Field Handbook, Chapter 2 (EFH-2), "Estimating Runoff Volume and Peak Discharge". Tech Tools Engineering Field Tools - Version 4.0.8.1 Engineering Field Tools - this installation includes the EFT Framework, Surveying Engineering Tool (SET), Waterway Design Tool (WDT), Terrace Design Tool (TDT), and Hydraulic Formulas. Tech Tools Explore New Mexico in the Interactive Map The Interactive Map Conditions Interface allows users to display current and historical snow water equivalent, snow depth, precipitation, reservoir storage, and streamflow data collected by the Natural Resources Conservation Service and other monitoring agencies. Tech Tools FIRI - Version 1.2 Field Irrigation Rating Index approximates or quantifies approximate water conservation through changes made to irrigation systems or through management. Tech Tools Indiana Forestry Resources Indiana Forest Management technical documents, sample plans and related resources Tech Tools Iowa Cover Crop Fact Sheets The Iowa cover crop fact sheets are a quick reference to aid in selection and identification of cover crop species. The fact sheets provide information on cultural traits, planting, and performance ratings. Tech Tools Iowa Engineering Forms Iowa NRCS is dedicated to providing everything you may need from getting started to maintaining your operation. This page provides popular or frequently used forms. You can also check our Field Office Technical Guide to find what you need. Tech Tools IWRPM - Version 1.1 Irrigation Water Requirements - Penman Monteith (IWRPM) is a crop consumptive use program using the Penman-Monteith equation for evapotranspiration developed specifically for NRCS use in development of Consumptive Use Tables for the NRCS Irrigation Guide. Tech Tools New Mexico Interactive Map NRCS Water and Climate Center Interactive Map, New Mexico Tech Tools NutBal - Version 1.0.1 The Nutritional Balance Analyzer (NUTBAL) Tech Tools Phaucet - Version 8.2.2 PHAUCET is a tool to design and evaluate furrow irrigation systems. Tech Tools Rhode Island Conservation District Offices Rhode Island NRCS partners with the Ocean State's three conservation districts – Eastern, Northern & Southern – to help communities, farmers, forest landowners, oyster growers, ranchers and urban growers to conserve and protect natural resources. Tech Tools Site Risk for Water Quality Tool (SRWQ Tool) Technical service providers and certified crop advisors can use the site risk for water quality tool to evaluate the risk for nutrient loss on farm fields. Tech Tools SITES Version 2005.1.12 SITES is a rainfall-runoff model for hydraulically proportioning the principal spillway and auxiliary spillway of a dam. Tech Tools Soil Erosion Tools Soil erosion tools & links Tech Tools SPAW - Version 6.02 Soil, Plant, Atmosphere, and Water is a water budgeting tool for farm fields, ponds and inundated wetlands. 1 2 Next Last Menu Natural Resources Conservation Service U.S. Department of Agriculture Return to Top Policies and Statements FOIA Information Quality Our Performance Privacy Policy Accessibility Statement Non-Discrimination Statement Related Sites USDA.gov Office of the Inspector General USA.gov WhiteHouse.gov Resources OneFPAC - Employee Links eDirectives Glossary No Fear Act Data Open Government Plain Writing Report Fraud on USDA Contract Sitemap Subscribe to our Newsletter Email Address