questions about CSP or EQIP?

 If you are already taking steps to improve the condition of the land, chances are, CSP can help you find new ways to meet your goals.

NRCS works one-on-one with producers to develop a conservation plan that outlines and enhances existing efforts, using new conservation practices or activities, based on management objectives for your operation. Producers implement practices and activities in their conservation plan that expands on the benefits of cleaner water and air, healthier soil and better wildlife habitat, all while improving their agricultural operations. 

For example, if you have been planting a cover crop, you may decide to try an enhancement for a multi-species cover crop or implement a deep-rooted cover crop to break up soil compaction and further improve the health of your soil.

CSP offers annual payments for implementing these practices on your land and operating and maintaining existing conservation efforts. Want to take it a step further? CSP also offers bundles where you can select a suite of enhancements and receive a higher payment rate. 

 NRCS works one-on-one with producers to develop a conservation plan that outlines conservation practices and activities to help solve on-farm resource issues. Producers implement practices and activities in their conservation plan that can lead to cleaner water and air, healthier soil and better wildlife habitat, all while improving their agricultural operations. EQIP helps producers make conservation work for them. Financial assistance for practices may be available through EQIP.

Nutrient management may be used on any area of land where plant nutrients and soil amendments are applied. Nutrient management may be used to improve crop productivity and improve soil organic matter while reducing environmental impacts. Sources of nutrients include, but are not limited to, commercial fertilizers (including starter and in-furrow starter/pop-up fertilizer), animal manures, legume fixation credits, green manures, plant or crop residues, compost, organic by-products, municipal and industrial biosolids, wastewater, organic materials, estimated plant available soil nutrients, and irrigation water. 

Nutrients are managed based on the 4Rs of nutrient stewardship—apply the right nutrient source at the right rate at the right time in the right place—to improve nutrient use efficiency by the crop and to reduce nutrient losses to surface water  and groundwater and to the atmosphere. 

Operation and maintenance provide that nutrient management plans must be reviewed and revised, as needed,   with each soil test cycle; changes in manure management, volume or analysis, plants and crops; or plant and crop management.

A Pest Management Conservation System is a system that combines an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) decision making process with natural resource conservation to address pest and environmental impacts.

595 uses conservation related prevention, avoidance, monitoring and suppression (PAMS) techniques to address pest and natural resource concerns.  It employs strategies that keep pest populations below economically damaging or historic levels. 595 can mitigate for suppression techniques that impact natural resources and can minimize pest resistance.