Welcome to the NRCS Arizona state web site.
Conservation and natural resource programs, assistance, and information for
Arizona are available from NRCS.
NRCS Arizona is making an extra effort to show Arizona
agricultural producers how conservation planning can help your land's natural
resources. We are encouraging farmers and ranchers to
request help developing a conservation plan. Creating a conservation plan is a
free service from our experts in conserving water, improving air quality, and
reducing soil erosion. It’s your plan to use as you wish – a guide to using your
natural resources more efficiently.
Improving plant community productivity,
structure and function is a resource concern which occurs across all of
our land uses in Arizona. When referring to plant communities,
productivity pertains to the weight of plant production as compared to
what is expected for a healthy site. Structure refers to whether or not
all of the representative plant types that would be expected on a
healthy site are present. Function refers to the ability of the
vegetative groups to carry out their healthy life cycles and contribute
to the plant community as a whole. All agricultural products that are
produced start at the plant level, whether the end product is lumber,
livestock, crops or forage. Wildlife is also completely dependent upon
the condition of the plant community and function such as natural fire
regimes, overland flow and plant species diversity.
Proper use of nutrients, organic or
inorganic types, is a conservation priority in Arizona. Managing
nutrients properly involves applying them in the correct amount, from
the proper source, with appropriate placement, and at the appropriate
time. This is basically the 4 R’s of nutrient management—right rate,
right source, right place, and right time. Implementing the 4 R’s will
help ensure fertilizer applications meet the crop yield objectives and
minimize the potential for nutrients to degrade water supplies (surface
and groundwater) and air quality. To apply nutrients properly there a
few things you need to know.
The Natural Resources
Conservation Service (NRCS) announces a new Water Quality Initiative
committed to improving impaired waterways in Arizona. NRCS will manage
the initiative by making financial assistance available to farmers and
ranchers in the selected watersheds throughout the state.
Through this effort, eligible producers in the targeted areas of the San
Pedro and Gila River watersheds can receive technical and financial
assistance to implement conservation practices that help provide cleaner
water for their neighbors and communities.
Certified organic producers and those
transitioning to organic production are encouraged to apply for
conservation funding from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
Applications must be submitted by
June 1
to be considered for 2012 funding through the NRCS organic initiative.
2008 Farm Bill continues to
address the unique circumstances and concerns of socially disadvantaged
farmers and ranchers, as well as beginning and limited resource farmers
and ranchers. It provides for voluntary participation, offers
incentives, and focuses on equity in accessing U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA) programs and services. Learn more...
Updated
05/08/2012
The Natural Resources Conservation Service provides leadership
in a partnership effort to help people conserve, maintain, and improve our natural
resources and environment.