Washington State is a diverse state with over 230 different crops in several different climate zones with average rainfall ranging from less than eight inches per year to over 100 inches on the west coast. Cropping systems are diverse and can be complex and are the basis of a good sustainable farming system. The four basic components of a good cropping system are maintaining surface residue, reduce soil disturbance, good crop diversity, and keep plants growing as much as possible to feed the soil throughout the year.
Comprehensive Nutrient Management Planning
A Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP) is a component plan of a conservation plan that includes structural practices, management activities, and land management practices for an Animal Feeding Operation (AFO) associated with crop or livestock production that collectively ensures that the purposes of crop or livestock production and preservation of natural resources (especially soil erosion and water and air quality as related to nutrient related imparts) are compatible.
Agronomy Assessments and Tools
NRCS assesses the physical condition or extent of management applied to identify any potential expected degradation of the soil, water, air, plant, or animal resource base to the extent that the sustainability or intended use of the resource is impaired. Assessment methods include procedural planners use well-defined procedure to acquire data used to determine the resource condition, ex. Rangeland Health Assessment), predictive (assessed using models created to predict the probability of an outcome, ex. RUSLE2), observation (direct observation or client interview, ex. Classic gully observed) and deduction methods.
Nutrient Management
Nutrient management is managing the amount (rate), source, placement (method of application), and timing of plant nutrient and soil amendments. This applies to all lands where plant nutrients and soil amendments are applied. The primary nutrients of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are available in many forms including commercial fertilizer sources, animal manure sources and various other organic sources. NRCS work with farmers and ranchers to profitably manage nutrients for plant productions, minimize potential movement to ground and surface water, protecting air quality and to improve soil condition.
Energy Management/Tools
Coming Soon!
Pest Management
Pest management in NRCS is primarily focused on helping producers evaluate environmental risks associated with current pest suppression strategies and then to mitigate the environmental risks of the pest control activities, including pesticide risk to soil water, air, plans, animals and humans.
Washington Agronomy Resources
Coming Soon!
Organic and Transitioning to Organic
NRCS provides assistance to organic producers in addressing resource concerns that include, but not limited to assistance with, developing conservation plan, establishing buffer zones, planning and installing pollinator habitat, improving soil quality and organic matter while minimizing erosion, developing grazing plan and supportive livestock practices, improving irrigation efficiency, enhancing cropping rotations and nutrient management, and to provide assistance to protect water quality concerns.
What Is Agroforestry?
Agroforestry is a unique land management approach that intentionally blends agriculture and forestry to enhance productivity, profitability, and environmental stewardship. Agroforestry can be a key tool for farmers, ranchers, woodland owners, communities, and others who want to use sustainable strategies that enhance agricultural practices and protect natural resources. More information can be found on the Agroforestry Strategic Framework fact sheet. (PDF; 1.8 MB)
