Overview of the National Resources Inventory

The NRI collected natural resource data on a five-year cycle in 1982, 1987, 1992, and 1997.

The 1997 NRI captures data for non-federal land on land cover and use, soil erosion on cropland, prime farmland soils, wetlands, habitat diversity, and related resource attributes at scientifically selected sample sites. The 1997 NRI database has been designed for use in detecting significant changes in resource conditions relative to the years 1982, 1987, 1992, and 1997. 

Those responsible for collecting data used photo-interpretation (PI) and other remote sensing (RS) methods and standards to obtain information about the Primary Sample Units and sample points. For the most part, they employed analog PI techniques, although Geographic Information Systems technologies were evaluated. 

USDA field office records and local NRCS personnel provided information pertaining to historical cropping and management systems for calculating long-term erosion rates induced by wind or water, and to determine if the field at the sample point was enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program.

Data collectors utilized a variety of ancillary materials; extensive use was made of USDA field office records, information provided by local NRCS field personnel, soil survey and wetland inventory maps and reports, and tables and technical guides developed by local field office staffs. The NRI is unique because it is based upon NRCS expertise to identify soil occurrences and patterns and provide technical assistance and develop conservation plans for landowners. The NRI data collecting process relies heavily upon information provided by the NRCS Soil Survey Program. Knowledge about the specific soil occurring at the sample site and the many properties and characteristics of that soil and surrounding landscape are utilized in the NRI data development process.

All comparisons for two points in time should be made using the new 1997 NRI database. Comparisons should not be made to the 1997 NRI data base using data published for the 1982, 1987, or 1992 NRI because of changes in statistical estimation protocols and because all data collected prior to 1997 were simultaneously reviewed (edited) as 1997 NRI data were collected.

The NRCS uses this information to formulate effective public policies, fashion agricultural and natural resources legislation, develop state and national conservation programs, and allocate USDA financial and technical assistance in addressing natural resource concerns. Additionally, NRI data will be useful in assessing the consequences of existing legislative mandates, such as the 1996 Farm Bill, and in addressing new agency priorities, such as ecosystem parameters and water quality factors.