Technical guides are the primary scientific references for NRCS. They contain
technical information about the conservation of soil, water, air, and related
plant and animal resources.
Technical guides used in each field office are localized so that they apply
specifically to the geographic area for which they are prepared. These
documents are referred to as Field Office Technical Guides (FOTGs).
Appropriate parts of the Field Office Technical Guides are automated as data bases,
computer programs, and other electronic-based materials such as those included in
these web based pages.
Electronic Access to Field Office Technical Guides
Conservation Standards and Specifications
Conservation Resources
What is in eFOTG?
Section I — General References
In this section you will find general state maps, descriptions of Major Land
Resource Areas, watershed information, and links to NRCS reference manuals and
handbooks. Section I contains links to researchers, universities, and agencies
we work. Section I also contains conservation practice costs, agricultural laws
and regulations, cultural resources, and information about protected plant and
animal species.
Section II — Soil and Site Information
In this section you will find detailed information about soil, water, air,
plant, and animal resources. NRCS Soil Surveys, Hydric Soils Interpretations,
Ecological Site Descriptions, Forage Suitability Groups, Cropland Production
Tables, Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Guides, Water Quality Guides, and other
related information can be found here as it becomes available.
Section III — Conservation Management Systems
In this section you will find information on NRCS Quality Criteria, which
establish standards for resource conditions that help provide sustained use.
Section IV — Practice Standards and Specifications
In this section you will find the NRCS Conservation Practices. Practice
Standards define the practice and where it applies. Practice specifications are
detailed requirements for installing the practice in the state.
Section V — Conservation Effects
In this section you will find background information on how Conservation
Practices affect each identified resource concerns in the state.