Skip to main content
ARS Home » Plains Area » Las Cruces, New Mexico » Range Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #320271
Title: Historical Perspectives and Recommendations for revision of the Agricultural Handbook 296

Author
item Salley, Shawn
item TALBOT, CURTIS - Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS, USDA)
item BROWN, JOEL - Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS, USDA)

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/12/2015
Publication Date: 3/25/2015
Citation: Salley, S.W., Talbot, C., Brown, J. 2015. Historical Perspectives and Recommendations for revision of the Agricultural Handbook 296 [abstract]. NRCS - NCSS Webinar Series. www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVTegM8vk5I.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: While the most recent edition of Agriculture Handbook 296 was released in 2006, many of the geographic boundaries consistently mimic historic map products of generalized regional and national soil-survey maps (some dating back to the 1930s). Furthermore, the underlying concepts and technologies used to build MLRA geography predate adoption of present-day ecological approaches to resource management and conservation. The National Ecological Site Team at the Jornada has begun compiling a national database of physiography, geology, climate, water resources, soils, and land-use to aid in development a data-driven approach to MLRA. We  will present the general historical development of MLRA and provide recommendations for revisions of Agricultural Handbook 296.