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Soil scientist doing research.

Research Focus Team

Charges, activities, and contact information for the Research Focus Team.

Soil scientist doing research.

Overview

The Research Focus Team’s role is to advise the Soil and Plant Science Division (SPSD) on research activities. The Research Branch at the National Soil Survey Center (NSSC) has a mission to conduct soil research to solve problems, fill gaps, and discover new knowledge for use in soil survey and natural resource management. The focus team facilitates communication between the research branch, SPSD personnel, and National Cooperative Soil Survey (NCSS) cooperators.

Charges

  • Conduct and facilitate on topics related to soil survey production and use
  • Provide guidance on scientific practices to Soil and Plant Science Division
  • Collaborate with NCSS and other external entities to promote soil science

Projects

SPSD Support

KSSL methods testing and development

Dynamic Soil Survey

  • Guide research activities to reach
  • Interagency Agreement with USFS
  • Cooperation with ARS on watershed research
  • – Cooperative Agreement in Oklahoma
  • Cooperative Agreement with Kansas State University
  • NE watershed conservation study

DSP Assistance

  • Provide assistance with project planning, intermediate tier techniques and  equipment

DSP4SH

  • The Science of Soil Health Initiative seeks to gather, process, and disseminate scientifically rigorous data using DSP and Soil Health methods and techniques.

NCSS Support

Support NCSS Research Needs Committees

Cooperative Research Initiatives

2019, 2020, 2021 (Links to Box)

Contact

Skye Wills

National Leader for Soil Science Research, NSSC, Lincoln, Nebraska

Katherine Dynarski

Research Soil Scientist, Vermont

Juliet Baker

Soil Scientist, California

Internal Advisory Team

  • Gathers and evaluates research needs from Soil Survey and Regional offices
  • Meets monthly to provide feedback on research activities
  • Provide feedback from Research Focus Team to Regional Soil Survey staff

External Advisory Team

  • Provides ongoing communication between SPSD and NCSS Research Needs committees
  • Meets quarterly to provide feedback and advice on research activities