Conservation

Organic farming and conservation have many overlaps. This section provides materials to help you understand and take advantage of conservation planning resources, practices and programs that support soil conservation, water conservation and conservation tillage methods. This section also has information on the NRCS Conservation Stewardship Program.

Applying for Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)

This plain language guide introduces readers to the USDA-NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), and explains eligibility for EQIP, how to apply and how the money can be used.Download File (856.12 kB)

Applying for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)

This plain language guide discusses eligibility and the application process for the USDA-NRCS Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).Download File (1.80 MB)

Beyond Black Plastic

This publication explores sustainable, organic mulches such as cover crops and no-till and reduced tillage systems as alternatives to black plastic mulch for weed control. The booklet includes a discussion of the impact of organic mulches on soil quality and fertility, weed control, yields and waste production, and profitability for small to mid-size vegetable operations. Download File (1.51 MB)

Biological Control of Insects and Mites: An Introduction to Beneficial Natural Enemies and Their Use in Pest Management

This colorful, richly illustrated booklet offers an introduction to beneficial natural enemies and their use in pest management.Download File (1.34 MB)

Cover of an article about conservation practices featuring a picture of a ladybug on a leaf.

Common NRCS Practices Related to Pest Management on Organic Farms

This document demonstrates how certain NRCS practices that have primary resource protection benefits can also have significant Integrated Pest Management benefits to organic producers.Download File (14.82 MB)

Cover of an article about buffers organic systems featuring a flower bush

Conservation Buffers in Organic Systems

Conservation Buffers provides guidance on installing buffers in organic production systems to meet the USDA National Organic Program NOP regulations.Download File (2.48 MB)

Conservation Buffers in Organic Systems: California

Conservation Buffers provides guidance on installing buffers in organic production systems to meet the USDA National Organic Program NOP regulations.Download File (780.57 kB)

Conservation Buffers in Organic Systems: Idaho

Conservation Buffers provides guidance on installing buffers in organic production systems to meet the USDA National Organic Program NOP regulations.Download File (1.15 MB)

Conservation Buffers in Organic Systems: Nevada

Conservation Buffers provides guidance on installing buffers in organic production systems to meet the USDA National Organic Program NOP regulations.Download File (778.67 kB)

Conservation on Buffers in Organic Systems article screenshot with a picture of a plant with blooming flowers.

Conservation Buffers in Organic Systems: Oregon

Conservation Buffers provides guidance on installing buffers in organic production systems to meet the USDA National Organic Program NOP regulations.Download File (783.18 kB)

Considering Sustainable Agriculture on Your Rented Land

Using sustainable agriculture practices on your rented land can help protect soil and water quality, increase income over the long term, and satisfy personal values for the landowner and/or the tenant.Download File (1.26 MB)

Cover Crops in Organic Systems

This document provide an overview of how the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service NRCS Cover Crop 340 conservation practice can be implemented on organic operations in the Western Region.Download File (18.32 MB)

Cover of an article about organic systems featuring red flowers

Cover Crops in Organic Systems: California

This document provide an overview of how the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service NRCS Cover Crop 340 conservation practice can be implemented on organic operations in California.Download File (4.94 MB)

Cover of an article about organic systems featuring purple flowers

Cover Crops in Organic Systems: Idaho

This document provide an overview of how the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service NRCS Cover Crop 340 conservation practice can be implemented on organic operations in Idaho.Download File (4.45 MB)

Cover Crops in Organic Systems: Oregon

This document provide an overview of how the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service NRCS Cover Crop 340 conservation practice can be implemented on organic operations in Oregon.Download File (5.46 MB)

Developing Successful Organic Horticulture Farms: Practical Training for Ag Professionals

A series of Power Point presentations developed for ag professionals on the principles of organic farming, building soil quality, and managing weeds, pests and diseases.

National Organic Farming Handbook

This thirty-page resource was developed to support NRCS conservation planners and other agricultural professionals as they work with organic producers. The handbook describes organic systems and identifies key resources to guide conservation planning and implementation on organic farms. Producers and other audiences may also find the handbook useful, particularly the resources listed in various sections.

download the nutrient management plan for organic systems in PDF format

Nutrient Management Plans: California

This document is an instruction guide for creating and implementing a nutrient management plan on certified or transitioning organic lands in California.Download File (1.31 MB)

Cover of an article featuring a picture of a hand touching soil

Nutrient Management Plans: Idaho

This document is an instruction guide for creating and implementing a nutrient management plan on certified or transitioning organic lands in Idaho.Download File (1.33 MB)

Nutrient Management Plans: Western Region

This document is an instruction guide for creating and implementing a nutrient management plan on certified or transitioning organic lands in the Western Region.Download File (4.26 MB)

On-Farm Internship Training Binder

The Placer Ag Futures Project was conceived as a response to critical issues affecting local agricultural sustainability. This project was intended to help grow a new crop of agricultural professionals that are trained in sustainable agricultural practices.

One part of the Ag Futures Project was the on-farm internship training. The summer internship program consisted of an intensive three-day pre-internship training, a training binder and a nine-week rotating internship, working with producers of different commodities. The internship started with a three-day training program developed and delivered by producers and University of California Cooperative Extension Farm Advisors. The training included classroom sessions on the science of production and husbandry practices, as well as hands-on practical training at several of the participating operations. To augment the training, each intern received a binder of materials related to production and husbandry practices for the relevant crops and species, farm safety and other information.Download File (16.59 MB)

Organic Production