Recent global events have caused shifts in the agricultural industry. If you are a producer that is considering changes to your crop management and rotations this fall or next year, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is here to help you navigate conservation options. Here are some beneficial ways that conservation can improve your operation’s productivity, the environment, and your bottom line.
Soil Health
Soil health conservation practices, such as reduced till, no-till, cover crops, and residue management, can improve soil organic matter which makes your soil and the plants you grow healthier. Healthier soil can absorb and retain more water for longer periods of time, making your farm more efficient with water usage and nutrient use efficiency. Conservation tillage systems, such as reduced till and no-till, can also reduce fuel use. By using proven soil health practices and systems, producers can increase the health of their soils and reduce the need for expensive inputs like nutrients and pesticides.
Irrigation Efficiency
NRCS can help you improve your irrigation efficiency to ensure each drop of water is used wisely. Efficient water usage on your farm can reduce expenditures for energy, chemicals, and labor; and enhance revenues through higher crop yields and improved crop quality. Funded conservation practices include conversion to more efficient irrigation systems, such as micro-irrigation or subsurface drip irrigation, installation of irrigation pipeline, irrigation water management, structures for water control, and flow meters. Tools like drip irrigation, which provides water precisely to where and when it’s needed, can achieve greater precision with flow meters and soil moisture sensors.
Precision Ag/Nutrient Management
NRCS technical and financial assistance for precision agriculture allows producers to use less fertilizer without reducing yields, saving farmers money over time and extending critical products in short supply worldwide.
Change is the only constant and NRCS is ready to help you further promote land and water stewardship should changes arise. We have a team of professional conservation planners who can work with you to apply the most effective practices in the best places to achieve optimal results. NRCS offers both technical and financial assistance to support your unique conservation and business goals.
Contact your local USDA Service to learn how NRCS can help you improve the health and productivity of your agricultural land. To find the USDA Service Center closest to you, visit www.nrcs.usda.gov and click on the Contact Us tab.
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