Fiscal Year 2006 Practices Available For FY06

State of Iowa Fiscal Year 2006 Water Quality Practices Available
(July 1, 2005 – June 31, 2006)

Waterway Establishment
This was the most requested practice by survey responses. Project dollars will be used to reshape or rebuild non-functional waterways that are not eligible for CRP. This practice will be offered at 75% cost share utilizing project dollars. Waterways must be constructed to NRCS specifications and a 20 year maintenance agreement follows.

Late Spring Nitrogen Testing (LSNT)
Late spring nitrogen testing is conducted when corn reaches a height of 6-12” tall. $15 per soil test. Soil is sampled at a depth of 12”. The LSNT is a component of most nutrient management plans and with today’s fertilizer prices you may increase your profitability while benefiting the environment. This is for producers not currently enrolled in nutrient management.

No-till & Strip Till
$30 / acre. A one-time payment with a five year commitment for non-compliance and new no-till acres. There is a 500 acre cap per producer with this practice.

Nutrient Management
$6 / acre for NRCS (590) nutrient management plans. Producers must meet 3 additional Howard County NMP / EQIP component criteria. This practice is for producers not currently practicing nutrient management. 500 acre cap per producer.

Terracing
Terrace projects will utilize EQIP funding for 50% of the cost if the producer receives an EQIP contract. The producer can receive an additional 25% project cost share for a total of 75%, when terrace tile water can be surfaced into a non-crop area, wetland, filter strip or waterway where sediment and nutrient reductions will occur on site as opposed to instant tile system delivery.

Controlled Drainage
This is a new practice being approved for use in Iowa that has great potential for water quality improvements. A structure is installed in a tile main or sub-main that allows a producer to manipulate tile system flow. During dry periods in the summer months, some water can be held in the soil profile and used to sub-irrigate crop fields which can result in 10-15 bu / acre yield increases. Fields and tile systems with minimal slope are best suited for this practice. Research on controlled drainage systems has demonstrated 40% nitrate reductions and up to 80% phosphorus reductions. 75% cost share for structures and installation. Agri Drains Corp. will donate the first 2 structures to the project free of charge.

Wetland Development
75% cost share for constructing non CRP wetlands in critical areas to intercept surface and tile water and serve as measurable water sampling and de-nitrification sites in the watershed. A great way to increase wildlife habitat and diversity.

Fall Stalk Testing
Project incentive payments of $15 per test will be available to increase awareness of the amount of nitrogen utilized by corn during the growing season. The fall stalk test is often a component of today’s nutrient management planning. This is for producers not currently enrolled in nutrient management.