With spring approaching, the Bay of Quinte Remedial Action Plan is once again offering local farmers says to improve water quality and save money.
Applications are being accepted for free soil testing and the cover crop grant.
One of the environmental challenges with the Bay of Quinte’s water quality is phosphorous from rural and urban sources.
The Healthy Soils Check Up Program can provide farmers with:
1. Agronomic soil testing with analysis being done by an OMAFRA accredited soil lab at no cost.
2. Detailed field maps showing contours (slopes) and areas within the field that are more prone to erosion.
A follow-up workshop for farmers will provide site-specific recommendations for their fields by developing crop nutrient recommendations based on the soil test results, and identifying erosion control options that best suit their farming system and site features.
This program will help you keep nutrients and soil where you want them – in your fields, so you can grow the best crops and help protect the Bay.
Knowing your baseline nutrient levels and then setting target levels will help save money on fertilizer and reduce phosphorus runoff. As well, implementing the 4 R’s (right source/product, right rate, right time, and right place) of fertilizer application will minimize nutrient transport from fields and maximize crop uptake and utilization.
The field maps will identify key erosion sites to help you adopt Best Management Practices (BMPs) to keep soil on your fields and out of local waterways.
To participate in the Healthy Soils Check Up, contact:
Sarah Midlane-Jones, Bay of Quinte Remedial Action Plan, 613-394-3915 ext 214 or smidlanejones@bqrap.ca.
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