ARS Soil Resource Management National Program (202)

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National Programs Soil Resource Management

Program Rationale: The thin layer of soil at the surface of the earth functions as the central natural resource to sustain life. Soil management determines plant productivity, which in turn sustains animal productivity. Soils also remove impurities to benefit water and air quality. It isimperative that a balance be reached between the short-term use of the soil and long-term sustainability of this critical resource. Protecting, preserving and enhancing the soil resource is the emphasis within this National Program. Soil management practices need to be developed to overcome limitations to productivity while maintaining or enhancing environmental quality. Tools need to be developed to assess the overall quality of a soil to determine the ectiveness and sustainability of soil management practices. The overall goal of this national program is to develop and transfer science-based knowledge regarding the physical,chemical, and biological properties and processes within soil resources to ensure sustainable and economically viable food, feed, and fiber production throughout the nation and the world.

Projects in this Program - by State

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Maroon = click to see related projects in these states.
Gray = No related research in this state.