Natural Resources Conservation Service

Plant Materials Program

United States Department of Agriculture

Weed Suppression Treatment Effects on Tree Seedling Establishment

Annual and perennial covers planted during woody plant establishment can greatly help with suppressing weeds and improving growth of woody plants.

Cuivre River Virginia wild rye is outlined in this photo.

Western Plant Materials Centers Working for Butterfly Conservation

June is national pollinator month and a great time to recognize the importance of pollinators. Western Plant Materials Centers are studying practices to improve butterfly habitat development and management efforts.

Butterflies foraging in pollinator habitats

PMC's and Collaborations: A Recipe for Pollinator Conservation Success

The USDA NRCS Big Flats Plant Materials Center collaborates with many private, local, state and other federal agencies to improve pollinator habitat throughout the Northeast, US. Click the title to find out how!

Sign displayed at the Old Crow Wetlands planting site featuring pollinator friendly plants and insects as well as the importance of pollinator habitat.

Supporting Soil Health with Cover Crops in California

Intensive agricultural systems in California make cover crop selection for supporting soil health challenging. The USDA-NRCS Lockeford Plant Materials Center develops information on cover crop selection and best management practices for partners and landowners.

Two clods of fine sandy loam soil, an the left the soil is tan in color with no structure, on the right the soil is topped with grass, crumbly with roots and dark in color.

Sunn Hemp and Red Hemp as a Cover Crop in South Louisiana

The USDA-NRCS Golden Meadow Plant Materials Center evaluated two species of Crotalaria adaptable to southern Louisiana. Sunn Hemp and Red Hemp exhibited similar growth characteristics in normal rainfall years, but Red Hemp out performed Sunn Hemp in water logged conditions.