DSP-2 PERMANENT VEGETATIVE COVER ENHANCEMENT*
PURPOSE: To improve the productive cover of existing pastureland with the demonstration of no-till, interseeding of legumes by the use of the no-till drill; to protect the soil and prevent the pollution of air, land, or water from Ag uses. To demonstrate the value of rotational grazing and introduced legumes.
APPLICABILITY: To pastureland in poor or very poor condition (as determined by the NRCS Agron 24 Grassland Condition Form), with less than 30% introduced legumes (lespedeza excluded), or to fescue pastureland where fescue-endophyte fungus infestation levels are greater than 30% and less than 70%, with less than 30% introduced legumes (lespedeza excluded).
TO QUALIFY: Pastureland must rate Poor or Very Poor on the Grassland Condition Form. In determining pasture condition the following are rated: plant population, diversity, vigor density, and residue; severity and uniformity of use; soil resources; undesirable canopy. On a proper endophyte test, infestation levels of endophyte must fall between 30 and 70 percent. Four adequately fenced fields with water or access to water are also required. A no-till drill must be used.
COST-SHARE: Cost-share assistance is authorized for the no-till
seeding of legumes into grass pastures and for the minimum and necessary amounts
of fertilizer, lime and seed. The no-till drill must be used and is authorized
for cost-share. Cost-share is for 75% of the countywide average or actual cost,
whichever is less. When you receive your list of cost-share components, the 75%
figure you see is the most you can receive regardless of how much you spend. You
can never receive more than 75% of your actual costs. Each component is treated
separately. If you overspend in one area it cannot be made up by under spending
in another. Seeding rates and dates determined by NRCS must be adhered to.
Limestone and commercial fertilizer shall be applied in accordance with minimum
needs as determined by a soil test unless the ENM requirement is below 600
pounds in which case the landowner has the option of applying the requirement or
zero material. ENM requirements above 1500 lbs will not be eligible for
cost-share, but NRCS still requires the full amount be applied.
MAINTENANCE LIFE: The landowner must maintain the practice in accordance with NRCS Standards and Specifications for the life span of the practice: 5 years. If the landowner loses the stand due his own fault or negligence, the landowner will have to reseed at his own expense or refund the District's cost-share. If the seeding fails in the first year due to dry conditions, the District will cost-share on reseeding and establishment.
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS:
- A recent soil test (within three years) is necessary.
- A maximum of 80 acres per farm and/or landowner is allowed
(in a consecutive four year period).
- Fields used exclusively for hay are excluded. Fields cut
for hay and pastured are eligible.
- Soil tests of pH 5.7 or below require lime be applied six
months ahead of seeding (lespedeza excluded).
- Lime may be applied in split applications with Board
approval.
- ENM above 1500 lbs is required by NRCS. This amount is not
allowed for cost-share.
- Additional components or amounts may be added, but only
components and quantities in the plan will be paid for. Nitrogen should not be
added.
- PRP fields will not be eligible for SWCD programs for three
years.
- When you no-till the legume seed the acreage reading on the
no-till drill becomes your official cost-share acreage. [Example. Your
application calls for 10 acres. You no-till 9 acres as shown on the no-till acre
meter. Your fertilizer, lime, seed, and spreading will be reduced one (1) acre
(10%)].
- The Conservation Plan you sign must be adhered to or
amended by the Board if changed.
- Rocky or woody fields where the no-till drill will not
perform adequately are excluded.
*The information on this sheet does not contain all the information, qualifications, requirements, and restrictions pertaining to this cost-share practice as determined by the Missouri Districts Soil and Water Commission and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. The purpose of this information sheet is to present some of the information and requirements more commonly needed.
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