Conservation Planning: We Care About Conservation

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.

January 17, 2012 News Release:  AZ NRCS and AZ’s Conservation Districts Partner in Conservation Planning Campaign

NEW! Success Stories

Technical Resources

Improving Plant Community: 

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.

Reduce Nutrients in Surface and Ground Water: 

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.

NRCS Announces Water Quality Conservation in San Pedro and Gila River Watersheds:  Applications Due May 18 & June 15, 2012

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.

Funding Available for Organic and Transitioning Organic Producers:  Application Deadline is June 1, 2012

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.

NEW! NRCS EQIP Organic Program Webinar

NRCS Provides Assistance to Socially Disadvantaged, Beginning and Limited Resource Farmers and Ranchers

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...