DOC - Conservation Practices

• Cropland

  There are many cropland practices providing numerous benefits that can be implemented using state financial assistance. Land treatment practices on cropland reduce soil erosion, improve soil tilth, protect water quality and retain runoff for moisture conservation. The following are examples of common practices.
  
  

  Terrace

  A terrace is an earth embankment or a combination ridge and channel constructed across the slope on cropland only, except when used in conjunction with a confined animal feeding operation. Its purpose is to reduce slope length, reduce erosion, reduce sediment content in runoff water, improve water quality, intercept and conduct surface runoff at a non-erosive velocity to a stable outlet, and to retain runoff for moisture conservation or prevent gully development.

   

   

   

  Grassed Waterway
  
  

  A grassed waterway is a constructed waterway or outlet shaped or graded and established in vegetation (grass or crop), as needed, for the safe disposal of runoff from a field, diversion, terrace or other structure. It provides for the disposal of excess surface water from terraces, diversions or from natural concentrations without damage by erosion or flooding.
  
  
  

   

  Grade Stabilization Structure

  This practice is designed to control the grade and head cutting in natural or artificial channels. It stabilizes the grade and controls erosion in natural or artificial channels, to prevent formation or advance of gullies, and to enhance environmental quality and reduce pollution hazards
  
  

   

   

   

  Cover Crops

  Cover crops, if used in combination with no-till and a diverse cropping rotation, provide numerous benefits. Cover crops or no-till by themselves are only a part of a complex cropping system which need to be carefully planned to gain the most benefit. In combination with other smart cropping practices, cover crops can maximize erosion reduction, soil organic matter, biodiversity, and weed suppression. In addition, covers can improve nutrient cycling, better manage soil moisture, provide supplemental forage, and minimize soil compaction. Careful consideration is needed when planning cover crops into an existing crop rotation. Species selection, timing of cover planting, and cover termination need to be well planned in advance of the planting window.  For livestock producer, cover crops can also be grazed to cut the cost of winter feeding.  Livestock wells and water supplies, which rank high enough, may also be contracted under state cost share to support livestock grazing. 

   

  Nutrient Management

  Given the opportunity to improve plant health and productive while reducing excess nutrients in surface and ground water are the benefits of a good nutrient management plan.  While consulting with local agronomists of their choice, landowners and producers can manage the rate, source, placement and time of plant nutrients and soil amendments of the soil.  By developing a basic nutrient management plan, producers will accurately know the measurable sources for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) in their soil and can address the removal of these nutrients.  

  
  
  
  
  

• Home / Farmstead

  The Home/Farmstead can be a source of pollutants that can contaminate the environment. Homeowners should be aware of their responsibility to protect the environment from contamination by home/farmstead pollution sources that can impair surface and ground water quality. Two of the home/farmstead practices are highlighted below.
  
  

   

  Abandoned Water Well Plugging
  
  The plugging of an abandoned water well involves the sealing and permanent closure of a water well no longer in use. Kansas law requires that all abandoned wells and test holes be properly plugged.
  
  Proper plugging accomplishes five goals:

  1. Restores protective barrier to minimize groundwater contamination
  2. Removes physical hazards by removing tempting openings for curious children and animals
  3. Restores stability to the land surface (load carrying capacity)
  4. Eliminates or reduces liability exposure
  5. Protects and improves property values

   
  On-Site Wastewater System

  An onsite wastewater system is a system composed of a septic tank/treatment field, a wastewater lagoon, or an alternative treatment system to treat wastewater.  A failing on-site wastewater system may be eligible for financial assistance to bring it up to code.   An updated system prevents the entry of untreated sewage into the water supply.  

  
  Homeowners are required to obtain a permit from the county health department before upgrading a failing on-site septic system. The county sanitarian will determine the type and size of system required for the site by evaluating the soils.

  

   

  Windbreaks

  Windbreak and shelterbelt establishment is used to deflect winds away from livestock or structures designed to provide livestock shelter.  The purpose of the windbreak/shelter belt is to protect soil resources, control snow deposition, moisture conservation, protect crops and provide shelter for livestock.  An additional conservation benefit to establishing a shelterbelt is the habitat improvements for wildlife.  
  
  

• Irrigation

  Irrigation Water Management

  The State of Kansas works continuously with local, state and federal stakeholders to provide incentives to reduce the depletion of groundwater in areas of significant decline. Water conservation practices offered from the State of Kansas are designed to reduce depletion of groundwater sources in targeted areas.  In addition, the State provides financial assistance to landowners to permanently retire their water rights in selected areas as determined by the State.

  Water Conservation Programs for Retiring Water Rights
  

  Irrigation Water Management is used to accomplish one or more of the following purposes:
  

  • Manage soil moisture to promote desired crop response.
  • Optimize use of available water supplies.
  • Minimize irrigation-induced soil erosion.
  • Decrease non-point source pollution of surface and groundwater resources.
  • Manage salts in the crop root zone.
  • Manage air, soil, or plant micro-climate.
  • Proper and safe chemigation or fertigation.
  • Improve air quality by managing soil moisture to reduce particulate matter movement.
  • Reduce energy use.
    
    

• Pasture and Hayland

  

  Implementing pasture and hayland projects can have a significant effect on reducing soil erosion and improving water quality. Financial assistance is available for establishment and re-establishment of pasture and hayland, as well as a variety of water supply projects. The following are examples of common practices:
  
  

   

  
  

  Pasture and Hayland Planting

  This practice is implemented to establish and re-establish long-term stands of adapted species of perennial or re-seeding forage plants (includes pasture and hayland renovation). These plantings also reduce erosion on existing pasture and hayland or on land that is converted from other uses.

   

  
  

  Prescribed Burning

  While most commonly seen in the Flint Hills, this conservation practice is used to accomplish one or more of the following across the state:

  • Manage undesirable vegetation to improve plant community structure and composition.
  • Manage pests, pathogens, and diseases.
  • Reduce wildfire hazards from biomass accumulation.
  • Improve habitat for wildlife and invertebrates.
  • Improve plant and seed production, quantity, and/or quality.
  • Facilitate the distribution of grazing and browsing animals to improve forage-animal balance.
  • Improve and maintain habitat for soil organisms and enhance soil health.  

  
  

  

  Pond

  A pond is a water impoundment made by constructing a dam, embankment, or by excavating a pit or dugout. The primary purpose of all water supply practices is to provide water for livestock to facilitate proper use of vegetation on rangeland or pasture.  This primary purpose also includes to reduce livestock impacts on streams or riparian areas with the stated or implied intent of improving water quality. All alternative grazing management practices must be exhausted before an additional water supply is implemented.

   

   

  
  

  Watering Facility

  A watering facility is a trough, tank or waterer with necessary devices installed to provide drinking water for livestock. The primary purpose of all water supply practices is to provide water for livestock to facilitate proper use of vegetation on rangeland or pasture.  This primary purpose also includes to reduce livestock impacts on streams or riparian areas with the stated or implied intent of improving water quality. All alternative grazing management practices must be exhausted before an additional water supply is implemented.
  

   

   

   

  Brush Management

  Brush Control is the removal, reduction, or manipulation of non-herbaceous plants.  The purpose of this practice is to restore the desired vegetative cover to protect soils, control erosion, reduce sediment, improve water quality, and/or enhance stream flow.  The practice can also be used to restore the vegetative cover to protect soils, improve water quality, and enhance stream flow.

• Stream / Riparian

  Projects that are implemented in stream and riparian corridors can play a significant role in improving and protecting stream health and downstream water quality and clarity.
   
   
   

   

  Fencing

  A fencing practice is used to enclose or divide an area of land with a suitable permanent structure that acts as a barrier to livestock (does not include temporary fences). It also excludes livestock from areas that should be protected from grazing, protect new seedlings, and plantings from grazing, subdivide grazing land to permit use of grazing systems, and utilize grazing management strategies to enhance grass conditions, or to prevent concentration of animals in the riparian zone.

  Streambank Stabilization

  Streambank stabilization is a treatment used to stabilize and protect streambanks. The practice stabilizes the eroding streambanks, reduces damage from sediment and runoff to downstream areas, and improves wildlife habitat. It is used on highly erodible or critically eroding streambanks. These areas usually cannot be stabilized by ordinary conservation treatment and management, and if left untreated, can cause severe erosion or sediment damage.

   

  Filter Strip

  A filter strip is a strip or area of vegetation for removing sediment, organic matter, and other pollutants from runoff and waste water. This practice is implemented to remove sediment and other pollutants from runoff or waste water by filtration, deposition, infiltration, absorption, decomposition, and volatilization, thereby reducing pollution and protecting the environment.

  Kansas River Stream Corridor Management Guide