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Various species in evaluation plots at the Pullman, WA Plant Materials Center

Plant Materials

The NRCS​ Plant Materials Program selects conservation plants and develops innovative planting technology to address today's natural resource challenges and to maintain healthy and productive farms, ranches, and forests. 

About the Plant Materials Program

The NRCS Plant Materials Program develops vegetative solutions for natural resource concerns such as soil stabilization, soil health and productivity, and water quality. The program also focuses on national priorities such as enhancement of pollinator and other critical wildlife habitat and evaluation of cover crops to support soil health. We support the NRCS mission by providing scientifically sound plant information and tools used by NRCS conservation planners and partners.

The program includes 25 Plant Materials Centers (PMCs) operated by NRCS, Plant Materials Specialistscooperating programs operated by others, and many federal, state, and local partners.

Our vision  

A Plant Materials Program functioning as the plant experts for NRCS, fully integrated and coordinated with technical and field office staff, developing and delivering vegetative solutions and conservation technology for NRCS customers.

Our products and information

PMCs select conservation plants and develop innovative planting technology to address today's natural resource challenges and maintain healthy and productive farms and ranches. 

Conservation Plants have been developed by PMCs and released to the public and commercial growers for more than 80 years. Our conservation plants form the foundation of tools used for many of the NRCS conservation practices and by other Federal agencies, state and local entities, and the public to protect and enhance our nation’s natural resources.

Technical Documents are developed by the program to guide the use, establishment, and management of conservation plants.  Our 3,000 documents cover a wide range of topics from agroforestry and air quality to wildlife habitat and windbreaks.  

Training Resources are developed by the program to provide information on the use of plants in conservation planning.  

Current Plant Materials Program and Plant Materials Center Activity Reports highlight recent accomplishments, activities, and coordinated efforts among Plant Materials Centers to address the plant materials needs identified by NRCS offices and illustrate the breadth of activities that occur at the Plant Materials Centers to support NRCS conservation delivery.

Contact Us

Plant Materials Program Directory

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