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Farmer and agronomist discuss how to improve soil quality.

Soil Science

NRCS delivers science-based soil information to help farmers, ranchers, foresters, and other land managers effectively manage, conserve, and appraise their most valuable investment — the soil.

125 Years of Soil Survey themed art.

Soil Survey

In 1899, soil surveyors commenced field investigations for the first USDA soil surveys. Today, NRCS, through the National Cooperative Soil Survey, fulfills a legislative mandate to inventory soil resources and keep the survey relevant to ever-changing needs. Join NRCS as we celebrate 125 years of the Soil Survey!

Photo of Hugh Hammond Bennett.

Out of the long list of nature’s gifts to man, none is perhaps so utterly essential to human life as soil.

Hugh Hammond Bennett

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