Project Search
Since its inception in 2004, CIG has funded hundreds of projects, boosting natural resource conservation while helping producers improve the health of their operations for the future. Use this tool to search for CIG projects based on any of the criteria listed below.
CIG projects from 2004-2009 may be missing information in the following categories: Resource Concern (specific), Conservation Practice, Production/Use.
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Showing 241 - 250 of 1802 projects
Soil and Water Conservation Society
|
DC
|
2019
While extreme weather events threaten farm viability and water quality concerns from
soil erosion and eutrophication abound, agricultural producers and their trusted advisors are
tasked with improving not only farm profitability but also environmental stewardship. Farm management must adapt to become smarter, more resilient, more environmentally responsible, and more profitable. To get there, we need to foster collaboration among conservation experts, technology leaders, scientists, producers, and agricultural advisors; break down adoption barriers to innovative practices; and collect, analyze and communicate the results of on-farm trials to broad audiences. The goals of the “Advancing Precision Nutrient and Soil Health Management with Retailer Cooperatives” project are:
1. Scale Conservation Adoption: We will significantly expand and accelerate the adoption
of precision nutrient management and soil health supporting practices on cultivated
cropland acres in the primary wheat and corn production regions in the Midwest.
2. Share the Value of Precision Conservation: We will develop and broadly share
agronomic, environmental, and economic insights on the value proposition for producers
that adopt precision nutrient management practices.
3. Show the “Return on Investment” of Innovation Trials: We will demonstrate the
“bang for the buck” value of helping producers adopt and learn to management advanced
conservation systems on a single field so that they can, in turn, scale those systems across
their entire operation without additional financial assistance.
4. Leverage Private-Sector Capabilities: We will demonstrate the positive impact of
integrating agricultural retailer cooperatives with their agronomic expertise and advanced
crop management technology into the voluntary, private lands conservation partnership.
soil erosion and eutrophication abound, agricultural producers and their trusted advisors are
tasked with improving not only farm profitability but also environmental stewardship. Farm management must adapt to become smarter, more resilient, more environmentally responsible, and more profitable. To get there, we need to foster collaboration among conservation experts, technology leaders, scientists, producers, and agricultural advisors; break down adoption barriers to innovative practices; and collect, analyze and communicate the results of on-farm trials to broad audiences. The goals of the “Advancing Precision Nutrient and Soil Health Management with Retailer Cooperatives” project are:
1. Scale Conservation Adoption: We will significantly expand and accelerate the adoption
of precision nutrient management and soil health supporting practices on cultivated
cropland acres in the primary wheat and corn production regions in the Midwest.
2. Share the Value of Precision Conservation: We will develop and broadly share
agronomic, environmental, and economic insights on the value proposition for producers
that adopt precision nutrient management practices.
3. Show the “Return on Investment” of Innovation Trials: We will demonstrate the
“bang for the buck” value of helping producers adopt and learn to management advanced
conservation systems on a single field so that they can, in turn, scale those systems across
their entire operation without additional financial assistance.
4. Leverage Private-Sector Capabilities: We will demonstrate the positive impact of
integrating agricultural retailer cooperatives with their agronomic expertise and advanced
crop management technology into the voluntary, private lands conservation partnership.
Water Resources Monitoring Group, LLC
|
DC
|
2019
This project investigates a variety of innovative conservation approaches directly related to soil health and the use of Cover Crops, through robust on-farm demonstrations at the plot, replicated strip, field, and paired-basin scale. Approaches have been designed through iterative discussion with six farmer watershed groups to match issues and challenges particular to their geographic region and production systems. Innovative approaches identified include, but are not limited to, on farm trial/demonstration of: i) new commercial technology (Penn State Interseeder); ii) farmer construct/protype interseeder; iii) alternative management systems (mechanical suppression – rolling) and interseeded living mulch; iv) variable row spacing and plant population number in standing crops (aid in the establishment/reduce competition between cover and crop); v) termination of Cover Crops in organic grazing systems; vi) split manure application (spring and fall) to standing Cover Crops with minimal soil disturbance for large dairy operations in Northern climates; and vii) general investigations of cover crop species and mixtures for northern climates.
The primary objective of this proposed project is to evaluate the sustainability and resiliency of soil health management practices to extremes in climate. Specifically, we will impose short-duration, intensive rainfall events (via rainfall simulator) early and/or late in the growing season when agricultural soils are typically most vulnerable, and drought conditions (via rainout shelter) during the growing season. Effects will also be evaluated at the field-scale under natural rainfall conditions using edge-of-field runoff monitoring (paired basin). Specific objectives within the proposed project include:
1. Evaluate the effects of Cover Crops and interseeded Cover Crops on soil health using
NRCS methods.
2. Evaluate the use of split, broadcast manure applications on no-till fields with Cover Crops
for large animal confinement operations.
3. Evaluate the effects of living mulch on soil health within row-crop production systems.
The primary objective of this proposed project is to evaluate the sustainability and resiliency of soil health management practices to extremes in climate. Specifically, we will impose short-duration, intensive rainfall events (via rainfall simulator) early and/or late in the growing season when agricultural soils are typically most vulnerable, and drought conditions (via rainout shelter) during the growing season. Effects will also be evaluated at the field-scale under natural rainfall conditions using edge-of-field runoff monitoring (paired basin). Specific objectives within the proposed project include:
1. Evaluate the effects of Cover Crops and interseeded Cover Crops on soil health using
NRCS methods.
2. Evaluate the use of split, broadcast manure applications on no-till fields with Cover Crops
for large animal confinement operations.
3. Evaluate the effects of living mulch on soil health within row-crop production systems.
North Jersey RC&D
|
NJ
|
2019
North Jersey RC&D (NJRCD) proposes a soil health demonstration that compares typical
northeastern US cover crop termination practice (termination in early to mid- spring, using
herbicide, weeks before planting) against innovative methods of delaying cover crop termination
and cash crop planting. These innovative methods include planting into (1) a green living cover
crop, (2) a mature cover crop terminated using a roller crimper and (3) a cover crop intensively
grazed by livestock. These strategies maximize soil cover, biodiversity, and the presence of
living roots in annual crop systems, ultimately increasing the agronomic and economic value of
cover crop to agricultural producers.
Using a paired study design, three treatments (aforementioned cover crop termination methods)
will be compared against a control (existing termination practices) on 25 farms (4000 acres total
of northern New Jersey cropland). Using a combination of soil samples and field assessments,
farm data, and farmer interviews, NJRCD and partners will compare environmental, economic,
and social impacts of treatments. By identifying, documenting, and evaluating regionally
successful cover crop termination approaches, this proposal will help farmers realize the full
benefits of Cover Crops thereby stimulating additional soil health system adoption.
northeastern US cover crop termination practice (termination in early to mid- spring, using
herbicide, weeks before planting) against innovative methods of delaying cover crop termination
and cash crop planting. These innovative methods include planting into (1) a green living cover
crop, (2) a mature cover crop terminated using a roller crimper and (3) a cover crop intensively
grazed by livestock. These strategies maximize soil cover, biodiversity, and the presence of
living roots in annual crop systems, ultimately increasing the agronomic and economic value of
cover crop to agricultural producers.
Using a paired study design, three treatments (aforementioned cover crop termination methods)
will be compared against a control (existing termination practices) on 25 farms (4000 acres total
of northern New Jersey cropland). Using a combination of soil samples and field assessments,
farm data, and farmer interviews, NJRCD and partners will compare environmental, economic,
and social impacts of treatments. By identifying, documenting, and evaluating regionally
successful cover crop termination approaches, this proposal will help farmers realize the full
benefits of Cover Crops thereby stimulating additional soil health system adoption.
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
|
DC
|
2019
This trial will explore a variety and combination of conservation practices on farm operations within various growing regions to build model soil health management systems and consider regional appropriate practices such as cover crop varietals, improved conservation tillage, crop rotations and diversification, improved nutrient management, vegetation buffers, and water metering and improved irrigation efficiency. Trials will take place across at least 8 states and will work across production cropland managed for a variety of crops
intended towards dairy cow feed.
Direct corporate engagement with farms in supply-chains offers a unique opportunity to involve more
farms and deliver more conservation on-the-ground. NFWF seeks to work with this dairy supply-chain of
Danone to build models of engagement and soil health management. NFWF hopes to work with Danone
and its farming partners to better understand the impact of combinations of conservation practices within
farm management systems on overall soil health. This project also will help to further build and learn
from the data system already in development by Danone and its partner, EcoPractices. By tracking field level
data from year-to-year, NFWF, Danone and its farming partners hope to learn more about the economic and environmental impact of soil health systems. Within at least 3 years, NFWF expects to have data proof-points that can be used as models for farms in the growing regions where these trials take place and encourage other farms and corporate supply-chains to consider future investments.
intended towards dairy cow feed.
Direct corporate engagement with farms in supply-chains offers a unique opportunity to involve more
farms and deliver more conservation on-the-ground. NFWF seeks to work with this dairy supply-chain of
Danone to build models of engagement and soil health management. NFWF hopes to work with Danone
and its farming partners to better understand the impact of combinations of conservation practices within
farm management systems on overall soil health. This project also will help to further build and learn
from the data system already in development by Danone and its partner, EcoPractices. By tracking field level
data from year-to-year, NFWF, Danone and its farming partners hope to learn more about the economic and environmental impact of soil health systems. Within at least 3 years, NFWF expects to have data proof-points that can be used as models for farms in the growing regions where these trials take place and encourage other farms and corporate supply-chains to consider future investments.
Bio Seed Puerto Rico, Inc.
|
PR
|
2019
This project demonstrates and validates emerging strategies for steep land stabilization applying bio-engineering practices in a holistic conservation system. Due the extreme climate changes and more powerful natural phenomes every year the agriculture and natural resources are exposed to more aggressive environmental challenges. Puerto Rico geography is mostly composed of steep land. That represents around 75% of total island area. Hurricane Maria hit the island of Puerto Rico on September 20, 2017 and triggered more than 40,000 landslides in at least three fourth of Puerto Rico 78 municipalities. The number of landslides that occur during this event was two orders of magnitude greater than those reported from previous hurricanes.
Center of Excellence
|
NM
|
2019
This project will compare existing grazing rotation in large pastures with a rotation system that utilizes intensive grazing in small paddocks (approximately 5 acres) and where cattle are moved on a daily basis. The animal impacts on plant structure, plant composition, percent of bare ground and cattle body score will be compared to the control in this 3-year study
Groundwork Elizabeth
|
NJ
|
2019
Groundwork Elizabeth recognizes urban conservation issues and proposes to develop an urban conservation farm showcase to focus on developing urban conservation practices and technologies for soil, water, and plants at the Groundwork Elizabeth MicroFarm in Elizabeth, NJ. These activities will result in the transfer of existing NRCS natural resource conservation practices and technologies to an urban farm setting, thus to urban farmers. A secondary goal is to identify urban-specific conservation technologies to supplement existing NRCS conservation technologies.
JOAQUIN A CHONG NUNEZ
|
PR
|
2019
Project objectives: 1) Test two walk-behind tractors at different terrain slopes to observe the highest slopes that in can perfom with the different implements; 2) Use the rotary plow to establish underground waterline to provide crop irrigation away from upper soil management; 3) Develop a method for the preparation of the soil to control and remove weeds, using the walk-behind tractor and its implements, and the planting of cover crops so they outcompete weeds implementing a Stale Seedbed Technique (SST). The SST is a method used by vegetable producers. It consists of removing upper weeds and preparing the soil for planting. Once the soil is ready for planning it is wetted so upper weed seeds start to germinate. Upon about a week of the bed water preparation a mechanical movement is used to disrupt the weedy germinating seeds in the upper layers of the soil killing any germinating seeds. Seeds below the 2.5” deep upper layers are covered by the soil and thus have less capacity to germinate, obtaining a weedy free upper layer that would allow a cover crop to establish itself better. Use the SST to outcompete weeds by cover crops: Ornamental peanut, Arachisglabrata, vegetative propagated Red Clover, seed propagated.
Kansas State University
|
KS
|
2019
This project will develop best management options for adoption of cover crops to build soil health, improve precipitation use efficiency, effectively control HR weeds and increase overall farm income.
Kansas State University
|
KS
|
2019
This project will quantify how changes to the soil ecosystem made by cover crops and P fertilizer management change the functional diversity, composition, and dynamics of the soil microbial community.