These programs offer financial assistance (cost sharing) to install best management practices (BMPs) on agricultural lands based on average cost to improve water quality. Best management practices are methods for reducing soil erosion, which in turn help improve water quality. Best management practices include the following:

• Field Border: A strip of perennial vegetation established at the edge of the field that provides a stabilized outlet for row water, thereby improving water quality. Benefits include reduced soil erosion, reduced sedimentation, and reduced pollution from dissolved and sediment-attached substances (e.g., fertilizers).
• Grassed Waterway: A natural or constructed channel that is shaped or graded to required dimensions and established in suitable perennial vegetation for the stable conveyance of runoff to improve water quality. Benefits include reduced soil erosion, reduced sedimentation, and reduced pollution from dissolved and sediment-attached substances (e.g., fertilizers).
• Cropland Conversion: A BMP method that establishes and maintains a conservation cover of grass, trees, or wildlife plantings on fields previously used for crop production. Benefits include reduced soil erosion, reduced sedimentation, and reduced pollution from dissolved and sediment-attached substances (e.g., fertilizers).
• Sod-Based Rotation: An adapted sequence of crops, grasses, and legumes, or a mixture thereof, established and maintained for a definite number of years as part of a conservation cropping system that is designed to provide adequate organic residue for maintenance or improvement of soil tilth. Benefits include reduced soil erosion, reduced sedimentation, and reduced pollution from dissolved and sediment-attached substances (e.g., fertilizers).
• Waste Application System: An environmentally-safe system (such as solid set, dry hydrant, etc.) for the conveyance and distribution of animal waste from waste treatment and storage structures to agricultural fields as part of an irrigation and waste utilization plan.
• Long-Term No-Till: Planting of all crops for 5 consecutive years, with a goal of at least 80% plant residue from preceding crops. Benefits include reduced soil erosion, reduced sedimentation, and reduced pollution from dissolved and sediment-attached substances (e.g., fertilizers).
• Conservation Tillage: A tillage and planting system in which at least 30% of the soil surface is covered by plant residue. Benefits include reduced soil erosion, reduced sedimentation, and reduced pollution from dissolved and sediment-attached substances (e.g., fertilizers).
• Water Control Structure: A permanent structure placed in farm canals and ditches to provide control of surface and subsurface drainage. The primary benefit is a reduction in nutrient pollution. Other benefits include reduced sedimentation, reduced pollution from dissolved and sediment-attached substances (e.g., fertilizers), and reduced stormwater surges of fresh water into estuarine areas.

There is no charge for technical assistance. Call or email the Brunswick County office to schedule an appointment for an in-office meeting with the District Conservationist or a Technician. Landowners are informed about eligibility of programs that are applicable to their specific needs through this evaluation process. During the meeting, a site evaluation will be scheduled, if necessary.

10 Referendum Drive
Bolivia, NC 28422
910-253-2830 (phone)