Decision Support Tools
These tools are designed to help Maine farmers, landowners, and conservation professionals make informed decisions about soil health management, cover cropping, and sustainable land stewardship.
Web Soil Survey
The Web Soil Survey is a comprehensive tool developed by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) that provides detailed soil data and information for nearly any area in the United States. Farmers, land managers, and conservation planners can use it to access soil maps, property-specific data, and interpretive reports covering soil suitability for various agricultural and non-agricultural uses. The tool is invaluable for understanding soil composition, drainage characteristics, and land capability classifications across Maine.
Cover Crop Species Selector
The Cover Crop Species Selector helps Maine farmers identify the best cover crop species for their specific conditions and goals. Whether you are looking to fix nitrogen, reduce erosion, improve soil structure, or suppress weeds, this interactive tool guides you through selecting species that match your crop rotation, planting window, and soil type.
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The Maine Healthy Soils Program provides a range of resources and tools to support soil health across the state. Browse our decision support tools above or explore additional resources to help you plan your soil management strategy, choose the right cover crops, and improve your agricultural outcomes.