Established in 1945, the Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS) is a nonprofit organization that advocates the "protection, enhancement and wise use of soil, water and related natural resources." The organization was formed during an era of public concern about soil erosion and water resource management following the dust bowl period of the 1930s in the United States. Improved farm tillage practices and an improved conservation ethic for land use were key objectives of the SWCS and became focal points for the organization. From its inception, the SWCS has been an advocate of soil conservation and improved use of soil and water resources, with its primary audience being professionals in agriculture.

In recent years, the SWCS has expanded its conservation focus to a broader natural resource perspective that goes beyond agriculture, although environmental issues associated with agriculture are still of significant...