These assignment-specific resources are supplementary; the list of recommended databases and key resources are also valuable sources of information for your assignments.
"The Crop Explorer Web Site features near-real-time global crop condition information based on satellite imagery and weather data. Thematic maps of major crop growing regions depict vegetative vigor, precipitation, temperature, and soil moisture. Time-series charts depict growing season data for specific agro-meteorological zones. Regional crop calendars and crop area maps are also available for selected regions."
"The Official Soil Series Descriptions (OSD) is a national collection of more than 20,000 detailed soil series descriptions, covering the United States, Territories, Commonwealths, and Island Nations served by USDA-NRCS. The descriptions, in a text format, serve as a national standard."
While the Web Soil Survey is the main source of "current, official soil survey information," this resource links to many "historical and supplemental documents."