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| Planning Assistance |
Conservation Planning
The
key
to a successful total resource management system is careful, complete
planning. Like the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, each practice fits
together with others to complete a picture. But anybody who has spent a
rainy Sunday afternoon piecing together a jigsaw puzzle knows it takes
patience, organization and teamwork. When designing a total resource
management plan you need to consider all the resources on your farm.
Take an inventory - think about every field, pasture, pond, stream, and
wooded area. Then consider which soil conservation, water quality,
wildlife habitat, and energy conservation practices would contribute to
an environmentally and economically sound farm.
Some of the most profitable practices, like pet or nutrient management take little
or no financial investment and may have the highest impact on water
quality. For example, scouting crops, selecting pest control
alternatives, and targeting control towards problems can cut expenses
and improve water quality.
The planning process may seem overwhelming, but that is where teamwork can help.
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Total
Resource Management Checklist:
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What are the natural resources on my
farm?
• What are the crops to be
grown?
• Have I minimized
runoff?
• Am I using crop rotations to
reduce disease and pest problems?
•What
type of wildlife would I like on my farm?
•Does any practice interfere with or cancel out another
practice?
•Can I use wetlands or filter
strips or filter nutrients from runoff water?
•Am I making the best use of animal manure as nutrients
for plants? |
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Comprehensive Nutrient Management Planning (CNMP)
Government
cost-share is available for the development of a CNMP
Livestock producers who install
manure
storage facilities and others who manage manure will become familiar
with a CNMP when applying for federal and state cost-share programs. A
CNMP replaces waste utilization plans or manure management plans that
have been developed in the past.
A
CNMP
is a comprehensive conservation plan for a specific animal feeding
operation which addresses agricultural production goals and soil and
water resource concerns. The six major components of a CNMP include:
manure storage and handling, land treatment, nutrient management, feed
management, record keeping and other utilization options.
A
CNMP
can be developed by a Certified Crop Advisor, USDA-Natural Resources
Conservation Service or Soil and Water Conservation District employee
trained and certified in the development of this plan. If a field is
100 acres in size, four soil tests (1 per 25 acres) need to be
submitted. In addition, a representative manure analysis can greatly
reduce the number of acres required to spread manure on, in some cases.
A livestock producer seeking a CNMP should also provide information on
their feed management program. The more involved the producer is in the
development of the CNMP
, the plan can better address
specific goals and concerns that affect the operation. Crop rotations,
soil loss, soil types with leaching potential, feedlot runoff,
milkhouse and parlor wastewater are considered when developing a CNMP.
If
you
are considering putting up a new feeding operation, are concerned about
nuisance complaints, or needing to reduce commercial fertilizer costs
by better managing your manure nutrients, then a CNMP is a tool we can
provide. If you are interested, please phone the office or email us by clicking here.
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Crop Residue Management
These are agronomic
practices
that leave vegetative matter on the surface of the soil. Leaving last
year's crop residue on the surface before and during planting
operations provides cover for the soil at critical time of the year.
The residue is left on the surface by reducing tillage operations and
turning the soil less. Pieces of crop residue shield soil particles
from rain and wind until plants can produce a protective canopy.
Ground
cover
prevents soil erosion and protects water quality - residue improves
soil tilth and adds organic matter to the soil as it decomposes - fewer
trips and less tillage reduces soil compaction - time, energy and labor
savings are possible with fewer tillage trips.
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Soil Survey Information
Coshocton
Soil
and Water Conservation District provides soils information free of
charge. The Soil Survey report contains a wealth of information about
the resources of Coshocton County and is useful to those who make
decisions in the proper land-use planning. Of prime importance are the
predictions of soil behavior for selected land uses. There are 44 soil
series mapped and 120 soil mapping units on the soil legend. The soil
survey contains interpretive tables designed to highlight behavior,
limitations and hazards for soils with selected land uses. It also
suggests improvements needed to overcome the limitations and impacts to
the environment for particular land uses. If you are interested in
receiving a copy of Coshocton County's Soil Survey give us a call or email us by clicking here. Also check out web soil survey at http://soildatamart.nrcs.usda.gov
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The
U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all
its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national,
origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual
orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases
apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require
alternative means for communication of program information (Braille,
large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at
202-720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination,
write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326W, Whitten
Building, 1400 and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410
or call (202) 720-5964 (voice or TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity
provider and employer. |
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