NEWS

Boise, Idaho, June 23, 2008 – USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Idaho State Conservationist, Jeff Burwell, announced the selection of six Conservation Innovative Grant (CIG) projects that will receive more than $225,000.00. CIG will fund pilot field projects and field demonstrations targeting innovative on-the-ground conservation projects.

“Conservation Innovative Grants are used to develop and implement new conservation approaches on productive agricultural land,” Burwell said. “And it will help expose Farmers and Ranchers to new conservation approaches that address some of their most pressing resource concerns.”

The total amount of the investments into the projects, including the recipient’s match of at least 50 percent, is nearly $500,000.00. Idaho’s CIG projects address irrigation improvement, nutrient management, pest management and more. Recipients of CIG grants are required to submit a summery of findings at the end of the grants term. Idaho funded the following projects:

Regional Implementation of a Web-based Irrigation Advisory Service: The University of Idaho will test a web-based irrigation advisory service. This service, originated in Oregon, will improve water use efficiencies and maximize net economic returns to water. Total cost: $30,458.00.

Southern Idaho Biological Control’s Conservation Innovative Grants: The Wood River RC&D is the Fiduciary agent for the Southern Idaho Biological Control (SIBC) project. The project will use biological control methods on grazing, forest and crop lands to battle invasive weed species and it will develop an integrated mapping system leading to early warning of new or expanded weed infestations. Total cost: $150,000.00.

Using USDA’s Web Soil survey for Improved Nutrient Management of Fertilizer Nitrogen and Phosphorus in Zones Based on Soil Analysis and Soil Texture: Western Ag Research will use the USDA’s Web Soil Survey to demonstrate to farmers and crop consultants its potential in precision agriculture, specifically aiding in nutrient management. Total cost $58,370.00

Expanding Idaho Pest Management (IPM) in Potatoes by implementing Biocontrol for Early Blight. This project will conduct field demonstrations using biopesticide control of early blight in potatoes with 10 cooperating  growers and it will educate other growers about the practice as part of an integrated pest management system for potatoes. Total cost: $106,370.00

Using Global Positioning System (GPS) and Variable Rate Technology (VRT) for  Precise Implement Guidance and Fertilizer Application to Reduce Nutrient Loading in the Environment.  This project will use GPS and VRT to precisely apply crop nutrients (without overlap or skips) at prescription rates high enough to maximize net return without over application that can lead to nutrients leaving the soil by leaching or runoff. Total cost: $50,800.00

Smart Rate Technology: Improving Fertilizer use Efficiency.  The objective of this project is to reduce the Phosphorus and Nitrogen applications in various cropping systems by using Smart Rate Technology. A Veris machine will be used to measure Electrical Conductivity (EC) of the soil, and EC maps will be used to delineate management zones. Guided GPS soil sampling will be done on each management zone. Variable rate application of fertilizers will be demonstrated in each management zone.  Total cost: 75,000.00

If you need more information about Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), please contact your local USDA Service Center, listed in the telephone book under U.S. Department of Agriculture, or your local conservation district. Information also is available online at http://www.id.nrcs.usda.gov/.

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