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ASP: Soil Management BMP
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Program Contact Gwen Vessey (902)314-0786 Tyler Wright (902) 314-0789 Josh Dillman (902)314-0783 |
| Resources: |
Reducing the amount of soil transported by runoff decreases the potential of contamination of surface waters and improves soil quality. Employing strategies to increase the amount of crop residue left on the surface after primary and secondary tillage has proven to prevent soil detachment by reducing the impact of rainfall on weakly aggregated soils.
ASSISTANCE:
| Program | Funding Level | Maximum Funding |
| 1.1 - Erosion Control Structures | 66% | $50,000 |
| 1.2 - Crop Residue Management | $25 per Acre | $3,000 per year up to $6,000 |
| 1.3 - Primary Residue Tillage | $15 per Acre | $2,500 per year up to $5,000 |
| 1.4 - Furrow Damming | $15 per Acre | $3,000 per year up to $5,000 |
| 1.5 - Strip Cropping | $20 per Acre | $2,000 |
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE APPLICANT
- the applicant must verify BMP project location and requirements with the contractor prior to construction
- this BMP project work cannot be performed until the application is received by the program and the applicant discusses the work plan with an advisor
- the applicant is responsible for obtaining all required licenses, permits, approvals or authorizations and for complying with all applicable municipal, provincial and federal legislation
- applicants must submit all Property Identification Numbers (PIDs) related to project work
- provincial Field Identification Numbers (FID’s) for BMPs 1.2, 1.3, and 1.4 are required
- the applicant must perform recommended farm management practices regarding the timing of and applications rates of manure, commercial fertilizers and pesticides to avoid surface and groundwater contamination
1.1 EROSION CONTROL STRUCTURES
Installation of erosion control structures reduces topsoil loss due to erosion and prevents the contamination of surface and/or ground waters from materials bound to the eroded soil particles
Eligible Expenses:
- diversion terrace, grassed waterway and farmable berm construction
- field consolidation work
- erosion control matting, silt fencing and energy dissipaters
- seedbed preparation, fertilizer, lime and grass seed.
- surface inlets and culverts
- silt retention ponds
- all construction work must be completed by September 10
- erosion control structures are to be seeded immediately after construction with a recommended grass/cereal mix and then immediately stabilized with erosion control matting as prescribed
- construction work must be done to an approved standard. A representative of the PEI Department of Agriculture and Forestry will provide technical support with project design, lay the project out in the field, provide guidance to the contractor and inspect the completed project
- Responsibilities of Applicant:
- the applicant must receive permission from adjoining landowner(s) prior to discharging surface or subsurface drainage across property boundaries
- the applicant must adhere to the Construction Guidelines provided by Project Advisor for Erosion Control structures to mitigate potential environmental risks
- all works constructed through this program will be maintained and properly managed for a minimum 15 year period
- the applicant must repair any damage that might occur to the erosion control structures and provide adequate fertility for grasses
1.2 CROP RESIDUE MANAGEMENT
This BMP is intended to increase the amount of the previous crop residue on the surface after the planting operation
Eligible Expenses:
- acreage in agricultural production that have 25% or more residue cover immediately after planting crops (i.e. established with minimal tillage) and before any other possible tillage operations such as inter row cultivation
- acreage in agricultural production that have been established by a no-till seeding drill – no residue levels measured in this instance
*recipients would not be eligible for both the primary residue tillage support and crop residue management support programs in any one field for establishing a given crop
- Project Advisor or representative from the PEI Department of Agriculture requires a site visit after the no-till or minimum till operation is completed and before any other possible tillage operations such as inter row cultivation
1.3 FALL or SPRING PRIMARY RESIDUE TILLAGE
This BMP is intended to decrease the use of fall mouldboard ploughing which leaves less than 2% residue on the surface
Eligible Expenses:
- Field(s) upon which primary tillage has been performed on forages or corn must exhibit average crop residue levels of a minimum of 20% after the tillage operation. Residue levels will be determined by the PEI Department of Agriculture and Forestry
- The applicant must inform the Project Advisor immediately after primary tillage is performed on project field(s) so residue levels can be measured
1.4 FURROW DAMMING
The utilization of a furrow damming attachment during the potato hilling operation has been shown to decrease soil erosion from the field, especially during the period prior to full canopy coverage. Also, improvements in soil moisture levels have been documented with the use of furrow dams
Eligible Expenses:
- Usage of equipment on active potato land
- The applicant must inform the Project Advisor immediately after furrow damming is complete
1.5 STRIP CROPPING
Strip cropping combines the soil and moisture conservation properties of cross slope farming with the soil building advantages of a crop rotation and is effective in reducing soil losses
Eligible Expenses:
- Acreage in agricultural production with crops planted in a strip configuration
Ver.1 04/26/13
Forms
| Agriculture Stewardship Program - Application Form |
