Natural Resources

A novel approach for determining the effectiveness of conservation practices in reducing nitrate losses.

A team from ARS and the University of Minnesota tested soil additives containing nitrogen-fixing microorganisms in a 3-year field study.

Pumping groundwater from local aquifers to irrigate crops has increased yields but is steadily reducing the supply of available water for future use.

An ARS research team along with the Southwest Climate Hub in Las Cruces, NM, developed a resource called The Water Adaptation Techniques Atlas.

ARS researchers and the USDA Southwest Climate Hub developed a new set of tools aiming at helping farmers, ranchers, and other stakeholders plan for serious environmental challenges.

Researchers worked with the Quapaw tribe to create high-resolution digital maps of soil properties for their tribal lands.

Researchers used the Lawson Aerator to evaluate the effectiveness of a mechanical treatment to renovate rangelands.

To support efficient water management, ARS researchers developed an open-source model, pyfao56, for precise crop water management.

A team of researchers has combined satellite data with virtual fencing to turn ordinary livestock grazing into a powerful tool to reduce wildfire risk.

Scientists are investigating the effects of land use management practices on wildfires as part of USDA’s Long-Term Agroecosystem Research program.

ARS scientists are sounding out a new way to improve biogas production and help the environment.

ARS researchers investigated whether vegetative filter strips could remove excess nitrogen from runoff.

ARS researchers found that keeping plants in drainage ditches can benefit the aquatic ecosystem

Researchers determined that winter camelina and pennycress are effective in reducing excess nitrogen and preventing its escape from farmland.

Promoting “manuresheds” to combat nutrient pollution while taking advantage of manure’s productive uses.

"Grass Roots", an exhibit developed by ARS scientists, educates the public on the importance, diversity, and benefits of turfgrass and their crop relatives.

ARS researchers in New Orleans, LA, looked for an environmentally friendly, biobased alternative for cleaning cotton.

ARS scientists have developed management strategies that reduce the buildup of dry plant material that fuels large wildfires.