EQIP matching funds available for deep tillage

By Carol Sanders
UAPB School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences

(329 words)

PINE BLUFF, Ark. – Many farmers do some kind of deep tillage periodically especially in the fall, said Dr. English, head of the Small Farm Program at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Farmers should consider using conservation EQIP matching funds to partially finance their deep tillage operations, he advises.

Many producers already follow good conservation practices such as crop rotation, nutrient management, herbaceous weed control and deep tillage, but they do not sign up for these management practices or list them in their conservation plans, said Dr. English.

“This is a mistake as acceptance into EQIP and funding are on a point basis. Producers are passing up points and money,” said Dr. English.

EQIP provides financial and technical assistance to implement conservation practices. Payments are made after conservation practices and activities identified in an EQIP plan are implemented. Contracts can last up to 10 years.

Deep tillage conservation practices (#324) are tillage operations below the normal tillage depth to modify adverse physical or chemical properties of the soil, said Dr. English. Tillage is considered deep tillage if it is 1 inch deeper than the depth of compaction.

EQIP sign up is continuous. For additional information, contact your local Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) district conservationist or an area UAPB Extension associate.

Area UAPB Extension associates include Arlanda Jacobs (870) 714-5531, Lee, Monroe, Phillips and Arkansas counties; Stephan Walker (870) 575-7237, Pulaski, Lonoke, Jefferson and Lincoln counties; Alex Cole, (870) 630-2005, St. Francis, Crittenden, Cross, Woodruff, Jackson and Mississippi counties; and Travis Collins (870) 355-7007, Chicot, Desha and Drew counties.

The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Program offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

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Media Contact: Mary Hightower
Dir. of Communication Services
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2126
mhightower@uada.edu

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