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Microsource Minute

NRCS Programs / CSP

 

As farmers wrap up harvest, planning for next year’s crop is always quick to follow.  While yield analysis and fall soil samples may top the to-do list, deadlines for conservation programs are soon approaching.  The sign-up cutoff off date for 2021 CSP and EQIP programs is November 20th.  

Through CSP, agricultural producers earn payments for actively managing, maintaining, and expanding conservation activities like nutrient management, all while sustaining active agricultural production on their land.  Many farmers are already utilizing nutrient management strategies that would qualify them for current programs.

Conservation Practice 590: Nutrient Management
Nutrient management encompasses managing the amount, source, placement, and timing of the application of plant nutrients and soil amendments. Enhanced nutrient use efficiency strategies or technologies are utilized to improve nutrient use efficiency and reduce risk of nutrient losses. Nutrient use strategies include the use of Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizer (EEF) products with nutrient applications.

E590A is a national program aimed at improving nutrient uptake efficiency and reducing risk of nutrient losses.  Each state then develops its own supplemental program with more specific requirements.  For example, the Nebraska E590A program lists six strategies and farmers must utilize at least two of them.

Nutrient Use Efficiency Strategies or Technologies (Use 2 or more)

  1. Use Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizers (EEF) with 1 or more nutrient applications
    • Nitrification inhibitors –Nitrapyrin, Dicyandiamide (DCD), Pronitridine
    • Urease inhibitors - N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT)

  2. Split applications of nitrogen based on the Late Spring Nitrate Test (LSNT)

  3. Use in-season plant tissue sampling and analysis as a complement to soil testing

  4. Split nutrient applications- apply no more than 50% of total crop nitrogen needs within 30 days prior to planting

  5. Time nutrient application timing to match uptake time

  6. Nutrient application placement below soil surface (fertilizer injected or incorporated)

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Note that only certain EEF’s are qualified for these programs. MicroSource nitrogen stabilizer products contain NBPT/DCD, making them eligible for the E590A program and others.
*See Stabilizer Stewardship for more info

Many states have similar supplemental programs. Those who want funding through government programs are encouraged to contact their local NRCS office and ask about the E590 program. In our discussions, we’ve heard payments ranging from $10 - $20 per acre depending on the region.

To learn more about the Nitrogen Stabilizers we offer, please click the button below.

Author: Ethan Enochs

Source: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services

 
Ethan Enochs