Summary of 6 Core Practices for EQIP Funding

Conservation Crop Rotation

Description: Must be done on land that is typically cropped, not for land that is typically hay or pasture, and it is just being renovated.   Cropping system must improve organic matter, break pest and weed cycles and include enough residue to prevent erosion.   Cover crops included in the rotation fit this practice standard.
Payment Schedule Multiplier: 1.34%
Code: Practice Number 328

NRCS Conservation Crop Rotation Practice Standard:
ftp://ftp-fc.sc.egov.usda.gov/NHQ/practice-standards/standards/328.pdf
   

Cover Crop

Description: Cover crops are not to be harvested and they are to have a positive impact on biodiversity and soil organic matter.  Biological nitrogen fixation, weed suppression, erosion control and moisture management are some criteria to use when choosing cover crops to be planted.  This is an excellent opportunity for existing organic farmers to experiment with new types or diverse mixes of cover crops, as well as aiding transitioning farmers to begin including this valuable practice in their cropping system.
Payment Schedule Multiplier: 1.46%
Code: Practice Number 340

NRCS Cover Crop Practice Standard:
ftp://ftp-fc.sc.egov.usda.gov/NHQ/practice-standards/standards/340.pdf

Nutrient Management

Description: Plant nutrients or soil amendments must be applied to a specific field, with the types and amounts determined by soil testing to determine a baseline concentration, crop yield goals to be achieved by using these inputs, and timing of the application of the nutrients/amendments.  Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and others are to be tracked as well as starter fertilizers.  The main purpose of this practice standard is to minimize nutrient losses to ground or surface waters or to the air.  This is an excellent opportunity for farmers to obtain significant funding to help with the development and implementation of a nutrient management system, which in many states is becoming mandatory.
Payment Schedule Multiplier: 1.30%
Code: Practice Number 590

NRCS Nutrient Management Practice Standard:
ftp://ftp-fc.sc.egov.usda.gov/NHQ/practice-standards/standards/590.pdf

Job Sheet: ftp://ftp-fc.sc.egov.usda.gov/NHQ/practice-standards/jobsheets/590js.pdf

Pest Management

Description: This practice standard funds environmentally sensitive management, prevention, monitoring and suppression strategies for weeds, insects, diseases and animals including invasive and noninvasive species that directly cause damage to crops.  While equipment cannot be purchased, the time spent scouting can be paid, as well as the cost of monitoring traps and pheromone releases.  This is most useful for the transitioning to organic producer where resource protection is the goal. For organic producers who are not currently using materials that are risky to the environment, this program would not offer any financial reimbursements.
Payment Schedule Multiplier: 1.60%
Code: Practice Number 595

NRCS Pest Management Practice Standard:
ftp://ftp-fc.sc.egov.usda.gov/NHQ/practice-standards/standards/595.pdf

Job Sheet: ftp://ftp-fc.sc.egov.usda.gov/NHQ/practice-standards/jobsheets/595js.pdf

Prescribed Grazing


Description: Land where grazing or browsing animals are managed is covered by this standard, and includes the planning and implementation of a system that maintains or improves the quantity or quality of the forage, improves soil condition and lessens risk of soil erosion, and improves water quality.
Payment Schedule Multiplier: 1.02%
Code: Practice Number 528

NRCS Prescribed Grazing Practice Standard:
ftp://ftp-fc.sc.egov.usda.gov/NHQ/practice-standards/standards/528.pdf

Forage Harvest Management

Description: The management of land where machine harvested forage crops are grown is covered by this standard. Planning for yield, quality, plant re-growth, maintenance of the stand over time and provision of wildlife habitat as appropriate would be funded.  This includes hay, green chop or silage forages.
Payment Schedule Multiplier: 1.02%
Code: Practice Number 511

NRCS Forage Harvest Management Practice Standard:
ftp://ftp-fc.sc.egov.usda.gov/NHQ/practice-standards/standards/511.pdf