# Presentation: 477727

## Conservation Practice

*Conservation Practice*
*Enhancements*

- CROPLAND
- 2006

**Enhancement Activities**
- Enhancements activities refer to actions that provide resource benefits beyond the level prescribed by NRCS Conservation Practice Standards.  Once implemented Enhancement Activities should result in an observable or measurable improvement to the condition of one or more of the soil, water, air, plant, or animal resources, or provide for more efficient resource utilization and/or energy conservation.

**Enhancement Activity Benefits **
- Enhancement activities associated with Cropland such as providing special protection to riparian areas, or monitoring for key data can result in the following benefits to the producer and the environment:
-    Reduced risks to ground and surface
-      water quality
-    Increased ecosystem health for better
-      water cycling, mineral cycling, and
-      biologic integrity
-   Lower costs by increasing efficiency of
-     your operation

**CSP Enhancements earnings are subject to payment caps.  Your actual payment will depend on your CSP Tier level and the number of acres enrolled.**

- Photo courtesy of NRCS

**CSP Payments**
- You can earn enhancement payments on Cropland by participating in:
-    Wildlife Habitat Management
-    Drainage Management
-    Air Resource Management
-    Nutrient Management
-    Pest Management
-    Energy Management
-    Soil Management
-    Water Management

## Conservation Practice Enhancements

*Conservation Practice Enhancements*

- CROPLAND
- 2006

**Client’s Acknowledgement Statement:**
- I have elected to use the following enhancements and understand the requirements of the selected activities:
**Wildlife Habitat Management Enhancements (EHM’s) – Page 8**
-   EHM15-#1 Manage rice fields for wildlife food and cover
-   EHM07-#2  Manage riparian areas to eradicate invasive plants
-   EHM08-#4  Maintain native trees & shrubs on 60 ft. width on sides of riparian areas
-   EHM23-#5  Manage fields for nesting, loafing, and foraging considerations
*  *EHM09-#6*  *Maintain 35 ft. minimum width field borders for wildlife cover
-   EHM21-#7 Manage cropland to include small grain food plots
-  EHM10-#8 Manage non-cropland areas to maintain plant communities with minimum 80%
-                        native plants
-   EHM24-#9 Manage rice straw residues for waterfowl benefits
-   EHM01-#10 Manage small grain residues to include standing stubble for wildlife habitat
-   EHM17-#11 Manage fallow cropland areas for shorebird habitat
-   EHM03-#12 Manage timing of harvest of non-rice small grain and hay crops to benefit
-                          nesting birds
-  EHM05-#13 Modify fence barriers to allow for movement of wildlife
-  EHM06-#14 Upland wildlife water
-  EHM04- #15 Management of irrigation water withdrawals from streams and other water
-                          courses to benefit critical fisheries
**Drainage Management Enhancements (EDR’s) – Page 23**
-  EDR40- #1-5 For rice crops only. Increase Drainage Water Management Index

## Conservation Practice Enhancements

*Conservation Practice Enhancements*

- CROPLAND
- 2006

**Air Resource Management Enhancements (EAM’s) – Page 29**
-   EAM13-#1 Manage engine efficiency to reduce ozone precursor emissions
-   EAM15-#2  Eliminate Crop Residue Burning to Reduce Particulate Matter and Ozone
-                         Emissions  from cropland.
-  EAM01-#3 Manage use and maintenance of farm service roads to reduce PM 10/2.5
-                       emissions
-  EAM02- #4 Manage use of field equipment to reduce PM 10/2.5 emissions by reducing
-                        the number of passes or runs of equipment over the field.
-   EAM03-#5 Manage fertilizer application techniques to reduce VOC & PM emissions
-   EAM14-#6 Manage pesticide application techniques to reduce VOC & PM emissions
-   EAM16-#7 Adopt new farm engine technology with certified reductions in VOC, NOx, and
-                        PM emissions
-  EAM02- #8 Manage Use of Field Equipment to Reduce PM 10/2.5 Emissions through use
-                        of GPS Equipment.
-  EAM40-#10 Investigate Greenhouse Gas (GHG)/Carbon sequestration scenarios using
- 			 the Voluntary Reporting (COMET-VR) online web tool.
**Nutrient Management Enhancements (ENM’s) – Page 46**
-  ENM04-#1 Use precision application methods to apply fertilizer or other amendments.
-  ENM07-#2 Use Pre-Plant and/or Pre-Sidedress N soil tests to set N rates.
-  ENM06-#3 Permanent Crops - Level 1 Nutrient Mgt - Use tissue sampling, yields, and UC
-          		 guidelines to set fertilizer amount and form.

## Conservation Practice Enhancements

*Conservation Practice Enhancements*

- CROPLAND
- 2006

-  ENM02-#4 Permanent Crops - Level 2 Nutrient Mgt – Use tissue sampling, yields,
- 	   nitrate testing of irrigation water, and UC guidelines to set fertilizer amount
- 	   and form.
-  ENM07-#5 Permanent Crops - Level 3 Nutrient Mgt – Use tissue sampling, yields,
-                       nitrate testing of irrigation water, and soil test to develop nitrogen budget
- 	  to set nutrient application timing and rates.  Use UC guidelines or other 	 	  broadly accepted source of guidance.
-  ENM02-#6 Assess and utilize alternate N sources: NO3  in irrigation water.
-  ENM16-#7 Use winter cover crops to capture carryover nitrate.
-  ENM02-#8 Reduce N application by 30 lbs/ac for rice when incorporating residue.
-   ENM19-#9 Use tissue tests and nitrogen budget software to manage nutrients for
- 	   Almonds and Prunes
**Pest Management Enhancements (EPM’s) – Page 57**
-  EPM01-#1 Use Comprehensive IPM program as prepared by UCIPM, or equivalent.
- 			(Documentation Required)
-  EPM01-#2 Use IPM techniques to moderate pesticide needs (choose minimum of 4
-                       techniques from list). Not a fully comprehensive IPM program
-  EPM01-#3 Use IPM techniques to moderate pesticide needs (choose minimum of 3
-                       techniques from list). Not a fully comprehensive IPM program
-  EPM03-#4 Products are specifically selected, utilized, and applied to reduce toxicity to
- 	nontargeted species (e.g. beneficials).
-  EPM02-#5 Use Organically Certified materials and methods (Documentation
- 	Required).
-  EPM11-#6  Management and Use of Vegetated Strips to Mitigate Pesticide
- 	Movement.

**Nutrient Management Enhancements (cont.)**

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

- CROPLAND
- March 2005

**Pest Management Enhancements (EPM’s), continued**
-  EPM01-#7 Use UC-based comprehensive IPM Program to address at least one major
- 			key pest requiring complex monitoring and record-keeping actions.
-  EPM40-#8  Use GPS or other similar guided measure technology to reduce pesticide
-                        spray overlap
**Energy Management Enhancements (EEM’s) – Page 66**
-   EEM40- Energy Audit (Documentation Required)
-   EEM41- Recycling On-Farm Lubricants (Documentation Required)
-   EEM42- Use of perennial legumes in the crop rotation to reduce energy need for
- 		         production of nitrogen
-   EEM43– Use of annual legumes in the crop rotation to reduce energy need for
- 		          production of nitrogen
-   EEM44- Use of manure to supply at least 90% of nutrient needs of plants
-   EEM45- Soil Tillage Intensity Rating (STIR) is less than 60, 30, or 15
-   EEM46- Use of renewable energy fuel (Biodiesel or Ethanol).
-   EEM47- Renewable energy generation (solar, wind, water, geothermal, methane)
-   EEM48- Energy Reduction – 5%, 10% or 20%
**Soil Management Enhancements (ESM’s) – Page 83**
-   ESM40-#1-25 Increasing the Soil Conditioning Index (Documentation Required)

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

- CROPLAND
- March 2006

**Water Management Enhancements (EWM’s) Page 87**
-  EWM40-#1-6  Increase Irrigation Enhancement Index (Documentation Required).  Does not apply to rice crops (see Drainage Management enhancements for rice).
-  EWM41- # 7  Water Management – Participate in a field poly tubing recycling program
-  EWM43 - #8  Using methods to reduce evaporative losses as an integral part of an irrigation water management (IWM) system.  Evaporative loss reduction enhancement 1.
- EWM43 - #9  Using methods to reduce evaporative losses as an integral part of an irrigation water management (IWM) system.  Evaporative loss reduction enhancement 2.
- I agree that the following information will be provided to NRCS upon request:
-   Written documentation of the activity performed as described in the Worksheet (use    attached worksheets or equivalent).  Where form is not supplied, present required information in a clear format useable as a management tool for you.  Suggested formats may be provided.
-   Copies of dated receipts for equipment or services purchased.
-   I understand that CSP Enhancements earnings are subject to payment caps and that my
-   actual payments will depend on my CSP Tier level and the number of acres enrolled.
-   I understand that it is my responsibility to obtain all necessary permits and comply with
-   all ordinances and laws pertaining to the application of these activities.
-   Accepted by: /s/______________________________ Date: __________________

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

- CROPLAND
- 2006

| Enhancement | Name and Title |  Date: |
| --- | --- | --- |
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**Certification by NRCS:**
- I have completed a review of the information provided by the client and certify this activity has been applied:

## Wildlife Habitat Management Enhancements (EHM’s)

- CROPLAND
- 2006

*Conservation Practice Enhancements*

**Wildlife Habitat Management Enhancements (EHM’s)**

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

- CROPLAND
- 2006

**Worksheet** – Manage Rice Fields for Wildlife Food and Cover

- This enhancement applies to irrigated rice or other flooded cropland cultures where establishment of wetland basins is compatible with existing irrigation delivery systems.
- To be considered eligible for this practice, CSP participants agree to remove a minimum of 2 percent, up to a maximum of 5 percent of the contracted cropland acres from production for the purpose of establishing shallow water wetland areas for the year-round benefit of wetland dependent birds, reptiles and amphibians,  Design considerations are meant to be compatible with flow-through rice irrigation systems where shallow water wetland basins may serve a dual purpose as a rice water warming check and wetland habitat. Additionally, further design requirements include surface grading and shaping to create varying water depths (including loafing islands when feasible) within the basin to encourage the growth of different types of wetland plants while still maintaining positive grades from inlet to outlet to allow for adequate drainage. To be eligible for CSP payments, contracted acres must be flooded to an average depth of at least 6 inches during the spring-summer irrigation season, primarily from May 1st through July 31st and maintained in permanent, undisturbed vegetative cover during the remainder of the year.  Required documentation for this enhancement will include map delineations of the enrolled basins or fields and photos of established habitat.
**Compatible management practices**: Habitat objectives for this enhancement practice are to establish a complex of emergent wetland plants and open water. Period mowing of as much as 50 percent of the wetland plants in an irregular, mosaic pattern during late summer or early fall can help to maintain habitat diversity and promote better use of the area by wildlife. Care should be taken to leave these areas undisturbed during March through July to avoid impacts to nesting birds

**Payment:**  $200/acre/year (acres removed from production)

- August 5, 2005

- April 25, 2005

- 25

- 1,3,4

**Water Drained Date**

**Water Applied Date**

**Acres**

**Field Number(s)**

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

- CROPLAND
- 2006

**Worksheet – Manage Riparian Areas to Eradicate Invasive Plants **

- This enhancement applies to all riparian corridors, irrigation conveyance channels, highline canals and other shared water transport facilities where natural flows and/or irrigation supplemented water transects contracted CSP acres. It does not apply to irrigation field ditches, tail water collection ditches or other conveyance facilities that originate and end on the landowners property.
- _   _
- Invasive plants have been identified as a major threat to native wildlife populations in California.   In addition to crowding out native plant communities and reducing vegetative diversity, invasive species often do not have natural controls necessary to keep their populations in check. This commonly results in monocultures of poor quality vegetation with little or no wildlife value and a tendency to spread quickly to adjacent properties. Because riparian corridors and other water transport channels have a greater potential for causing the spread of invasive plants, this enhancement focuses specifically on those landscape features. Also, the three target species selected for eradication, and by which successful implementation of this enhancement will be measured, include Arundo Donax (giant Arundo or bamboo), Tamarisk (salt cedar) and Himalayan blackberry.  At least one of these species must be present in order to qualify for this enhancement, but all that are present must be eradicated in such a way as to maintain existing beneficial vegetation. Compliance with this enhancement requires that active management of these species must be performed if there is visible evidence of the plant on the property.  In addition to being common riparian pest plants in California, they can also be successfully eradicated when addressed early in their establishment. Required documentation will consist of map delineation of treated areas as well as before and after photos of treated areas showing elimination of problem plants.

**Payment: ** $100.00/acre/year measured by the length of the channel X the effective width of the undisturbed (untilled) areas adjacent to the channel (maximum of 50 feet wide, 100 feet if both sides).

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

**                                                   ****Each Side of Riparian Areas **

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

- CROPLAND
- 2006

**Worksheet** – Maintain Native Trees and Shrubs 60 ft. Width Each Side of Riparian Areas

- This enhancement applies to naturally-flowing seasonal or permanent stream channels, creeks or river corridors which have been delineated on a USGS topographic map as either an intermittent or blue-line channel and are under the control of the CSP participant. Also, riparian corridors that have the potential to be established to non-invasive and beneficial, herbaceous and/or woody vegetation suitable for use by native wildlife species. It does not apply to irrigation ditches, canals or other irrigation transport facilities.
- Riparian habitat in California has been degraded or destroyed to the point where only about 2 percent of this habitat type remains. It is the preferred habitat for numerous wildlife species, including neotropical songbirds, hawks, owls, reptiles, amphibians, native fish and mammals such as deer and rabbits. In addition, properly functioning riparian corridors benefit water quality by filtering out sediments, pesticides and fertilizers, they improve water temperatures for aquatic organisms by providing shading, and are also a source of nutrients for fish, turtles and aquatic invertebrates as well as assisting in stabilizing and reducing streambank erosion problems. Successful implementation of this enhancement will be considered when the undisturbed, vegetated width of the riparian corridor measured from the edge of the top of bank is increased to a minimum of 60 feet wide (for 1 side of a channel, 120 feet wide when considering both sides of the channel), or where the existing width already meets minimum width requirements and where the current vegetative community can be improved or maintained; including the establishment of non-invasive herbaceous understory plants such as grasses and forbs, as well as mid-level and upper canopy shrubs and trees. Except for periodic vegetation management practices allowed at the discretion of NRCS, these areas will be left undisturbed by vehicles, farm equipment or livestock. Areas necessary for use as vehicle or livestock crossings will be identified and not considered part of the contracted acres. Documentation to show compliance with this enhancement will include map delineations of riparian habitat and photo-documentation of contracted acres. Compliance will also include periodic status reviews by NRCS conservationists.

**Payment:** $400/acre/year

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

- CROPLAND
- 2006

- This enhancement can be applied to all land uses where the nesting, basking, foraging, water or disbursal and migration needs of wildlife can be addressed through the use of artificial structures, or through the modification of existing structures. CSP participants can choose any two from the list of approved structural improvements below:

-   Raptor Perches (10/100 acres):
-   Nest Boxes (owl, wood duck, bluebird, etc.) (10/100 acres):
-   Rock Basking Structures near canals, ponds, sloughs, etc. beneficial to reptiles such as
-      giant garter snakes, gopher snakes, king snakes and others (10/100 acres):
-   Loafing Islands constructed in rice checks. (5/100 acres):
-   Bat Boxes (10/100 acres):
- For more information:
- _[http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/factsheets/nestbox.php](http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/factsheets/nestbox.php)_
- _[http://www.calwaterfowl.org/nestbox.htm](http://www.calwaterfowl.org/nestbox.htm)_
- Documentation used to show compliance with this enhancement will include map delineations of selected wildlife structures on contracted CSP acres in addition to photo documentation of installed structures.

**Wildlife Habitat Management – EHM23-#5** **Manage Fields for Nesting, Loafing, and**
**                                                    ****Foraging Considerations**

**Worksheet** – Manage Fields for Nesting, Loafing, and Foraging Considerations

**Payment:**  $5.00/acre/year.

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

**                                                    ****for Wildlife Cover**

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

- CROPLAND
- 2006

**Worksheet ** – Maintain 35 ft. Minimum Width Field Borders for Wildlife Cover

- This enhancement applies to edges of cropland or pastureland fields, irrigation canals, farm ponds, slough channels, levees and other non-cropped field borders that are adjacent to cropland or pastureland, and where supplementation and widening of existing cover can be improved for the purpose of providing cover, food and disbursal habitat for wildlife. It does not apply to rangeland.
- Linear strips of permanent, undisturbed vegetation adjacent to cropland fields improve nesting cover, foraging and disbursal habitat for many species of birds and small mammals. Additionally, these vegetated areas help to filter out sediments and other pollutants that may run off the field. CSP participants will be considered to be in compliance with this enhancement when permanent grass, forbs and/or tree mixtures are established and maintained (undisturbed) at a minimum width of 35 feet along cropland and pastureland field borders, and at an average height of 18 inches. Required documentation will include aerial photo delineation of vegetated borders, hedgerows and filter strips as well as photo documentation of established plants.

**Payment:**  $300/acre/year (area of field border)

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

- CROPLAND
- 2006

**Worksheet** – Manage Cropland to include Small Grain Food Plots

- This enhancement applies to annually tilled cropland seeded to small grains such as wheat, rice, corn, barley or oats, oil seed crops such as safflower, sunflowers, and annually-tilled row crops, vineyards, or orchards where the CSP participant has agreed to plant a portion of the field (not to exceed 5% of the field acres) to small grains and leaves the crop un-harvested and available for wildlife. It does not apply to crops such as tomatoes, cotton, vine seeds, beans, onions, melons or other low-residue field crops.
- High residue, seed-producing forage crops provide substantial food and cover for wildlife, including grassland birds, doves, pheasants, quail and waterfowl. Maintaining a portion of these fields as un-harvested and undisturbed, especially areas adjacent to field edges and in close proximity to wetlands, slough channels, riparian corridors and other naturally vegetated cover encourages wildlife foraging and also serves as winter cover when crop residues are left standing during fall and winter months.  Successful implementation of this enhancement will be measured by the total number of acres of un-harvested and undisturbed grain, oilseed or sunflower crops left along field borders or adjacent to other protected natural areas.  Required documentation will include map delineations of un-harvested crop areas as well as photo documentation of the sites taken after harvest. In addition, NRCS Conservationists will perform periodic status reviews of contracted acres to ensure compliance.

**Payment:** $200/acre/year (area of food plots)

**Wildlife Habitat Management – EHM21-#7 Manage Cropland to include Small Grain **
**	****	****	****Food Plots**

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

**                                                     ****Plan Communities with Minimum 80 % Native Plants**

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

- CROPLAND
- 2006

**Worksheet -** Manage Non-Cropland Areas to Maintain Native Plant Communities

- This enhancement applies to areas adjacent to cropland and pasture where California native perennial plants, adapted to the site, are selected for use as field borders, filter strips, hedgerows or other permanent cover plantings, or on selected areas on rangeland where vegetation is intensively managed or planted for the establishment of native perennial plant mixtures. Also included are areas of small cluster plantings or shrubs, grasses and forbs, insectory plantings between rows in vineyards and orchards, or in field corners or difficult to farm areas where wetness or salinity may impede farming.
- In addition to providing structural cover necessary for nesting birds and movement of small mammals, reptiles and other wildlife, native perennial plants (especially forbs) can harbor beneficial insects, native sod-forming grasses help to crowd out invasive species such as yellow starthistle and perennial pepperweed, and are often deep-rooted and well adapted to local soils and climate, aiding in nutrient and water cycling and improving soil structure, organic matter and overall quality. Success implementation of this enhancement will be considered when a minimum of 80 percent of the ground cover for contracted acres is native perennial plants and percent bare soil is less than 25 percent. Documentation required will include aerial photo delineation of native perennial vegetation, list of species present and percent composition, photo documentation of site, including illustration of ground cover.

**Payment:**  $400/acre/year

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

- CROPLAND
- 2006

**Worksheet** – Manage Rice Straw Residue for Waterfowl Benefits

- This enhancement applies to irrigated rice where flooding and rolling, or chopping and flooding, of straw residue provides beneficial effects to aid in the decomposition of rice straw and also provide wintering forage habitat for migrating waterfowl. It does not apply to rice fields that have already been treated by burning.
- Commonly used practices for managing rice straw without burning include disking, bailing and removal, and fallowing rice fields as part of a regularly scheduled crop rotation. Although these methods all aid in the breakdown and decomposition of rice straw and provide additional benefits for air quality, they do not equal the associated benefits to waterfowl as does flooding and rolling, or chopping and rolling, during winter migration. To be eligible for CSP payments for this enhancement, the participant agrees to flood rice checks beginning the first week in November and incorporating straw residue into the soil with the use of a rice cage roller, or chopping residues prior to flooding on November 1st, and to maintain water depths of at least 4 inches on the contracted acres from November through February 28th. In order to show compliance with this enhancement, participants will provide NRCS with map delineations and photo documentation of treated areas. In addition, NRCS will perform periodic field checks of selected projects.

**Payment:**  $25/acre/year

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

**                                                    ****Standing Stubble for Wildlife Habitat**

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

- CROPLAND
- 2006

**Worksheet** – **Manage Small Grain Residues**

- This enhancement applies to any non-flooded small grain crops such as spring wheat, barley and oats where maintenance of standing stubble provides cover and foraging habitat for grassland birds, pheasants and other wintering wildlife. It does not apply to low-residue row crops such as tomatoes, vine seeds, cotton or vegetable crops, or to small grain crops planted prior to the onset of winter.
- Burning of straw residues after harvest, followed by disking to incorporate remaining residues into the soil are common management practices in California, practices that leave little winter cover for soil protection and also makes un-harvested seed less available for foraging wildlife. Maintaining winter cover is an important wildlife consideration that provides additional benefits for energy savings and reduction of soil erosion. CSP participants will be eligible for enhancement payments by maintaining a minimum of 6 inches of standing straw stubble on CSP contracted acres from October 1st through February 28th.  Documentation required to show compliance with this enhancement shall include map delineations of treatment acres as well as photo documentation of standing residue taken during February.

**Payment**:  $10/acre/year

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

**                                                    ****Shorebird Habitat**

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

- CROPLAND
- 2006

**Worksheet** – Manage Fallow Cropland Areas for Shorebird Habitat

- This enhancement applies to flooded basin crop cultures such as rice where existing levee structures and precision land leveling makes it possible to apply shallow water uniformly over the surface of the field.
- Winter shorebird migrations in the Central Valley of California occurs during mid to late summer at a time when rice irrigation water is being drained off to prepare for harvest.
- Hot dry climate conditions considerably reduce the availability of natural, shallow water
- wetlands. Since shorebirds feed almost exclusively on insects generated from shallow water wetlands, ranging from less than an inch to only about 6 inches deep, winter migration habitat in California is limited. Compliance with this enhancement will be met when the CSP participant has maintained continuous flooding depths of 3-5 inches from July 20th through September 15th on contracted acres. Water management guidelines will be in accordance with local mosquito abatement recommendations in order to avoid vector and disease outbreaks. Required documentation submitted by the CSP participant includes map delineations of treated acres as well as photos of flooded fields.

**Payment:**  $125/acre/year

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

**                                                     ****Small Grain and Hay Crops to benefit Nesting Birds **

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

- CROPLAND
- 2006

**Worksheet** – Manage Timing of Harvest of Non-Rice, Small Grain, and Hay Crops

- This enhancement provides for the protection of cover for ground-nesting birds during key nesting periods. Eligible acres include small grain crops such as wheat and barley that would normally be harvested in late spring, as well as alfalfa or grass hay crops where multiple cuttings per year are common. It does not apply to irrigated rice or other grain crops which are normally harvested in late summer or fall. It also does not apply to row crops or other crops where nesting structure and cover are not adequate to attract nesting birds.
- Spring harvest of hay and grain crops often coincides with peak nesting periods for resident waterfowl, grassland birds, pheasants, and ground-nesting raptors such as northern harriers. Delaying harvest, or timing of harvest activities, until juvenile birds have fledged results in undisturbed nesting structure for adult birds as well as higher incidence of nest survival by juveniles. By agreeing to this enhancement, CSP participants will refrain from harvesting or otherwise disturbing nesting cover from April 1st through June 15th for each year of the contract. Required documentation will include providing NRCS field office with records of harvest dates and crop sales records. In addition, NRCS staff will conduct periodic spot checks of contracted acres for this enhancement.

**Payment: ** $25/acre/year

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

- CROPLAND
- 2006

**Wildlife Habitat Management – EHM05-#13** **Modify Fence Barriers to Allow for**
**                                                    ****Movement of Wildlife**

**Worksheet – **Modification of fences to allow for wildlife movement

**Payment:**  $5 /acre/year

- This enhancement applies to cropland where the construction of exclusionary woven wire or mesh perimeter fences has impeded the movement and dispersal of terrestrial wildlife species, including small mammals and native predators such as the San Joaquin Kit Fox. It does not apply to rangeland or other large-scale grazing enterprises where fencing is primarily used for the control, not exclusion, of domestic livestock and associated wildlife. It also does not apply to barbed wire fencing or other fencing that allows for the normal movement and dispersal of small mammals.
- Exclusionary fencing around cropland acres often inhibits movement of all species. In addition to excluding target species such as deer and elk, non-selective mesh or woven wire fencing also limits movement of non-target species. By selecting this enhancement, CSP participants agree to permanently maintain a minimum of 12 inches of clearance between the bottom of the fence and the ground to allow for passage of small mammals underneath the fence. A minimum of 20 percent of the length of the fence on all sides will be required to be modified in this way in order to meet the eligibility requirement. Documentation shall include map delineations of fencing modifications and photos of the treated fence.

| Field Number | Type of Fence | Total Acres Inside Fence |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | Deer Fence
10’ high  Mesh | 40 |
|  |  |  |
|  |  |  |
|  |  |  |
|  |  |  |
|  |  |  |

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

- CROPLAND
- 2006

**Wildlife Habitat Management –EHM06-#14 Upland Wildlife Water** ** **

**Worksheet – **Water Availability for Wildlife

**Payment:**  $10/acre/year

| Field Number | Source of Water |
| --- | --- |
| 1,3 | Stone Corral Creek |
|  |  |
|  |  |
|  |  |
|  |  |

- This enhancement applies to rangeland, cropland or pastureland where year-long water has been made available for use by various wildlife species, including birds, small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, deer and other wildlife. Eligible water sources include livestock watering facilities that have been modified or retrofitted to be accessible to wildlife, in addition to stock ponds, creeks, sumps, flooded fields, spring developments, tailwater ponds, irrigation canals, or other on-farm source of free water that the CSP participant has control over. It does not apply to irrigation district canals or highline ditches that are not under the landowner’s control, or to livestock watering facilities that have not been modified for wildlife accessibility and serve as traps which kill or injure many bats, birds and small mammals that try to use them.
- Water is a critically limiting factor for many wildlife species in California, especially in post-harvest, late summer and early fall agricultural landscapes. CSP participants can receive an enhancement payment by ensuring that wildlife-accessible water is available throughout the year on contracted acres and situated in such a way that watering facilities are not more than 1 mile apart.  Eligibility shall include a minimum of 1 water source for each CSP participant. Eligible water sources can also include livestock water troughs as long as they have been modified to include suitable exit ramps and have had obstructions removed above the water surface such as wires, pipes and boards which inhibit access by bats and insectivorous birds. Documentation for this enhance will include map delineations of water sources on aerial photographs or USGS topographic maps and photographs of the water source taken in September and in March.

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

- CROPLAND
- 2006

- This enhancement applies to all privately-owned water diversions on federal and/or state listed fish-bearing streams. It does not apply to any creek or river that does not presently support populations of Federal or State listed fish species.
- Water diversions include pumps, siphons and other water control structures that divert water onto agricultural land and have the potential to entrain fish in fields, ditches or sumps where there is a likelihood of fish mortality. By agreeing to this enhancement, the CSP participant agrees to screen all diversions originating from riparian water sources and to properly maintain screens that have been previously installed. This includes large water district screens where operation and maintenance fees may be included as part of their water delivery charges.  To be eligible for this enhancement, CSP participants agree to install and maintain screens in accordance with NOAA Fisheries and/or California Dept. of Fish & Game design standards. Documentation for this enhancement will include a map delineation of riparian water sources and diversions and a photograph of the screened structure.

**Wildlife Habitat Management – EHM04-#15 Management of Irrigation Water Withdrawal**
**                                  ****from Streams and other Water Courses to Benefit Critical Fisheries** ** **

| Field Number | Contracted Acres Serviced by Diversion | Type of Diversion |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1,2,3,4 | 250 | GCID Canal Diversion |
|  |  |  |
|  |  |  |
|  |  |  |
|  |  |  |
|  |  |  |

**Worksheet – **Screened Diversions

**Payment:**  $20/acre/year

## Drainage Management Enhancements (EDR’s)

- CROPLAND
- 2006

*Conservation Practice Enhancements*

**Drainage Management Enhancements (EDR’s)**

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

- CROPLAND
- 2006

- For rice crops only.  CSP participants can qualify for Drainage Enhancement payments by taking actions that increase their intensity of managing drainage water.  In the CSP program, the Drainage Water Management Index tool is used to rate and assign values (index) to the varying combination of actions currently taken or planned by producers.  The assigned payment rates corresponding to ranges of index values are illustrated below:

- The list of actions that the producer decides to continue to take or plans to take must be manually selected on the Drainage Water Management “job sheet”.  One enclosed sample job sheet illustrates that a current index value of 39 qualifies the producer for a $4.00 per acre payment on the land enrolled in the program.  As seen on the second enclosed sample job sheet, the producer also plans to improve the index value some time in the future to 65 by adding January, February and March to the months in which drainage will be controlled as well as improving the system to retain all drainage on-site.  These improvements will increase the producer enhancement payment to $10.00 per acre.

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

**Worksheet –#1-5 Increase Drainage Water Management Index (continuation)**

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

- CROPLAND
- 2006

**Client:   ****	****                     ****	****      Date:****	****                    ****	****Watershed:  **
**      ****	****	**
**Tract No.:      ****	****Farm No.:      ****	****Field No.: **
**     ****	****	****	**
- This job sheet is to be used with the Conservation Security Program (CSP) where drainage water is being managed.  Drainage Water Management activities control the level and timing of drainage out of surface or subsurface drained fields.

| Drainage Water Management Index: | 39     |
| --- | --- |

**Checklist of Agreed-To Management Practices:**

- X

- Example

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

- CROPLAND
- 2006

**Additional Requirements:**
- All existing items above that qualified the fields must be maintained.  Changes in the drainage management system will affect your index and should be discussed with an NRCS Conservationist to insure that you will maintain eligibility.  Improvements in system efficiency can increase your score and may increase your payment.
**Producer Acknowledgement:**
- I agree to install or maintain this enhancement as described above and as indicated in the Conservation Security Program contract.
**Client:__________________________________________ Date: ____________________________**

- X

- X

- X

- X

- X

- X

- X

- Example

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

**Worksheet –#1-5 Increase Drainage Water Management Index (continuation)**

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

- CROPLAND
- 2006

**Client:   ****	****                     ****	****      Date:****	****                    ****	****Watershed:  **
**      ****	****	**
**Tract No.:      ****	****Farm No.:      ****	****Field No.: **
**     ****	****	****	**
- This job sheet is to be used with the Conservation Security Program (CSP) where drainage water is being managed.  Drainage Water Management activities control the level and timing of drainage out of surface or subsurface drained fields.

| Drainage Water Management Index: | 65     |
| --- | --- |

**Checklist of Agreed-To Management Practices:**

- X

- Example

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

- CROPLAND
- 2006

**Additional Requirements:**
- All existing items above that qualified the fields must be maintained.  Changes in the drainage management system will affect your index and should be discussed with an NRCS Conservationist to insure that you will maintain eligibility.  Improvements in system efficiency can increase your score and may increase your payment.
**Producer Acknowledgement:**
- I agree to install or maintain this enhancement as described above and as indicated in the Conservation Security Program contract.
**Client:__________________________________________ Date: ____________________________**

- X

- X

- X

- X

- X

- X

- X

- X

- X

- X

- Example

## Air Resource Management Enhancements (EAM’s)

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

**                                                 ****Precursor Emissions**

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

- CROPLAND
- 2006

-      Many areas of CA. are listed as not meeting the Air Quality standards established by EPA
-    under the Clean Air Act. One of the pollutants listed as being excessively high is ozone.
-    Ozone is formed in the atmosphere through a chemical reaction between nitrogen oxides
-    (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) in combination with sunlight. Ozone levels in
-     the air can be reduced by limiting the amounts of NOx and VOC’s emitted into the
-     atmosphere.
-      The use of power units for irrigation water pumping produces NOx emissions into the air.
-     By increasing the overall agriculture pumping efficiency on a farm, emissions of NOx can be
-      reduced.
**  ****Documentation:**
- A qualified pump test company shall be utilized for the pump test. To qualify the provider
-          must be:
-   a. A former or current employee of an investor-owned or municipal utility, who is
-        testing (did test) agriculture pumps for efficiency as a matter of normal duties.
-    b. A former or current employee of a pump repair/installation company that has
-        been in business for at least 5 years, who is testing (did test) agriculture pumps
-        for efficiency as a matter of normal duties.
-    c. A former or current employee (or owner) of a pump company whose business
-        was (is) testing agriculture pumps for efficiency and who does (did) so on behalf
-        of this company as a matter of normal duties.
-     Or, submit a letter of recommendation from the California Association of Pump Test
-         Professionals which certifies the application as a Pump Tester according to their standards.
- The testing techniques and processes used for this pump test must conform to standards
-          issued by the American Water Works Association for field tests.
- 3.  The pumping efficiency analysis must include:
-               a. Overall plant efficiency- with specifics on how efficiency was determined
-               b. Pump test report
-               c. Analysis of costs for pumping water prior to test
-               d. Estimate of cost savings if pump plant were functioning at industry efficiency
-                   standards(65 % or higher)
-               e. Report on upgrades that would be necessary to reach industry standard
-                   efficiencies
*   *

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

- CROPLAND
- 2006

**Payment:**  $2 /acre/year for acres that an engine and well service.

**Worksheet – Managing Engine Efficiency to Reduce Ozone Precursor Emissions**

**Documentation** **(cont.)**
- 4.    Record of implementation of recommendation from pumping efficiency analysis report.
- 5.    Pumping efficiency test must be completed in each crop year to qualify for enhancement.
- 6.    Copy of pump efficiency test with recommendation  for improvements

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

- CROPLAND
- 2006

-  Particulate  Matter-10 microns (PM-10,) and Ozone are considered air resource concerns
-  and are addressed by this enhancement.  This enhancement may be applied in any CSP
-  watershed within California.
-  PM and Ozone precursors originating from agriculture burning activities have been
-  identified as contributors to these air quality concerns. By reducing the burning of
-  agriculture residues,PM-10 and Ozone emissions can be reduced.  This enhancement is
-  specific to crop residues commonly burned.
**Documentation:**
- 1.  Provide map of farm delineating those fields with burning history and those where burning will be eliminated.
- 2.  Documentation of alternative methods used for the residue management.
**Payment:**
- $8/acre/year for acres where residue is not burned.
- Residue (Wood Chips, Rice Straw) from enrolled fields sold to a bio-mass plant or other off
- site use can receive enhancement payment.

**Air Resource Management – EAM15-#2 Eliminate Crop Residue Burning to reduce**
**                                                 ****Particulate Matter and Ozone on Cropland**

**Worksheet – Eliminating Crop Residue Burning**

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

- CROPLAND
- 2006

- In order to comply with the United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Conservation Security Program Burning Elimination Enhancement, I hereby attest that the farm under contract, has not for the past______years, and for the length of time under contract will not participate in any open burning activities on sites, fields, locations or any other description so said farmlands in order to receive the entitlement under this enhancement.
- ________________________________
- Grower Name
- ________________________________
- Title
- ________________________________
- Date

**Elimination of Burning Certification Form**

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

**                                                 ****Roads to Reduce PM 10/2.5 Emissions**

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

- CROPLAND
- 2006

_**Roads, Equipment Areas other traffic areas**_
- Reducing Dust (PM-10) generated from vehicle movement on traffic activity areas is vital for reducing PM emissions from farms. Many types of practices and dust control products can be utilized to reduce PM emissions.
- CSP requires that any road, equipment area, or other activity area apply a dust reducing practice when there are more than 10 trips per day in that area. (Note: 1 trip is one pass per segment, i.e. a trip in and a trip out equates to 2 passes)
**Practices that can be utilized for P.M.-(dust) emission reductions include:**
-   1. Paving
-   2. Watering (minimum 1 watering per day, when trips exceed 10/day)
-   3. Washed gravel (minimum 3” thick)
-   4. Application of any dust suppressant listed below:
-         Slow Cure Road Oil
-         Lignin products
-         Other Stabilizers
**Levels of Treatment:**
-    Reapplication of the dust suppressant is required when a 50% reduction in P.M.-10
-     emissions is not achieved.
-    Paving- permanent – should be cleaned periodically
-    Watering- required at least once per day when 10 trip level is attained
-    Washed Gravel- should be well maintained with renewal of gravel when level of gravel
-     is less than 3”.
**Other dust suppressants:**
-     Hygroscopic suppressants (road salts) one application per year
-     Adhesives- 2 applications per year
-     Polymer Emulsion- 1 application per year
-     Petroleum Emulsion- 1 application per year
-     Bituminous Material- (road oil) 1 application every 2 years

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

- CROPLAND
- 2006

**Payment:** $50/acre/year for acres of roads with dust control practices applied

- Note: Map of farm required with road treatment highlighted.
- See attached sheet: (Products Available for Controlling Dust on Unpaved Roads).

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

**                                                 ****10/2.5 Emissions by Reducing the Number of Passes or **
**	****	****          ****Runs of Equipment over the Field**

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

- CROPLAND
- 2006

- Many areas of CA do not meet Air Quality attainment standards for Particulate Matter 10 microns or less in size (PM-10).
- Agriculture farming activity does create dust and does contribute to PM -10 emissions into the atmosphere.
- Utilization of reduced numbers of tillage passes across a field and utilization of GPS technology on tractors will result in reduced PM-10/2.5 emissions into the atmosphere.
**Documentation:**
- 1. For reduction of tillage passes across fields, complete Air Quality –Conservation Tillage
-     Worksheet for each crop that is enrolled in CSP. At least a 40% reduction in number of
-     passes or a 40% reduction in PM-10 emissions must be achieved. List crop type, acres of
-     crop and % pass or % emission reduction.
- 2. For utilization of GPS technology- document  the number of tractors with GPS technology,
-      the number of acres tilled utilizing this technology, types of crops GPS system used on.

**Payment:** $10/acre/year on acres where GPS system is utilized on tractors or where number of tillage passes has been reduced by 40%.

**Worksheet – Manage Use of Field Equipment**

- Reduced Passes/Reduced PM-10 Emissions

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

- CROPLAND
-  2006

**Worksheet – Manage Use of Field Equipment (cont.)**

- Utilization of GPS

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

- CROPLAND
- 2006

- 14

- 14

- 13

- 13

- 12

- 12

- 11

- 11

- 10

- 10

- 9

- 9

- 8

- 8

- 7

- 7

- 6

- 6

- 5

- 5

- 4

- 4

- 3

- 3

- 2

- 2

- 1

- 1

**lb./ac.**

**lb./ac.**

**Emissions**

**Number of Conservation Tillage Practices**

**Emissions**

**Number of Baseline Tillage Practices**

**PM10 **

**PM10 **

**emission reductions due to adoption of Conservation Tillage**

** ****PM10 emission levels**

**Worksheet for determining reduced field passes and  PM10 **

**Worksheet for determining base line field passes and**

**Technician:**

**Crop Rotation:**

**Field No.:**

**CTU:**

**Date:**

**Contract No.:**

**Client Name:**

_**Air Quality - Conservation Tillage Worksheet**_

**Conservation Security Program                                                    **

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

- CROPLAND
- 2006

**NOTE: One worksheet will have to be filled out for each different crop.**

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

**                                                 ****Reduce VOC and PM Emissions**

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

- CROPLAND
- 20056

-  Fertilizer application to farm land is applied through various techniques. The purpose of this worksheet is to transfer technology to growers that will reduce the unnecessary volatilization of ammoniacal nitrogen during application and thus reduce potential ozone precursor.
-  Ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3) is present as a gas or nitrogen (N) is converted thru nitrification to a gas in the soil. Ammonia is the most volatile of all forms of nitrogen and its emission is enhanced by increased ultra violet light.  Application through injection is by far the most preferred way to apply N in crops to prevent volatilization.
- Following is a synopsis of application techniques and potential for emission.
- _Method_ (1) has the lowest potential for emissions; Method (5) has the highest potential for volatilization of ammonical nitrogen:
- 1. Injection into moist soil
-      Inject into soil that is moist from rain or irrigation
- 2. Injection into dry soil
-      Applying fertilizer into soil at a stage past moist
- 3. Top dress & incorporated immediately
-       Spray or broadcast fertilizer on soil surface followed by an immediate incorporation
- 4. Water run
-       Apply fertilizer through irrigation water
- 5.  Top dress & no application
-        Spray or broadcast fertilizer without mechanical or irrigation incorporation
**Documentation:**
- To qualify for CSP Enhancement, the fertilizer must be injected into the soil
- (Methods 1 &2)

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

- CROPLAND
- 2006

**Worksheet** – Managing Fertilizer Application Techniques

| Location of Field | Crop | Acres in Compliance | Date |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Ex.Field # 2 | Corn | 120 | 6/05 |  |
|  |  |  |  |  |
|  |  |  |  |  |
|  |  |  |  |  |
|  |  |  |  |  |
|  |  |  |  |  |
|  |  |  |  |  |
|  |  |  |  |  |

**Payment:** $5/acre/year for acres enrolled that meet guidelines

-                         Certification of Grower Fertilizer Application Techniques
- I certify that I am at present, and will continue as a condition of my participation in the Conservation Security Program, to apply my farm fertilizer needs by the above indicated manner.
- ______________________________________
- Grower Name
- ______________________________________
- Farm Name
- ______________________________________
- Date

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

**             ****to reduce VOC and PM Emissions**

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

- CROPLAND
- 2006

**Worksheet** – Managing Pesticide Application Techniques

-    Many areas of CA. are listed as not meeting the Air Quality standards established by EPA under the Clean Air Act. One of the pollutants listed as being excessively high is ozone. Ozone is formed in the atmosphere through a chemical reaction between nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) in combination with sunlight. Ozone levels in the air can be reduced by limiting the amounts of NOx and VOC’s emitted into the atmosphere. The application of pesticides and herbicides onto crops and other vegetation releases VOC’s into the atmosphere. Use of newer, current technologies of application equipment, and capture systems can reduce emissions.
- Choose one of the following options:
**Payment:**  $5/acre/year for acres enrolled that meet guidelines.
**Option 1: Precision Farming Technology**
** ****Documentation Requirements:**
- Approved technologies that may be used:
-  1.  Precision farming technology that allows for GPS guided variable rate sprayers
-        NOTE: Aerial application by a licensed Pest Control Operator does not qualify for this
-       enhancement
-  2.  Photo I.D. spray heads or other sensor controlled sprayers
-  3.  Controlled pesticide application through precision irrigation
-        a. through drip system
-        b. through buried irrigation lines
-        c. micro sprinklers
-  4.  Use of hooded/shielded sprayers

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

**                                                  ****VOC and PM Emissions (cont.)**

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

- CROPLAND
- 2006

**                      ****Worksheet** – Managing Pesticide Application Techniques

**Option 2:** **Alternative or Reduced Pesticide Application**
-   The formulation of the pesticide plays a large part in affecting the amount of VOC’s that can
- potentially be released into the air. By switching to a lower VOC containing product, a very
- substantial reduction in emissions can be obtained. Pesticide labels will provide information
-  on the VOC amounts that are volatilized with a specific product formulation.
**Documentation Requirements:**
- Completed VOC Compounds Reduction Worksheet
- Non-attainment areas: minimum 25% reduction in VOC emissions
- Ag Commissioners-Monthly Pesticide Use Reports for the prior 2 years
-                  _Refer to www.cdpr.ca.gov  air page,voc emissions page _
_**Conservation Security Program-Volatile Organic Compounds Reductions Worksheet**_
- In order to comply with the California State Implementation Plan of the Department of
- Pesticide Regulation Agriculture and Commercial Structure Pesticides under the Clean Air
-  Act, applicants need to show and document the appropriate above listed reductions in VOC emissions of on-farm application. Documentation to be based on grower’s monthly county Agriculture Commissioners Pesticide Use Report for the past 2 years

**Benchmark (Past)**
- Crop:_______________________
-            Product          Rate/Acre        Acres             Total            Total #         Emission    Total Applied
-              Used                                   Treated         Product         Pounds        Potential             X
-                                                                                 Used             Used               %                  E.P.
-                                                                                                                                           (Total V.O.C)

| Ex: 
Treflan 5
E.C.
 | 2 pt. | 100 | 200 pt | 100
4#/gal
Active
Ingredient
(a.i.) | 39.15 | 39.15# |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

**                                                  ****VOC and PM Emissions (cont.)**

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

- CROPLAND
- 2006

**Option 2:** **Alternative or Reduced Pesticide Application (cont.)**

| Ex.Treflan 4
E.C. | 1pt. | 100 | 100 pt. | 50
(4#/gal a.i.) | 39.15 | 19.57 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| TOTAL: |  |  |  |  |  |  |

- Total VOC’s Applied (present)    ________÷ Total Applied(past ) ________ =   __________   %reduced
-                Default Emission Potentials for various formulation classes

**Present**
- Crop:_______________________
-           Product           Rate/Acre            Acres               Total                Total #            Emissions              Total
-            Used                                         Treated            Product            Pounds             Potential             Applied
-                                                                                       Used                Used                      %                   X  E.P.
-                                                                                                                                                            ( Total VOC’s)

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

**                                                 ****Certified Reductions in VOC, NOx, and PM Emissions**

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

- CROPLAND
- 2006

- Many airshed areas in California have been deemed non-attainment for Particulate Matter-10 microns (PM-10, etc.) and Ozone by the Environmental Protection Agency for air quality under the Clean Air Act. PM and ozone from farm irrigation pumping plant activities have been identified as potential sources of PM and ozone precursors. By installing new lower emissions EPA certified TIER II & TIER III power units or electric motors for irrigation, excessive PM and ozone precursor’s emissions can be reduced, thereby helping reduce agricultures on farm emissions.
- By, installing new lower emissions EPA certified TIER II & TIER III power units or electric motors a landowner can effectively comply with the requirements of this program. These units must be used for pumping irrigation water. The units can be stationary or portable.

**Payment:** $2/acre/year for the acres that each certified TIER II & TIER III, or electric power unit services.

**Worksheet** – Adopt New Farm Engine Technology

## Nutrient Management Enhancements (ENM’s)

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

**or other amendments.**

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

- CROPLAND
- March 2006

- Payment = $2/a attributes

- Use precision application equipment, such as gps guided applicators, to apply fertilizer or other amendments based on conditions in sub-field management zones established by field sampling.  Equipment may also be used to improve application accuracy and reduce overlap when fields require a uniform application rate.  This does not include aerial application of fertilizers.
- Apply fertilizer using surface or buried drip or micro sprinkler irrigation systems.
- All fertilizer applications must be applied at reasonable rates based on crop requirements.  Irrigation systems must be well maintained and managed to achieve high efficiency of water use.  Maintain records of applications, field monitoring data,  and application method.
- $8 per acre
- Maintain records of all fertilizer, manure, or other amendment applications.  Records should contain field, crop, yield, date , type and amount of material applied, and method of application.  Submit receipts for professional services and products purchased.  Submit records of all soil or tissue testing, mapping or other methods used to establish field zones and the needed amendment rate.
- Use of Certified Crop Advisors and NAPT PAP certified labs _[http://www.napt-pap.org](http://www.napt-pap.org/)__[/](http://www.napt-pap.org/)_ is strongly encouraged.  Proper management and records for all nutrients is strongly encouraged even when not specifically required in the enhancement.

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

**Set N rates**

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

- CROPLAND
- March 2005

- Payment = $2/a attributes

- Use Pre-Plant soil N test to adjust pre-plant N application.  Use Pre-Sidedress soil N test to adjust in-season nutrient applications.  This enhancement is not applicable for permanent crops.
- $5 per acre
- Soil tests are taken Pre-Plant and Pre-Sidedress, as applicable,  to adjust N application rates to account for available soil N.  Maintain records of all fertilizer, manure, or other nutrient applications.  Records should contain field, crop, yield, date, amount of N, form of N, and method of application.  Submit receipts for professional services and products purchased.  Submit copies of all soil analysis showing field, crop, date of sample, results.  Submit summary of estimated N supplied by soil that offset fertilizer applications.
- Use of Certified Crop Advisors and NAPT PAP certified labs http://www.napt-pap.org/ is strongly encouraged.  Proper management and records for all nutrients is strongly encouraged even when not specifically required in the enhancement.

| Field | Acres | N supplied by soil  lbs/ac |
| --- | --- | --- |
|  |  |  |
|  |  |  |
|  |  |  |
|  |  |  |

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

**Nutrient Management –** **ENM06-#3 Permanent Crops - Level 1 Nutrient Mgt – Use**
**	****	****tissue sampling, yields, and UC guidelines, or other broadly  **
**	****	****accepted source of guidance, to set fertilizer amount and form.**

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

- CROPLAND
- March 2006

- Payment = $2/a attributes

- For permanent crops, use annual tissue tests and yield data to set nutrient application timing and rates.  Follow UC recommendations, or other broadly accepted source of guidance.  This enhancement does not apply to annually planted crops.
- $5 per acre
- Maintain records of all fertilizer, manure, or other nutrient applications.  Records should contain field, crop, yield, date, amount of N, form of N, and method of application.  Submit receipts for professional services and products purchased.  Submit copies of all  tissue analysis showing field, crop, date of sample, results.
- Use of Certified Crop Advisors and NAPT PAP certified labs _[http://www.napt-pap.org](http://www.napt-pap.org/)__[/](http://www.napt-pap.org/)_ is strongly encouraged.  Proper management and records for all nutrients is strongly encouraged even when not specifically required in the enhancement.

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

**	****	****tissue sampling, yields, nitrate testing of irrigation water, **
**	****	****and UC Guidelines to set fertilizer amount and form      ****	****	****	****	****	**

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

- CROPLAND
- March 2005

- Payment = $2/a attributes

- For permanent crops, use annual tissue tests and yield data to set nutrient application timing and rates.  Also, annually sample the nitrate levels in your irrigation water sources, estimate the nitrogen delivered with your irrigation water seasonally,  and use that to offset other planned nitrogen applications.  To qualify, irrigation water must have an average of 2 ppm nitrate-N, which is about .5 lbs N/ ac-in of water.  Provide documentation to NRCS that the weighted average of the nitrate-N level in your irrigation water is at least 2 ppm at time of sign up.  Follow UC recommendations, or other broadly accepted source of guidance in applying nutrients.  This enhancement does not apply to annually planted crops.
- $10 per acre
- Maintain records of irrigation water testing, calculations showing nitrogen delivered with irrigation water, irrigation amounts applied, and all fertilizer, manure, or other nutrient applications.  Records should contain field, crop, yield, date, amount of N, form of N, and method of application.  Submit receipts for professional services and products purchased.  Submit copies of water nitrate tests and tissue analysis showing field, crop, date of sample, results.
- Use of Certified Crop Advisors and NAPT PAP certified labs http://www.napt-pap.org/ is strongly encouraged.  Proper management and records for all nutrients is strongly encouraged even when not specifically required in the enhancement.

| Field | Acres | N Applied Before   lbs/ac | N Applied After   lbs/ac | N supplied with Irrigation Water     lbs/ac |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
|   |   |   |   |   |
|   |   |   |   |   |
|   |   |   |   |   |

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

**	****	****tissue sampling, yields, nitrate testing of irrigation water, **
**	****	****and soil test to develop nitrogen budget.**

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

- CROPLAND
- March 2005

- Payment = $2/a attributes

- For permanent crops, use annual tissue tests and yield data to set nutrient application timing and rates.  Sample soils at least once every three years for nutrients, organic matter and other properties pertinent to orchard management.  Work with UCCE to interpret and utilize soil sampling results to improve management.  Objectives may be to identify soil limiting factors such as compaction, textural stratification, pathogens, salinity, or nutritional factors.  Also, annually sample the nitrate levels in your irrigation water sources, estimate the nitrogen delivered with your irrigation water seasonally,  and use that to offset other planned nitrogen applications.  To qualify, irrigation water must have an average of 2 ppm nitrate-N, which is about .5 lbs N/ ac-in of water.  Provide documentation to NRCS that the weighted average of the nitrate-N level in your irrigation water is at least 2 ppm at time of sign up.  Follow UC recommendations, or other broadly accepted source of guidance in applying nutrients.  This enhancement does not apply to annually planted crops.
- $15 per acre
- Maintain records of soil and irrigation water testing, calculations showing nitrogen delivered with irrigation water, irrigation amounts applied, and all fertilizer, manure, or other nutrient applications.  Records should contain field, crop, yield, date, amount of N, form of N, and method of application.  Submit receipts for professional services and products purchased.  Submit copies of soil, water nitrate tests, and tissue analysis showing field, crop, date of sample, results as appropriate.
- Use of Certified Crop Advisors and NAPT PAP certified labs http://www.napt-pap.org/ is strongly encouraged.  Proper management and records for all nutrients is strongly encouraged even when not specifically required in the enhancement.

| Field | Acres | N Applied Before   lbs/ac | N Applied After   lbs/ac | N supplied with Irrigation Water     lbs/ac |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
|   |   |   |   |   |
|   |   |   |   |   |
|   |   |   |   |   |

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

**	****	****irrigation water**.

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

- CROPLAND
- March 2005

- Payment = $2/a attributes

- Measure NO3 level in irrigation water.  Use this as a source to reduce N application rates.  Nitrate – N levels in groundwater or surface water irrigation supply must exceed 2.0  PPM (approximately .5 lb no3-N / ac in).  The applicant must provide information on the nitrate content of the irrigation water supply at the time of application to qualify for this enhancement
- $5 per acre
- Nitrogen in well water or surface water with significant nitrate levels (>5.0 ppm NO3-N)  are used to offset N applications from other sources.  The waters are analyzed for nitrate content.  The amount of N supplied by the irrigation water is subtracted from the N rate usually used to achieve the crop yield for that field.  Maintain records of all fertilizer, manure, or other nutrient applications.  Records should contain field, crop, date, amount of N, form of N, and method of application.  Show N applications prior to use of nitrate tests and those used following it.  Submit receipts for professional services and products purchased.  Supply copies of all  water analysis results when applying for this enhancement.  Submit records showing reductions in N applied as a result of accounting for irrigation water supplied N on the form below, or equivalent substitute.
- Use of Certified Crop Advisors and NAPT PAP certified labs http://www.napt-pap.org/ is strongly encouraged.  Proper management and records for all nutrients is strongly encouraged even when not specifically required in the enhancement.

| Field | Acres | N Applied Before   lbs/ac | N Applied After   lbs/ac | N supplied with Irrigation Water     lbs/ac |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
|   |   |   |   |   |
|   |   |   |   |   |
|   |   |   |   |   |

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

- CROPLAND
- 2006

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

- CROPLAND
- March 2005

- Payment = $2/a attributes

- Plant winter cover crops to scavenge nitrate remaining in the soil following harvest of summer crop such as tomato or bean.  This practice is intended to reduce risk of nitrate leaching, recover nitrogen for crop use, improve soil condition by increasing infiltration and fertility, reduce erosion, runoff, and sedimentation.  All plant material to remain in the field, and may be incorporated or left on the surface.  Establish  cover according to NRCS practice standard 340A, Cover and Green Manure Crop.  Do not use additional nitrogen fertilizer for establishment.
- $5 per acre
- Maintain records of all fertilizer, manure, or other nutrient applications. Records should contain planting date and species used as cover crop and all tillage used to manage the cover crop.  Maintain records of all fertilization by field, crop, date, amount of N, form of N, and method of application. Maintain record of crop yields.  Submit receipts for professional services and products purchased.
- Use of Certified Crop Advisors and NAPT PAP certified labs http://www.napt-pap.org/ is strongly encouraged.  Proper management and records for all nutrients is strongly encouraged even when not specifically required in the enhancement.

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

- CROPLAND
- March 2005

- Payment = $2/a attributes

- For rice, reduce N applications by 30 pounds/ac when straw incorporation has been ongoing for 3 years or more
- $5 per acre
- Nitrogen applications are reduced by at least 30 lbs/ac from previous rates in rice where residues have been returned.  This reduction is usually possible after three years of returning rice residue into the soil, as opposed to burning or baling.  Subtract 30 lbs/ac or more from the nitrogen rate usually used to achieve the crop yield on fields with a history of having residues returned.  Maintain records of all fertilizer, manure, or other nutrient applications.  Records should contain field, crop, yield, date, amount of N, form of N, and method of application.  Submit a summary of N applications prior to accounting for residue supplied N and N applications after accounting for residue supplied N, as shown on the form below.  Submit receipts for professional services and products purchased.
- Use of Certified Crop Advisors and NAPT PAP certified labs _[http://www.napt-pap.org](http://www.napt-pap.org/)__[/](http://www.napt-pap.org/)_ is strongly encouraged.  Proper management and records for all nutrients is strongly encouraged even when not specifically required in the enhancement.

| Field | Acres | N Applied Before   lbs/ac | N Applied After   lbs/ac | N supplied by incorporated rice residue        lbs/ac |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
|   |   |   |   |   |
|   |   |   |   |   |
|   |   |   |   |   |

**Nutrient Management – ENM02-#8 Reduce N application by 30 lbs/ac for rice when**
** ****incorporating residue.**

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

**	****	****manage nutrients for Almonds and Prunes.**

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

- CROPLAND
- March  2005

- Payment = $2/a attributes

- For almonds and prunes, use tissue tests and available UC nitrogen budget software to set nutrient application timing and rates.  Follow UC recommendations, or other broadly accepted source of guidance to utilize tissue sample data.   The almond model is at http://fruitsandnuts.ucdavis.edu/almondNKmodel/almondNKmodel.htm.  Use the UCCE prune management software included in the CSP Support CD for prunes.
- $8 per acre
- Maintain records of all fertilizer, manure, or other nutrient applications.  Records should contain field, crop, yield, date, amount of N, form of N, and method of application.  Submit receipts for professional services and products purchased.  Submit copies of all  tissue analysis showing field, crop, date of sample, results.
- Use of Certified Crop Advisors and NAPT PAP certified labs http://www.napt-pap.org/ is strongly encouraged.  Proper management and records for all nutrients is strongly encouraged even when not specifically required in the enhancement.

## Pest Management Enhancements (EPM’s)

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

**                                  ****UCIPM, or Equivalent**

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

- CROPLAND
- March 2006

- Payment = $2/a attributes

- Manage pests following a comprehensive, year around program of Integrated Pest Management.  This must include a written schedule, preferably in a checklist format, of all monitoring and other activities for all pests reasonably expected to impact the crop.  All programs will conform in scope to the year around programs developed by UCIPM for Almonds, Cotton, Prunes, Plums.  An example checklist format is provided below.  Your checklist for a year around program should be as complete for your crop as those prepared by UCIPM.  A record keeping system must be used to track the activities on the checklist.  An example record keeping form for dormant spur sampling in almonds is available at  _[http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/C003/m003yi01.html](http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/C003/m003yi01.html)__  Submit the proposed checklist to NRCS at the beginning of the contract.  Annually submit records showing activities undertaken and a sample of all types of data collected, such as pest monitoring, degree-day calculations, etc.  Provide receipts for pertinent professional services or purchases of chemicals, supplies, application equipment, special planting seed, predator releases, etc. _
- $125/ac
- Apply mitigations for pesticides used, as needed.

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

- CROPLAND
- 2005

**Pest Management –EPM01-#2  Use IPM Techniques to Moderate Pesticide Needs. Not a**
**                                 ****Fully Comprehensive IPM Program (Option 1)**

**Payment: ** $40 /acre
- All practices selelcted should conform to protocols established by UCIPM, and are found at ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/crops-agriculture.html
**List of IPM activities to select from (choose minimum of 4):**
-   Use research based economic thresholds, such as those provided by UCIPM, for chemical application decisions.  Document source of threshold and, if not UCIPM, research base supporting it.
-   Prevent pest introduction or re-infestation through use of pest resistant rootstock or seed,
-       removing host plants, removing mummies or other contaminated residues, sanitizing
-       equipment, or related action.
-   Use plantings to manage beneficial and pest species:  cover crop, use of insectary plants
-      or trap crops on field borders, or related activity
-   Use cultural methods to enhance pest control  (e.g. delay pruning, intercropping, crop rotation, soil solarization, adjustment of planting and harvest dates, or related action )
-   Release predator or parasite species to manage beneficial and pest species
-   Enhanced Monitoring (Use degree days, pheromone traps, or other specialized
-      monitoring techniques)
-   Use pheromone disruptors, growth regulators, or similar biologically disruptive chemicals.
- Maintain records of all activities undertaken to use each technique as described at ipm.ucdavis.edu for the crop.  Submit invoices for the purchase of professional services, chemicals, equipment, or other expenses necessary to implement these activities. Apply mitigations for pesticides used, as needed.

**Utilize Any Four Techniques Listed Below**

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

**                                  ****Not a Fully Comprehensive IPM Program (Option 2)**

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

- CROPLAND
- 2005

**Payment:** $20 /acre
- All practices selelcted should conform to protocols established by UCIPM, and are found at ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/crops-agriculture.html
**List of IPM activities to select from (choose minimum of 3):**
-   Use research based economic thresholds, such as those provided by UCIPM, for chemical application decisions.  Document source of threshold used and, if not UCIPM, research base supporting it.
-   Prevent pest introduction or re-infestation through use of pest resistant rootstock or seed,
-      removing host plants, removing mummies or other contaminated residues, sanitizing
-      equipment, or related action.
-   Use plantings to manage beneficial and pest species:  cover crop, use of insectary plants
-      or trap crops on field borders, or related activity
-   Use cultural methods to enhance pest control  (e.g. delay pruning, intercropping, crop rotation, soil solarization, adjustment of planting and harvest dates, or related action )
-   Release predator or parasite species to manage beneficial and pest species
-   Enhanced Monitoring (Use degree days, pheromone traps, or other specialized
-      monitoring techniques)
-   Use pheromone disruptors, growth regulators, or similar biologically disruptive chemicals.
- Maintain records of all activities undertaken to use each technique as described at ipm.ucdavis.edu for the crop.  Submit invoices for the purchase of professional services, chemicals, equipment, or other expenses necessary to implement these activities. Apply mitigations for pesticides used, as needed.

**Utilize Any Three Techniques Listed Below**

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

- CROPLAND
- March 2006

- Payment = $2/a attributes

- Substitute a pesticide highly toxic to non-target species with one significantly less toxic to non-target species.  The substitution should:
- -Be evaluated using a risk assessment tool such as WIN-PST and be found to present significantly less risk
- -Be recommended by a PCA as a viable and effective replacement
- -Be shown to be significantly less toxic based on EPA database found in WIN-PST, UCIPM, or other recognized  ratings
- Refer to _pesticideinfo.org/Index.html_ or _[ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/crops-agriculture.html](http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/crops-agriculture.html)__ to help identify alternatives. _
- Submit the name of the pesticide removed from use, evidence of it’s application on the specific field within the previous two years,  the alternate pesticide used, and evidence of the alternate pesticide use for the period required by  the contract. Maintain a record of the risk assessment, and the toxicity ratings of the pesticide selected and that replaced.  The form below should be used to summarize the substitutions.
- Apply mitigations for pesticides used, as needed.
- $4/ac/chemical substituted

| Field | Acres | Pesticide previously used | Pesticide substituted | PCA Certification |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
|   |   |   |   |   |
|   |   |   |   |   |
|   |   |   |   |   |
|   |   |   |   |   |
|   |   |   |   |   |
|   |   |   |   |   |
|   |   |   |   |   |
|   |   |   |   |   |
|   |   |   |   |   |

**Pest Management – EPM03-#4 Products are specifically selected, utilized, and applied**
**	****               ****to reduce toxicity to nontargeted species (e.g. beneficials)**

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

- CROPLAND
- March 2005

- Payment = $2/a attributes

- Eliminate the use of all pesticides other than those certified for use by the National Organic Program as found on the National List and on the OMRI list.
- $100 per acre
- (www.ams.usda.gov/nop/NationalList/ListHome.html) – National List
- (www.omri.org) – OMRI List
- Submit an organic system plan, such as that required by California Certified Organic Farmers describing how pests will be managed without restricted pesticides.  Submit records of substances used to control pests for the past two years, and annually as required by the contract.  If applicable, maintain Organic Certification according to the National Organic Standard and submit evidence of it.  If you are not certified as an Organic Farmer and are transitioning to certification submit identical records required of those with certification and provide proof of certification when received.  Payment is not available for any year a substance is applied that is not on the National List. Annually submit records showing activities undertaken to manage pests and a sample of all other types of data collected, such as pest monitoring.  Provide receipts for pertinent professional services or purchases of chemicals, supplies, application equipment, special planting seed, predator releases, etc.
- Apply mitigations for pesticides used, as needed.
- A format based on the California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) application can be found on the NRCS CSP Support CD, or at www.coof.org.

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

**                                                    ****Pesticide Movement**

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

- CROPLAND
- March 20056

- Payment = $2/a attributes

- Vegetated strips such as Filter Strips, Field Borders, Contour Buffer Strips, or Riparian Forest Buffers are established according to appropriate  NRCS Practice Standards.
- This enhancement is applicable in the following circumstances:
- Pesticide loss from solution or adsorbed runoff is identified as a high or extremely high risk by WIN-PST for the field enrolled.
- Water carrying residues of the chemical of concern sheet flows across the treated area  to a drain or other water body.
- All plantings are designed and maintained to adequately perform as a buffer to reduce sheet flow runoff by increasing percolation and/or capturing fine particulates from sediment.
- The producer is aware of the area that must be converted to vegetated strip and agrees to retain this as a buffer for the term of the contract.
- Other methods to control runoff from the property have been included in the plan, such as irrigation tail water control, irrigation water management, flood protection, or others, as appropriate.  This practice is not appropriate when water leaves the field as concentrated flow without first passing through the vegetated strip as sheet flow.
- This practice is used as part of a larger integrated pest management (IPM) program, including selection of less toxic materials when appropriate.  See http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu for additional information.
- 7)	Mitigations required by the use of any pesticide are installed and maintained.  Apply all pesticides in accordance with law.

- $300 Per Acre on acres converted  from cropland to a vegetated buffer

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

**Pest Management ** **EPM01-#7 Use UC-based comprehensive IPM program to address**
**	****             ****at least one major key pest requiring complex monitoring and **
**	****             ****record-keeping actions**

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

- CROPLAND
- March 2006

- Payment = $2/a attributes

- Manage at least one pest following a comprehensive, year around program of Integrated Pest Management.  This must include a written schedule, preferably in a checklist format, of all monitoring and other activities for all pests managed.  All programs will conform in scope to the year around programs developed by UCIPM for Almonds, Cotton, Prunes, Plums, but may address only selected pests.  An example checklist format is provided below.  Your checklist for a year around program should be as complete for your crop as those prepared by UCIPM.  A record keeping system must be used to track the activities on the checklist.  An example record keeping form for dormant spur sampling in almonds is available at  http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/C003/m003yi01.html  Submit the proposed checklist to NRCS at the beginning of the contract.  Annually submit records showing activities undertaken and a sample of all types of data collected, such as pest monitoring, degree-day calculations, etc.  Provide receipts for pertinent professional services or purchases of chemicals, supplies, application equipment, special planting seed, predator releases, etc.
- $50/ac
- Apply mitigations for pesticides used, as needed.

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

**	****	****           ****to reduce pesticide spray overlap**

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

- CROPLAND
- March 2006

- Payment = $2/a attributes

- The intent of this enhancement is to reduce pesticide spray overlap through integrating Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Real Time Kinetics (RTK), laser technology, and computer guided spray nozzles to precisely and efficiently target spray to eliminate overspray. This enhancement is available once the applicant qualifies for CSP by meeting the program’s entry requirements for soil and water quality.
- Traditional methods of pesticide application are being replaced by integrating Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Real Time Kinetics (RTK), laser technology, and computer guided spray nozzles to precisely and efficiently target spray to eliminate overspray.
- Lower technology approaches such as row markers, chalk lines, or other means off guiding equipment accurately through the field can be a substitute.
- _Documentation Required_:   A description of the system of reducing overlap, including fields being applied to and equipment being used.
- $8/ac

## Energy Management Enhancements (EEM’s)

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

- CROPLAND
- 2006

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

- This job sheet will help landowners and managers determine if they are eligible for the offered payment(s) for energy enhancement activities.
- In the 2006 signup, CSP offers payments for the following energy enhancements. Each is described in more detail in subsequent pages of this job sheet:
- • EEM40 Performing a professional energy audit of farm/ranch operations
- • EEM41 Recycling of all farm equipment lubricants
-  EEM42 Use perennial legumes to reduce energy need for production of N
-  EEM43 Use annual legumes to reduce energy need for production of N
- • EEM44 Use  manure to supplying at least 90% of crop nutrient needs
-  EEM45 Soil Tillage Intensity Rating (STIR) of less than 60, 30, or 15
- • EEM46 Use renewable energy fuel (Biodiesel or Ethanol)
- • EEM47 Renewable energy generation (solar, wind, water, geothermal, methane)
-  EEM48 Energy reduction by 5%, 10% or 20%

**Energy Enhancement Activities (EEM’s)**

- For 2006, the Conservation Security Program (CSP) offers enhancement payments as incentives to reward or encourage on-farm energy conservation and management. These enhancements are available once the applicant qualifies for CSP by meeting the program’s entry requirements for soil and water quality. Through CSP, NRCS is encouraging farmers and ranchers to implement new methods to recycle waste lubricants in their operations, reduce the use of fossil fuels, and reduce impacts on the environment from the use of energy. Payments are offered for several of these activities through the program.

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

- CROPLAND
- 2006

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

**Energy Enhancement Activities (EEM’s, continued)**

**CSP Energy Enhancement Activity Task Sheet **
**Acknowledgement Statement: **
- I have elected to use the following Energy Enhancement activities and understand the requirements of the selected activities:
-  Perform a professional energy audit of agricultural operations (Worksheet E-01)** **
-  Recycle all farm equipment lubricants (Worksheet E-02)** **
** **Include perennial legumes in the rotation (Worksheet E-04)** **
** **Include annual legumes in the rotation (Worksheet E-04)** **
-  Supply 90% of crop nutrient needs with manures and/or other organic sources
-  Maintain STIR of less than 60 (Worksheet E-03)** **
-  Maintain STIR of less than 30 (Worksheet E-03)** **
-  Maintain STIR of less than 15 (Worksheet E-03)** **
-  Purchase at least 25 gallons of actual bio-diesel (Worksheet  E-05)** **
** **Purchase at least 100 gallons of actual ethanol fuel (Worksheet E-05)** **
-  Produce at least 100 kWh of measured, renewable energy (Worksheet E-06)** **
-  Demonstrate reduced energy consumption by at least 5% below average baseline consumption (Worksheet E-07)
-  Demonstrate reduced energy consumption by at least 10% below average baseline consumption (Worksheet E-07)** **
-  Demonstrate reduced energy consumption by at least 20% below average baseline consumption (Worksheet E-07)
- I agree that the following information will be provided to NRCS upon request:   Written documentation of the activity performed (as described in the attached worksheets). Copies of dated receipts for equipment or services purchased.
- I understand that CSP Enhancements earnings are subject to payment caps and that my actual payments will depend on my CSP Tier level, the land area affected, and the number of activities I undertake.
- I understand it is my responsibility to obtain all necessary permits to comply with all laws, regulations and ordinances pertaining to the application of these activities.
- Accepted by: /s/ _________________________________ Date: __________________

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

*** ***
***Definition****** – ***An energy audit identifies and evaluates energy management opportunities on the farm or ranch. During an audit, a baseline is developed to characterize and record on-farm energy use. Individual unit operations, processes, and major energy-consuming equipment are evaluated to identify energy management opportunities and high-return-on-investment projects. An action report is produced that describes the baseline, each major conservation opportunity area, an estimate of the cost to implement the changes, the potential savings that will be generated, and an estimation of the payback period.  Additional information on farm energy audits is covered in the CSP Information Sheet, ***Energy Audit.***

- CROPLAND
- 2006

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

**Energy Management –EEM40- Energy Audit (Worksheet E-01)**

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

- CROPLAND
- 2006

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

**Energy Management – EEM40- Energy Audit (Worksheet E-01, continued)**

***Guidance***. At a minimum, farm energy audits for CSP must identify baseline usage for non-residential structures and all stationary equipment used in farming operations. Vehicles and the farmstead are currently excluded.
***Who Performs Energy Audits? – ***Farmers and ranchers interested in receiving an enhancement payment for an energy audit must hire a professionally qualified energy auditor or utility of their choice to conduct the audit. Operators should ensure that the auditor has relevant educational and professional experience, has a successful track record in energy auditing, can provide objective advice, has declared any financial relationships with equipment vendors or service companies, and has qualified staff.  NRCS can provide assistance in identifying
- qualified energy auditors.
***Baseline Self Assessments –*** In some areas contractors or utilities are not readily available to perform energy audits on farms. A self-assessment worksheet is being developed for areas with limited access to energy audits. The worksheet will help producers establish a baseline energy usage and identify proposed energy savings activities. The baseline self-assessment documents current energy use and may be used to document energy savings over the life of the CSP contract. Payments will **not** be made for baseline self assessments, themselves, however. Additional guidance on the baseline self-assessment is covered in the ***CSP Energy Enhancement Energy Assessment Work Sheet***.
_**CSP Payment**_: A one-time CSP Enhancement payment is offered to farmers who obtain a professional farm energy audit.   **Payment: $500 each**
_**Documentation Required**_: A receipt from the professional energy auditor is required prior for payment approval for the farm energy audit enhancement. To establish a baseline assessment, a summary page from the farm energy audit or a signed copy of the baseline self-assessment worksheet will be required.

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

- CROPLAND
- 2006

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

**Energy Management –EEM41- Recycling On-Farm Lubricants (Worksheet E-02)**

- Lubricants are widely used on farms and ranches in a variety of machinery and equipment. Without proper disposal, lubricants can enter the environment causing damage to groundwater or surface water. Proper management of these wastes can help protect the quality of groundwater and surface drinking water supplies in the watershed. By recycling these lubricants, the farmer also saves energy.

- The first step in reducing potential associated water quality degradation is to carefully purchase and use only essential products, reuse them when possible, and recycle them at a recycling depot.
* *
***Definitions –***** **For purposes of CSP, farm lubricants are defined as oils, fluids, or greases, including all mineral-based oils, synthetic oils, or semi-synthetic oils used to reduce friction in equipment and machinery. Recycling involves disposal of lubricants through a recycling company or depot. Because of air quality concerns, burning is not considered recycling.
_**CSP Payment**_**:** CSP offers an annual payment to qualified farmers who recycle all their farm lubricants during the year. **Payment: $200/year**
_**Documentation Required**_**:** Receipts or a tally showing lubricants brought on to the farm during the year and receipts from the receiving recycling company or depot showing recycling of a the used lubricants are required prior to payment approval.

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

- CROPLAND
- 2006

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

**Energy Management – EEM42, EEM43, and EEM44 Use of Manure, Legumes, and **
**	****	****Alternatives to Supply Crop Nutrient Needs (Worksheet E-04)**

- Nitrogen used in crop production, is often applied in large quantities to supplement soil supplies. Nitrogen typically is supplied to crops as ammonium nitrate, diammonium phosphate (DAP), ammonium sulfate, cal-nitro (ammonium nitrate + limestone) or other inorganic form.

- The amount of energy needed to produce the nitrogen portion of the fertilizers is massive, almost 18,000 kilocalories of energy per one kilogram of nitrogen, and requires large quantities of fossil fuels. This compares to 3,000 and 2,300 kilocalories per kilogram to produce phosphate and potassium fertilizer components, respectively1. There is a clear opportunity to save energy by reducing inorganic nitrogen applications. This can be accomplished by crediting nitrogen produced on-site by leguminous crops and cover crops, and by utilizing readily available organic sources of nutrients (such as manures) as fertilizer for crops.  The producer must closely evaluate the requirements for each crop rotation, soil, and climate.
- Nutrient use efficiency can be improved by carefully accounting for all sources of nutrients before determining how much additional fertilizer to apply. Additional efficiencies can be gained by calibrating applicators, applying fertilizer products and manure accurately, and using the correct method and placement to avoid losses and spillage.
- CSP offers three different enhancement payments for practices that save energy by reducing inorganic fertilizer applications. A producer may elect one of these three enhancements.

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

- CROPLAND
- 2006

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

**Energy Management – EEM42, EEM43, and EEM44 Use of Manure, Legumes, and **
**	****	****Alternatives to Supply Crop Nutrient Needs** **(Worksheet E-04),**
**	****	****(continued)**

**EEM44 - Use of Manure to Supply 90% of Crop Nutrient Needs**
- Livestock manure and legumes are excellent fertilizer for the soil, providing such nutrients as nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, micronutrients, potassium, and organic matter. Using alternative fertilizers to inorganic compounds will benefit the soil's water-holding capacity and tilth by increasing soil organic content. Additionally, this approach can reduce the consumption of fossil fuels and minerals used in the production of inorganic fertilizer, conserving energy in the process. However, when using these alternative sources, it is still essential to follow good management practices in order to avoid damage to the crop and hazards to the environment. Because the ratios of nitrogen to phosphorus and potassium in manure is lower than this ratio in the crop, use of manure alone to supply 90 percent of the crop nutrients needs will result in an over application of phosphorus and potassium. Therefore, good agronomic practice would indicate use of more than one organic source to achieve this energy enhancement. Some of the alternative nutrient sources are listed below.
*Manure**** –***** **Animal waste is an excellent source for nutrients; however, manure nutrient content varies among operations and over time. Manure applications should be based strictly on the nutrient requirement of the crop to avoid over-application and reduce the potential of nitrate-nitrogen leaching into groundwater and phosphorus being transported into streams.  The following steps will assure the correct amount (agronomic rate) of manure is applied.
- 1. Determine crop nutrient requirements, based on a realistic yield goal.
- 2. Determine the nutrient content of the manure.
- 3. Determine the fraction of manure nutrients available to the crop in the first year of application.
- 4. Calculate the application rate to supply crop nutrient needs.
- 5. Deduct nutrients supplied from other sources.
- 	a. Determine the nutrient content of the other sources.
- 	b. Determine the fraction of nutrients in alternative sources available to the 	 	    crop in the first year of application.
- 6. Determine supplemental nutrients needed for optimum crop growth.
_**CSP Manure Payment**_**:** **  $1.10/acre**
_**Documentation Required**_**:** Farmer or crop consultant certification that 90% of the crop nutrient requirements are supplied from green leaf manures, animal manures, cover crops and/or other organic sources.  Crop and fertilizer records may be requested.

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

- CROPLAND
- 2006

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

**Energy Management – EEM42, EEM43, and EEM44 Use of Manure, Legumes, and **
**	****	****Alternatives to Supply Crop Nutrient Needs** **(Worksheet E-04),**
**(****	****	****continued)**

** ****EEM42 - Use of Perennial Legumes to Supply Crop Nutrient Needs**
-  **EEM43 - Use of Annual Legumes to Supply Crop Nutrient Needs**
*Legumes and Green Leaf Manures**** –***** **Legumes and green leaf manures can perform a multitude of functions on the farm. Nutrients absorbed by green manure crops or those retained within crop residues after harvest, are gradually released or "mineralized" when the crop is incorporated into the soil and subsequently decompose. Many factors govern when the nutrients will be released, including the carbon/nitrogen ratio, moisture content, particle size of the soil, method of incorporation, soil nitrogen levels, and temperature. Legumes and green manures, like animal-based manure, can reduce the consumption of fossil fuels as inputs needed to produce inorganic fertilizers.
- Legumes are the most important of the green manures. There are several categories of legumes and green manures that are used in conservation farming.** **
*Cover crops**** –***** **Cover crops form a mulch that protects the soil from wind and water erosion and greatly reduce annual weeds in the next growing season. Examples of annual legumes include red and sweet clover, hairy vetch, winter cereals, and buckwheat.
*Catch crops / nutrient conserving crops**** –***** **A catch crop only grows briefly and is either worked in after the main crop has been harvested or planted between two main crops. The catch crop protects the soil from erosion and minimizes nutrient loss from the soil through leaching. It can also enrich the soil by adding organic matter, nitrogen, or other nutrients. Examples of annual legumes used as catch crops are oilradish, red clover, and buckwheat.
*Smother crops**** –***** **A smother crop is a green manure crop grown primarily to control weeds. It is characterized by extremely dense, vigorous, and rapid growth. Smother crop species usually are selected with specific weeds in mind. For example, in some regions, fall rye is used against quack grass because its vigorous growth in spring coincides with the growth cycle of quack grass.

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

- CROPLAND
- 2006

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

**Energy Management – EEM42, EEM43, and EEM44 Use of Manure, Legumes, and **
**	****	****Alternatives to Supply Crop Nutrient Needs (Worksheet E-04),**
- 		 **(continued)**

-  **Use of Perennial and Annual Legumes to Supply Crop Nutrient Needs, continued**
- Legumes in rotations form symbiotic associations with nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Through these associations they are able to supply not only the nitrogen for their own needs but a portion of the nitrogen used by the following crop. The actual amount of nitrogen supplied depends on the species grown as well as soil and climatic conditions. In general, however, the longer the legume is allowed to grow, the greater the amount of nitrogen produced. Perennial legumes tend to provide a far greater nitrogen savings than their annual counterparts. Not only are nitrogen inputs not required while the legume is growing, the additional nitrogen available to the following crop is significantly greater for perennial legumes than the nitrogen from annual legumes.
_**CSP Payment**_**:** CSP offers a small annual, per-acre payment for those qualifying acres in which annual legumes are included as part of the crop rotation, and a larger annual, per-acre payment for those qualifying acres in which perennial legumes are included in the crop rotation.  **Payment:  Annual Legumes - $0.10/ac; Perennial legumes - $0.70/ac.**
** **
_**Documentation Required**_**:** Farmer or crop consultant certification. Crop and fertilizer records may be requested.

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

- CROPLAND
- 2006

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

**Energy Management – EEM45- Soil Tillage Intensity Ratings less than 60, 30 or 15**
**	****	****(Reduced Tillage Operations) (Worksheet E-03)**

**STIR Ratings (Less Than 60, 30, or 15) **
- The energy required to till a soil, while influenced by soil type, moisture content and other environmental factors, is directly related to the depth of the tillage, the speed of the operation, and the number of tillage passes. Soil Tillage Intensity Rating (STIR) is an index used to evaluate the impact of kind, severity, and number of ground-disturbing tillage passes on soil quality. The STIR calculation is based on the location of cropland and the Crop Management System that the producer employs on that land. Higher numbers indicate greater disturbance and more energy use, while lower numbers indicate less disturbance and lower energy use.

- The components of STIR are: operating speed of tillage equipment, tillage type, tillage depth, and the percent of surface area disturbed. Weights are assigned to each component to calculate a rating. This rating is useful in making residue management decisions. It is one of three outputs from the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE2). The other outputs are a soil loss estimate and a soil organic matter trend estimate from the Soil Conditioning Index.
_**CSP Payment**_**:** CSP offers an annual payment per acre for eligible acres that sustain a STIR rating of less than 60, a higher payment for those eligible acres with a STIR less than 30 and a still higher payment for those acres with a STIR less than 15.
**Payment:  Less than 60 - $0.50/ac;  Less than 30 - $0.70/ac;  Less than 15 – $0.90/ac**
** **
_**Documentation Required**_**:** STIR ratings from RUSLE2 based on the tillage systems documented for CSP eligibility or a documented change in the tillage system the farmer has implemented

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

- CROPLAND
- 2006

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

**Energy Management – EEM46- Renewable Energy Fuel Uses (Worksheet E-05) **

**Renewable Energy Fuel Uses**

- Renewable fuel is defined as “fuel grade ethanol and biodiesel.” USDA supports the conversion and use of biomass (plant-derived material) as an important energy resource for on-farm use to reduce dependence on petroleum-based fuels. At this time, biomass and its fuel derivatives represent the only renewable alternative for liquid transportation fuel. Using renewable energy fuels can eliminate the use of toxic fuel additives, such as MTBE (Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether); reduce air and water pollution; and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

- A companion Job Sheet, “Renewable Fuel Records,” is also available from NRCS field offices to assist with record keeping and converting fuel blends into components that may be eligible for payment as CSP enhancements.
***Ethanol – ***Ethanol is also known as ethyl alcohol or grain alcohol. Ethanol is used as an alternative fuel and as an octane-boosting additive to gasoline. The U.S. ethanol industry produced more than 2.81 billion gallons in 2003, up 32 percent from 2002’s annual production of 2.13 billion gallons1. Although this number is small compared to fossil fuel use for transportation, ethanol consumption continues to increase dramatically. Ethanol can be made from starch or cellulose. Bio-ethanol technology turns low-value plant material, such as corn stalks, sawdust, or waste paper into fuel ethanol.
*** ***
***Biodiesel – ***Biodiesel is a clean burning alternative fuel produced from oils and fats derived from a variety of renewable resources, including oils derived from canola seeds, corn seeds, sunflower seeds, flax seeds, and, most commonly, soybeans. Raw biodiesel contains no petroleum, but it is usually blended with petroleum diesel to create a biodiesel blend.  Biodiesel fuel is made from oils or fats – both hydrocarbons. The hydrocarbons are filtered, then mixed with an alcohol (typically methanol) and a catalyst (sodium or potassium hydroxide). The major products from this reaction are biodiesel fuel, which is an ester, and glycerol, which has commercial uses, such as in cosmetics, soap, and other products. Biodiesel is simple to use, biodegradable, nontoxic, and essentially free of sulfur and aromatics. It can be used in compression-ignition (diesel) engines with little or no modification.  Farm machinery is largely diesel powered.

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

- CROPLAND
- 2006

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

**Energy Management – EEM46- Renewable Energy Fuel Uses (Worksheet E-05)**
**	****	****(continued)**

_**CSP Payment**_**:** Under CSP, payments will be made to qualifying producers for the* bio-based portion* of eligible blended fuels in 500-gallon increments. A payment is offered each 500 gallons of actual ethanol used in farm machinery. A payment is offered for the first 125-500 gallons of biodiesel used, and for each subsequent 500 gallons of biodiesel used on the farm for the duration of the contract.  **Payment: $25/ 100 gal**
** **
_**Documentation Required**_**:** Receipts documenting the** **annual purchases of renewable fuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel.

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

- CROPLAND
- 2006

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

**EEM4 - Renewable Fuel Worksheet E-05**

- Landowner  ____________
**Renewable Fuel Records **

| 

Date  |  

Fuel Type  |  
Amount 
(gallons)  | Renewable 
Component 
(gallons)  | Estimated 
Payment 
($$)  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| August 8, 2004  | E85  | 6,000  | 5,100 
(6,000 x .85)  |   |
|   |   |   |   |   |
|   |   |   |   |   |
|   |   |   |   |   |
|   |   |   |   |   |
|   |   |   |   |   |
|   |   |   |   |   |
|   |   |   |   |   |
|   |   |   |   |   |
|   |   |   |   |   |
|   |   |   |   |   |

- Notes:
- 1. Renewable fuel (bioenergy, or biofuel) is defined *as biodiesel *and* fuel grade ethanol*.
- 2. Payments for renewable fuel under CSP are *limited to the bio-based portion* of eligible blended fuels in 500 gallon increments. For example, E-85 is 85% ethanol, therefore, for 589 gallons of ethanol, payment will be made only for the 500-gallon bio-based component.

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

- CROPLAND
- 2006

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

**Energy Management – EEM47- Renewable Energy Generation (Worksheet E-06)**

- Cost-conscious and conservation-minded farmers and ranchers have become increasingly aware of the impact that energy has on their ability to sustain their operations. The rising cost of electricity alone can determine whether some farmers are able to stay in business, especially diary farmers and operations that rely on pumping irrigation water. While gaining efficiency and practicing conservation can create significant savings, farmers and ranchers can add energy generation to their operations. For many farmers and ranchers, solar, wind, biogas (methane generation), and, in some instances, geothermal or hydropower energy, can be generated and used on the farm to conserve energy and increase energy independence. Currently, only 2 percent of the total energy consumption in the United States comes from clean, renewable resources, but the potential power output of renewable energy resources is great.

_**CSP Payment**_**:** In order to encourage increased energy production from renewable sources, USDA, through the CSP, will provide payments to qualified agricultural producers for the first 100 kilowatt hour and each subsequent kilowatt hour equivalent of electricity they generate. The energy generated must be documented by metering or other approved protocol.  **Payment:  $2.50 / 100 Kwh**
_**Documentation Required**_**:** Energy generation/savings must be verified by a State Public Utilities Commission, local electric utility (when connected to the grid), or other suitable verification protocol.

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

- CROPLAND
- 2006

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

**Energy Management –EEM48- Energy Use Reduction (Worksheet E-07)**

- Energy consumption in agriculture grew steadily during the 1960s and 1970s, peaking in 1978, due to increased mechanization, use of confinement housing and expanding farm size.* *High* *energy prices during the 1970s and 1990s caused farmers and ranchers to find ways to reduce their energy costs—agricultural consumption was reduced by 41 percent from 1978 to 1998. This was primarily accomplished by reducing energy use or taking actions to use energy more efficiently while still achieving the same outcome. The following are examples of ways energy use was reduced (not including modifying tillage operations and fertilizer use):
-  **Switching from gasoline powered to more fuel efficient diesel powered engines **
** ****Shifting to larger multiprocessor machines **
** ****Using energy saving methods for drying and irrigating crops **
** ****Replacing old machinery with more energy-efficient equipment **
** ****Using new seed varieties to reduce energy-intensive chemical requirements **
** ****Insulating farm buildings **
** ****Using energy efficient irrigation systems **
- Opportunities for energy conservation are available in almost every application or operation on the farm or ranch. Energy conservation can be achieved from simple management changes, such as shifting energy consuming irrigation to hours of low evapotranspiration or conscientiously completing scheduled maintenance so that systems work at optimal levels1.
- The advantages of energy conservation includes reducing air pollutants, reducing global greenhouse gas emissions, reducing dependence on petroleum based products, and slowing escalation of energy costs due to lower demand. The USDA is promoting energy efficiency and conservation through the CSP so that farmers and ranchers can effectively respond to energy price and availability fluctuations and achieve environmental benefits.

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

- CROPLAND
- 2006

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

**Energy Management –EEN48- Energy Use Reduction (Worksheet E-07), (continued)**

_**CSP Payment**_ CSP offers an annual payment for energy reduction to qualified applicants who enroll in the program. The payment is based on reduction rates of 5 percent, 10 percent, and 20 percent of total British Thermal Units (Btu’s)2 consumed by stationary equipment on the farm or ranch. A baseline energy usage must be established prior to claiming this enhancement. The energy audit enhancement or baseline self-assessment will serve this purpose (**Worksheet E-01**). A companion Worksheet, ***Btu Conversion Worksheet*** is also available from NRCS field offices to assist with converting a variety of energy measurement units into Btu’s.  **Payment: 5% reduction - $100/Btu; 10% reduction - $200/Btu; 20% reduction - $500/Btu.**
_**Documentation Required**_**:** Documented baseline energy use based on a professional farm energy audit or baseline self-assessment. Itemization of management changes adopted to accomplish energy reduction.  Receipts documenting average annual energy reduction compared with the established baseline.
- ________________________________________________________________
- 1 Reliable, Affordable, and Environmentally Sound Energy for America’s Future, Report of the National Energy Policy Development Group, Office of the White House, 2002
- 2 A British thermal unit is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit at sea level.

## Soil Management Enhancements (ESM’s)

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

- CROPLAND
- 2006

-  **What is the Soil Conditioning Index?**
- The Soil Conditioning Index (SCI) is a tool that can predict the consequences of cropping systems and tillage practices on soil organic matter.  Organic matter is a primary indicator of soil quality and an important factor in carbon sequestration and global climate change.
- The SCI has three main components:
- 1)      **Organic Matter.  **This accounts for the amount of organic material returned to the soil.  Organic material from plant or animal sources may be grown and retained on the site or imported to the site.
- 2)      **Field Operations.**  Field operations stimulate organic matter breakdown.  Operations such as tillage, planting, fertilizer application, spraying and harvesting crush, bury and shatter plant residues, increasing the rate of decomposition.
- 3)      **Erosion.**  This accounts for the effect of removal of soil by water or wind erosion.  Erosion contributes to loss of organic matter and decline in long-term productivity.
- The SCI gives an overall rating based on these components.  If the rating is a positive value, the system is predicted to have increasing soil organic matter.  The model is designed to aid Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and landowners in planning and designing cropping systems and residue management practices to resolve low organic matter, poor soil tilth, and other soil quality-related problems during conservation planning.  The Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation Version 2 (RUSLE2) is the official NRCS tool that is used to calculate SCI.
**Why is the SCI important?**
- The SCI is a quick way to evaluate the expected change in soil that may occur as a result of a particular farming system.   Organic matter is a critical component of soil health and contributes to nutrient and water holding capacities.   Surface residue protects soil from erosion and as residue decays, it feeds microbes that improve soil structure.
**SCI and the 2005 Conservation Security Program**
- The SCI is one tool used to determine eligibility for the Conservation Security Program (CSP).   Cropland must have a score of greater than 0.0 to be eligible for the program.  All CSP applications with cropland will be rated, in part, based on the SCI score.  The Index is also used to help calculate some of the enhancement payments of the CSP contract.

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

- CROPLAND
- 2006

**What do the numbers mean?**
- The SCI does not predict the level of soil organic matter, but it indicates if a particular management system will increase or decrease organic matter.  For example, a near-zero but positive SCI value indicates that soil organic matter levels are probably being maintained, but soil health may still be poor if the soil organic matter is being maintained at a low level.  If the SCI is negative, soil organic matter levels are likely to decline under that production system.  If the SCI is  positive, soil organic matter levels are predicted to increase under that system.
**Cautions**
- Organic matter is an important factor determining soil quality in many systems, but it is not the only factor.  Other important aspects of soil quality include quality of organic matter, sedimentation, soil biota, nutrient management, contaminants, soil pH, bulk density and infiltration rate.  These are not directly reflected in the Soil Conditioning Index, but can be improved to some extent with gains in organic matter.
**Improving your score**
- Consider some of the following to help increase your SCI score.
-   Raise crops that produce high amounts of residue that are retained on the field.
-   Utilize cover crops when possible to increase organic matter.
-   Utilize manure or crop mulch to add organic matter to the soil.
-   Limit the number and aggressiveness of tillage operations.
-   Minimize the amount of wind and water erosion occurring on the field.
-   Use production techniques that will increase crop and residue production.
**Documentation Required:**
- Verification from the SCI Assessment Tool and certification that those tillages have been performed.
**See the Soil Condition Index and Payment Rate table on the following page: **

**Soil Management – ESM40-1-25 The Soil Conditioning Index and Improving Your **
**Score (cont.) **

- I agree to install or maintain this enhancement as described above and as indicated in the Conservation
- Society Program contract.
-                       **Client**:____________________________            **Date**:___________
- These actions are planned according to the Conservation Security Program:
-       **Conservationist**:____________________________           **Date**:___________

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

- CROPLAND
- 20056

**Soil Management – ESM40-#1-25 The Soil Conditioning Index and Improving Your **
**Score (cont.) **

## Water Management Enhancements (EWM’s)

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

- CROPLAND
- 2006

- Does not apply to Rice Crops.  CSP participants can qualify for Irrigation Enhancement payments by taking actions that increase their intensity of managing irrigation water applications.  In the CSP program, the Irrigation Enhancement Index tool is used to rate and assign values (index) to the varying combination of actions currently taken or planned by producers.  The assigned payment rates corresponding to ranges of index values are illustrated below:

**Documentation Required:**
- The list of actions that the producer decides to continue to take or plans to take are automatically transferred to Water Management “job sheets”.  One enclosed sample job sheet illustrates that a current index value of 70 qualifies the producer for a $6.00 per acre payment on the land enrolled in the program.  As seen on the second enclosed sample job sheet, the producer also plans to improve his index value in 2006 to 82 by adding flow measurement and soil moisture monitoring devices to better schedule irrigations.  These improvements will increase the producer enhancement payment to $10.00 per acre.

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

- CROPLAND
- 2006

## Conservation Practice Enhancement

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

- CROPLAND
- 2006

## Contact your local NRCS office for more information

*Conservation Practice Enhancement*

- CROPLAND
- 2006

**Job Sheets under development for:**
- EWM41- # 7  Water Management – Participate in a field poly tubing recycling program
-  EWM43 - #8  Using methods to reduce evaporative losses as an integral part of an irrigation water management (IWM) system.  Evaporative loss reduction enhancement 1.
- EWM43 - #9  Using methods to reduce evaporative losses as an integral part of an irrigation water management (IWM) system.  Evaporative loss reduction enhancement 2.