Overview

Soil is a complex and dynamic natural resource on the Earth's surface. It supports plant growth, affects water and air quality, and helps to clean up natural and human-made wastes. We depend on soils for the food we eat, the water we drink, and the environment in which we live and play. CSREES is involved in a diverse range of research, education, and outreach activities to better understand, maintain, and restore the health of this vital natural resource.

See all…

In Focus

• Soils affect many processes affecting global change, and many CSREES activities relate to the potential for soil to serve as a sink for greenhouse gases.
• Research on contaminant transport, fate, and control in soils can improve soil, water, ecosystems, and human health.
• CSREES supports research, outreach, and education to promote soil conservation and minimize soil erosion.
• Soilborne pathogens and pests can be managed through biological control and integrated pest management.
• Wetland ecosystems provide wildlife habitats and can play a major role in nutrient cycling, greenhouse gas mitigation, and wastewater treatment.
• Soil testing is used widely across the nation by homeowners and large-scale agricultural producers.


See all…

Partnerships

• CSREES manages the Consortium for Agricultural Soils Mitigation of Greenhouse Gases (CASMGS), which researches agriculture's role in this global problem.
• CSREES participates in two soil-related working groups of the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP), a collaborative that studies global climate change.
• In partnership with CSREES, USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) conducts research on soil erosion, contamination, and production agriculture.


See all…

Events

• Leopold's Legacy: Extension's Response to a Changing World, 6th Natural Resource Extension Professionals Conference, Madison, WI, May 19-23, 2008.
• Developing an Infrastructure Fund for the Planet, 2008 Global Katoomba Meeting XII, Washington, DC, June 9-10, 2008.
• Climate Information for Managing Risks, Partnerships and Solutions for Agriculture and Natural Resources, St. Pete Beach, FL, June 10-13, 2008.


See all…

Selected Results and Impacts

• Using a CSREES grant, North Carolina researchers are working to improve understanding of how conservation benefits watersheds.
• CSREES funds are helping Delaware researchers show how modifying chicken diets can reduce waterway pollution.
• With a CSREES small business grant, a Washington company created an environmentally-friendly solution to the problem of soil erosion.


See all…

Resources

• USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Technical resources for the general public, researchers, and professionals.
• Online Soil Survey Manuscripts, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Soil survey information arranged by state.
• Soil Science Society of America (SSSA). Online resources for SSSA members.


See all…

Contacts

Nancy Cavallaro

See all...