In today’s world gasoline and fertilizer prices are always rising.  Most farmers agree that soil tests can save money and improve the           environment.  However, many producers emphasize row crop land and spend money improving that soil while neglecting to test pasture or hay land. 

 Soil testing will reveal what nutrients if any are necessary, and         facilitates applying nutrients in the most efficient manner.  This     improves plant health and vigor.  Healthy plants enhance soil, provide better grazing and hay land, and reduce sediment loss by eliminating erosion.   

The goal of our Clean Water Indiana Sediment and Nutrient Reduction grant project is to increase the number of pasture and hay land producers who apply correct amounts of fertilizer and lime as indicated by soil tests. 

 We will host a Pasture workshop on June 21, 2008 to emphasize the advantages of soil testing and variable-rate fertilizer application.  Breakfast will be provided at the Lexington VFD in Lexington, IN.  Please reserve your spot by calling the SWCD office at 812-752-2269, ext. 3 by Friday, June 13.

 Along with our partner Crop Production Services, we will offer up to $400 of free pasture or hay land soil testing for approximately 20 producers.  The soil testing will take place in the months  following the workshop and should be completed no later than Sept. 15, 2008.

The producer will work with a soil testing consultant to develop a Best Management Practice (BMP).  The consultation will insure that the producer has the correct information and needed resources to see that fertilizer is applied according to soil test recommendations.

Scott County SWCD will offer a $250 incentive payment for  completion of the BMP and for  application according to soil tests.  The plan can be implemented in either fall 2008 or spring 2009.  The producer will receive payment after providing receipt of application.