Cost-Share Programs

Cost-Share Programs

Cost-Share Programs offer financial assistance to install best management practices (BMPs) on agricultural lands based on an average cost. Best management practices are methods for reducing soil erosion and improving water quality. Best management practices listed below are frequently implemented in our area. See more detailed information at the NC Division of Soil and Water Conservation Cost Share Programs website and USDA-NRCS Cost Share Programs website.

Agriculture Cost Share Program 

The major cause of water quality problems in North Carolina and in much of the United States is nonpoint source pollution.  In many places, damage to our water resources comes from soil erosion, excessive fertilizer use, animal waste contamination, and improper use of agricultural chemicals.   

The North Carolina Agricultural Cost Share Program (ACSP) helps address nonpoint source pollution by providing technical and financial resources through a voluntary, incentive-based program designed to improve water quality through the installation of various best management practices (BMPs) on agricultural lands directly involved with agriculture production.

Residue and Tillage Management

Maintaining crop and other plant residue on the soil surface year‐round and limiting soil disturbing activities to protect water quality.  Residue and tillage management also provides seasonal soil protection from wind and rain erosion, adds organic matter to the soil, conserves soil moisture, and improves infiltration, aeration and tilth.   Benefits may include reduction in soil erosion, sedimentation and pollution from sediment attached substances.

Cropland Conversion (Grass / Trees)

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).

Field Borders

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).

Seasonal High Tunnel

A High Tunnel System, commonly called a "hoop house," is an increasingly popular conservation practice with financial assistance through USDA-NRCS the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).

• Extend the growing season
• Improve plant quality and soil quality
• Reduce nutrient and pesticide transportation
• Improve air quality through reduced transportation inputs
• Reduce energy use by providing consumers with a local source of fresh produce

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 quality. 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.

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 storm-water surges of fresh water into estuarine areas.

Wildlife Habitat Management

Develop and improve wildlife habitat on private forestland.

• Prescribed burning
• Reforestation
• Firebreaks

 Establish Pollinator Habitat

Seed or plug nectar and pollen producing plants to establish or improve pollinator habitat. These areas may include, but are not limited to, field borders, vegetative barriers, contour buffer strips, shelterbelts, hedgerows, windbreaks, conservation cover, and riparian forest and herbaceous buffers.