Soil health, cover cropping and nutrient management have received a lot of attention lately in agricultural circles as producers grapple with price increases and scarcity of fertilizers and pesticides as a result of current supply chain interruptions and worldwide trade issues. 

On Jan. 19, Kansas State Conservationist Karen Woodrich issued a bulletin announcing a new program that targets soil health concerns on cropland throughout the state. The program is a sub-practice of the Environmental Quality Incentive Program, referred to as a Conservation Incentive Contract. The Natural Resources Conservation Service is accepting applications for the 2022 EQIP-CIC for Soil Health Initiative through February, with a cut-off date of Feb. 25. Applications received after the cut-off date will be considered in subsequent funding opportunities.  

The creation of this new CIC means Soil Health will not be included in the FY 2022 general ranking, and applications already received for that practice will be applied to the new program.    

Successful applicants will receive payments for supporting “implementation” practices after the practice is certified. Management practices will receive annual payments for the length of the program.  

Producers interested in the program are encouraged to contact the Great Bend NRCS office for an appointment with a soil conservationist. The phone number is 620-792-3346, ext. 303.