Soil Quality / Soil Health

Soil quality, also referred to as soil health, is defined as how well soil does what we want it to do. Healthy soil gives us clean air and water, bountiful crops and forests, productive grazing lands, diverse wildlife, and beautiful landscapes. This site includes an overview of basic soil quality concepts, a soil quality glossary, and the online Soil Biology Primer. The site also features content focused on the role and benefits of soil organic matter, soil quality indicators and assessment, and soil quality management for major land uses. The publications section provides numerous fact and information sheets, NRCS technical notes, and posters for training and display.

Soil Quality for Educators

The National Soil Survey Center’s Soil Quality and Ecosystems Branch has released its "Soil Quality Kit - Guides for Educators" document series and a build-your-own "Soil Quality Test Bucket." These products support a joint soils education project between NRCS, the University of Nebraska, Nebraska Environmental Trust, and Nebraska Future Farmers of America Foundation. These products promise to have nationwide appeal. 

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A New Name, A New Vision, A New Leader - Soil Health

The East National Technology Support Center's soil health team recently changed its name to National Soil Health and Sustainability Team to better reflect its role in helping farmers build healthy soil. In addition, David Lamm, Natural Resources Specialist, was named Team Leader. The Team interacts with field office staff and farmers to promote its vision of “Healthy Soil for Life!”

Conservation Conversation Videos for Healthy Soil

Working with conservation partner Dr. Robin 'Buz' Kloot of the Earth Sciences and Resources Institute, University of South Carolina, members of the National Soil Health and Sustainability Team, North Carolina NRCS staff, Earth Team volunteers, and farmers are featured in Conservation Conversations sponsored by NRCS's East National Technology Support Center.

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