Delivering SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Through the National Science and Technology Consortium

Science and Technology

MISSION:

• Provide products and services to conservation planners

• Acquire, develop, and deliver technology in a timely manner

GOALS:

• Identify and meet field staff needs for scientific and technical information

• Deliver training and information to the field in a timely and efficient manner

• Respond to requests for information, research, and technology development from the field

• Provide scientific and technical support to program implementation

Priority Issues for the

Science and TechnologyConsortium

A TRAINED FIELD STAFF TO PROVIDE EXPERT TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO FARMERS, RANCHERS, AND OTHERS

DROUGHTWater Supply

Water ConservationGround Water Decline

AGING WATERSHEDS

Many of the 10,000 NRCS assisted dams are reaching their life expectance

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

Year

Nu

mb

er

of

Dam

s

PL-566Pilot/RC&DPL-534

ANIMAL WASTE MANAGEMENT

298,500 Animal Feeding Operations need assistance

FLOODS

Flooding remains a major concern in many watersheds

Program Requirements

New Technologies

Customer Needs

Science and Technology Begins in the Field

Centers and Institutes receive input, and support

technical assistance activities at the state and regional level

Centers and Institutes also access, interpret and apply research information from...

OTHER GOVERNMENTAGENCIES

LAND GRANT UNIVERSITIESOTHER COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

OTHER ORGANIZATIONS

CENTERS…

National Cartographic and Geospatial CenterNational Plant Data CenterNational Design and Soil Mechanics CenterNational Soil Survey CenterNational Water and Climate CenterNational Water Management CenterNational Agroforestry Center

INSTITUTES…

Grazing Lands TechnologyNatural Resources Inventory and AnalysisSocial SciencesSoil QualityWatershed ScienceWetland ScienceWildlife Habitat Management

Grazing Lands Technology Institute

Science-based, ecologically and economically sound technology that meets the needs of owners and managers of grazing lands.

Natural Resources Inventory and Analysis Institute

Exists to improve NRCS’ ability to inventory, monitor and assess the status, conditions and trends of natural and related environmental resources.

National Cartographic and Geospatial Center

The mapping and spatial data center for NRCS provides avariety of map products and services as well as serving as the center for the agency’s resource data collection andanalysis.

Analyzes how social and economic aspects of human behavior can be applied to natural resource programs, policies and activities.

Social Sciences Institute

Soil Quality Institute

Assessment

Land Management for Soil Quality

Soil Biology

Education, Outreach, Training

Develops and transfersappropriate technology in response to comprehensive watershed needs andenvironmental sustainability

Wetland Science Institute

Develops, adapts, and disseminates the science and technology needed to protect and restore wetlands

Develops and disseminates technical materials that will assist NRCS field staff in working with their customers to create sound wildlife habitat.

National Plant Data Center

Provides a focused effort to meet the plant information needs of the agency and its partners activities.

Using a database called PLANTS, plant data are defined, developed, quality controlled, maintained and disseminated to support conservation activities.

National Design, Construction, and Soil Mechanics Center

Provides technical support for

design, construction, operation, and

rehabilitation of complex engineering projects.

National Soil Mechanics Center provides soil testing of samples submitted by the NRCS field personnel

National Soil Survey Center

Provides technical leadership and coordination to soils programs, with state-of-the-art soil survey technology, standards, data and expertise

Soil Surveys and MapsSoil Science Educational MaterialsSoils Information and DataSoil GeographySoil Use and ManagementResearch and Investigations

National Soil Survey Products and Activities:

National Water and Climate CenterData and Technology Acquisition and Transfer

• Climate Data• Snow Survey and Water

Supply Forecasting• Agronomic and Chemical

environmental engineering• Soil moisture/temperature• Water quality and quantity

sciences

National Water Management Center

Provides direct technical assistance to state specialists regarding water-related issues to help implement conservation activities.

National Water Management Center Provides Direct assistance to states in planning and application

• Rehabilitation of aging watershed structures

• NPS pollution

• Agricultural waste management

• CNMP’s

• Agricultural water projects

• Irrigation water management

• Ground water management

• Peer review for watershed planning efforts

• Environmental compliance of water-related programs

• Streambank and wetland restoration

• Hydrology, hydraulic, and economic evaluations

NATIONAL AGROFORESTRY CENTER

A partnership between the Forest Service and NRCS that conducts research on forested buffers, and develops and delivers technology on agroforestry practices.

PLANT MATERIALS CENTERS

Develop improved plants and plant technology for natural resource conservation. Native plants are promoted as a healthy way to solve conservation problems.

Science & Technology WEB SITE

http://www.info.usda.gov/nrcs/SandT

More information on theScience and TechnologyConsortium can be found

on the web site at:

http://www.info.usda.gov/nrcs/SandT