By Caleb Fischer
SWCD Conservation Technician
The loss of grasslands has hurt native bird species, pollinators, and water quality, as well as pheasants. Between 2007 and 2014, populations of dickcissels declined by 72%, grasshopper sparrows by 50%, bobolinks by 45%, and meadowlarks by 22%. Pollinators like honeybees, native bees and butterflies, have declined at alarming rates in recent years. According to a 2012 study from Cornell University, pollinators contribute as much as $29 billion to the national agricultural economy.
Grasslands help protect water quality by filtering snowmelt and rainwater. Research in Iowa has shown that strategically planting just 10% of a field in grass effectively filtered contaminants in runoff. Grassland eliminated 95% of sediment, 90% of phosphorus, and nearly 85% of nitrogen from water leaving the field and going into ditches, rivers, and lakes. Native grasses, for example, produce large, strong root systems that reach up to 15-foot depths. That is some serious soil holding power. Those root systems also soak up a great deal of water during rain events. Now place a CRP conservation practice filter strip/buffer along a stream, sinkhole or wetland area and watch run off be reduced, creating less flooding during high flow events all the while filtering and trapping sediment from getting into our rivers, streams and wetlands. As more of these practices are put in place, groundwater is protected and the conditions of our rivers, streams and wetlands are improved, not to mention the wildlife habitat being created as well.
Think back to when most farms had brushy fence lines and trees dotted along them. More operations had livestock that required pasture and hay ground. This meant more grasses on the land. These provided a safe place for nesting and “habitat corridors” allowing wildlife, insects and plants access to move from one site to another. Now, with mostly row crops dominating the landscape and fence lines and trees being removed to create larger fields, areas for wildlife habitat is on the downward trend. CRP is just one of the many options to offset that trend.
Through USDA, the Farm Service Agency (FSA) offers a great opportunity called the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). It is a voluntary program that contracts with ag producers so that environmentally sensitive ag land is used for conservation benefits. CRP participants establish long-term, vegetative cover, such as native or introduced grasses and flowers or trees. These types of cover control soil erosion, improve water quality and enhance wildlife habitat. In return, FSA provides rental payments and cost-share assistance. Continuous enrollment contracts are 10 to 15 years in duration.
With commodity prices being a bit unstable lately, CRP rental rates are found to be quite attractive. The rates currently range from $200 to $300 per acre. For landowners, that may be more than rent payments. Or maybe you are renting ground and there are areas that have low productivity. Talking to your landowner about putting said acres into a program may be in your best interest. Why pay high rent on land that isn’t paying you back? Your CRP rental rate is calculated from the three predominant soil types in the area being considered. Some practices are even eligible for a Signing Incentive Payment (SIP). There is also Practice
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