Submission Guidelines 
The journal has two sections—a front “A” section of news and perspectives and a research section containing peer-reviewed applied research papers. JSWC welcomes submissions to both the “A” section and the research section.

“A” Section

The front “A” section contains various departments and features. Ideas and articles may be submitted to the editor (Mark Anderson-Wilk at mark.anderson-wilk@swcs.org). The editor selects contributions based on the applicability of the content, the quality of preparation, and the potential for readership appeal.

Letters to the editor should be between 100 and 500 words.

The “Viewpoint” department is a forum for perspectives on conservation policy and practice from leading conservation professionals. Articles are typically between 650 and 950 words.

The department entitled “In the News” is a roundup of recent conservation-related activities and press.

Features include a range of articles dealing with some aspect of soil and water conservation based on research or practical experience. Features should be between 1,500 and 4,000 words and contain no more than four tables and six charts or graphs cited in the text. In addition, it is preferable for feature articles to include between one and four visually interesting supporting photos (available in high resolution). Authors should either provide such photos or suggest photo subjects and/or sources.

“Conservation in Action” articles profile practices and initiatives related to soil and water conservation. Conservation practitioners are encouraged to submit articles about their experiences implementing conservation practices or providing technical assistance. Articles should be between 750 and 2,000 words. It is preferable for “Conservation in Action” articles to include between one and four visually interesting supporting photos.

Research Section

Papers in the following fields are considered for the research section: agronomy, conservation education, conservation planning, ecosystem management, environmental quality, erosion and sediment control, geology, floodplain management, farmland preservation, forage management, forestry, geographic information systems (GIS), irrigation, mined land reclamation, nonpoint source pollution, rangeland management, soil science, sustainable agriculture, watershed management, wetland restoration, and wildlife management.

Manuscripts must address subjects of concern to the readership, be of current and ongoing interest, and be written in a readable style. Manuscripts should be between 3,000 and 9,000 words and include no more than 12 figures and 10 tables. It is recommended that figures be presented in black and white. If color is necessary, it is acceptable; additional page charges for color will apply.

Initial submissions should be made in PDF format (with page numbers, line numbers, and a double-space format) to Mark Anderson-Wilk at mark.anderson-wilk@swcs.org. Each manuscript is peer reviewed by experts in the manuscript’s particular field under the direction of the research editor and associate editors. Occasionally, solicited review papers or special issues with symposium papers are published after being peer reviewed.