Program Guidance for the 2006 New Jersey Environmental Quality Incentives
Program (EQIP)
Agricultural producers can apply for cost-sharing payment assistance for any
practice listed in this document that is or will be included in the approved
Conservation Plan for the farm. Each practice installed must meet the applicable
FOTG Section IV Standard and Specification in order to receive the cost-share
payment.
Producers must meet all application requirements, including completion of the
planning worksheets included in the workbook “Applying for Financial Assistance
for Land Stewardship and Conservation”, or have a recent Conservation Plan for
the operation already approved. Producers must also meet all Highly Erodible
Land and Adjusted Gross Income provisions, and update all farm and persons
records with the Farm Service Agency before NRCS will process their application.
The following documents require
Adobe Acrobat.
EQIP
2006 Program Guidance (164 kb)
What
Is a Conservation Plan (162 kb)
NRCS cost share rates
NRCS cost share rates are paid using one of three methods: FR (flat rate), AC
(Average Cost), or AM (Actual Cost up to a Maximum). Contract participants will
receive:
- FR - 100% of the cost rate, regardless of actual cost. Practices are
generally related to crop management and must be newly established on the
land under contract. Flat Rates are paid for a maximum of three years.
- AC - the specified percent of the component cost rate*, regardless of
actual cost.
- AM - the specified percent of the component cost rate*, based on the
actual cost of implementation, up a set maximum.
Limited Resource and/or Beginning Farmers and Ranchers will
be eligible for cost share rates 30% higher than what is listed. (Example:
systems listed below at 45% cost share will receive 75% for limited resource or
beginning farmers; systems listed below at 60% cost share will receive 90%).
* Component cost rates are set on an annual basis, and are found in the 2006
EQIP Cost Schedule on the NJ EQIP
website.
Conservation Practices Eligible for Cost Share
Conservation practices eligible for cost-share under the NJ-EQIP program in
2006 are listed alphabetically under the following groups:
Cropland Practices,
Irrigation Systems,
Pasture or Grazing Land,
Animal Waste Management, and
Stormwater Runoff Control.
More information about conservation practices can be found in the
electronic
Field Office Technical Guide (FOTG).
Practices normally associated with production agriculture, such as
reduction of sheet and rill erosion, control of gullies, management and handling
of nutrients and pesticides, management of soil organic matter, protection of
surface and ground water resources, transition to organic production, control of
airborne particulates, and installation of conservation buffers.
Agrichemical Handling Facility (45% AC)
Install a permanent structure with an impervious surface to provide an
environmentally safe area for the handling of on-farm agrichemicals, such as
pesticides and fertilizers, which are used on agricultural lands.
Alley Cropping (FR)
Plant trees or shrubs in a set or series of single or multiple rows with
agronomic, horticultural crops or forages produced in the alleys between the
rows.
Brush Management (45% AC)
The removal of non-herbaceous plants in order to restore desired vegetative
cover to protect soils, control erosion, reduce sediment, improve water quality
and maintain or enhance wildlife habitat.
Conservation Cover (45% AC)
Establish new permanent vegetative cover on cropland to protect soil and water
resources.
Conservation Crop Rotation (FR)
Establish a new crop rotation system, including the introduction of new, higher
residue crops, in order to reduce or control sheet and rill erosion to the soil
“T” level.
Contour Farming (FR)
Establish a permanent system on cropland to till, plant, and perform other
farming operations on or near the contour of the field slope to protect soil and
water resources.
Contour Buffer Strips (FR)
Establish narrow strips of permanent, herbaceous vegetation across the slope and
alternate with wider cropped strips to reduce sheet and rill erosion, reduce
transport of sediment and other contaminants, or to enhance wildlife habitat.
Cost share is paid on the buffer strip portion of the field only.
Cover Crop (FR)
Annually establish grasses or legumes for seasonal cover to reduce sheet and
rill erosion, sequester carbon in plant biomass and soils, increase soil organic
matter, capture and recycle excess nutrients, promote biological nitrogen
fixation, or reduce particulate emissions into the atmosphere.
Critical Area Planting (60% AC)
In critical areas disturbed by the installation of erosion control measures,
plant perennial vegetation such as trees, shrubs, grasses, or legumes.
Diversion (60% AC)
A channel constructed across the slope with a supporting ridge on the lower
side, constructed to interrupt water flow on long slopes, reduce runoff damages,
or divert water away from active gullies or critically eroding areas.
Field Border (45% AC)
Establish a strip of permanent vegetation at the edge or around the perimeter of
a field to reduce erosion from wind and water, manage insect populations, or
provide wildlife food and cover.
Filter Strip (45% AC)
Establish herbaceous vegetation in a strip between cropland and sensitive areas
to reduce sediment, organics and dissolved contaminant loadings in runoff, serve
as Zone 3 of a Riparian Forest Buffer, or create herbaceous habitat for
beneficial insects.
Grade Stabilization Structure (60% AC)
A structure installed to control the grade and head cutting in natural or
artificial channels as part of an approved erosion control system.
Grassed Waterway (60% AC)
Construction of a graded channel stabilized with suitable vegetation to convey
runoff from terraces, diversions, or other water concentrations or to control
gully erosion.
Hedgerow Planting (45% AC)
Establish dense vegetation in a linear design to provide food, cover and
corridors for terrestrial wildlife, living fences, contour guidelines, or
screens and barriers to noise and dust.
Lined Waterway or Outlet (60% AC)
A waterway or outlet with an erosion resistant lining of concrete, stone,
synthetic fabrics or other permanent material, installed to provide for safe
conveyance of runoff from conservation structures or water concentrations, or to
treat existing gully erosion.
Mulching (60% AC)
Apply plant residues or other suitable materials to the land surface to conserve
soil moisture, moderate soil temperature, provide erosion control, suppress weed
growth, establish vegetative cover, improve soil condition and increase soil
fertility, as part of an erosion control or organic farming system.
Nutrient Management (FR)
A management system that controls the amount, source, placement, form and timing
of nutrient applications at either a basic or advanced level (two payment rates
are offered). The basic practice involves a nutrient budget and application
record keeping system. The advanced practice involves more frequent monitoring
of the soil system. Both practices include the proper use of manure or organic
byproducts as a plant nutrient source, and improvement in the physical, chemical
and biological condition of soil.
Obstruction Removal (60% AC)
Removal and disposal of unwanted or hazardous buildings, structures, vegetation,
landscape features, and other materials in order to facilitate the installation
of new erosion control measures.
Pest Management (FR)
A management system that uses environmentally sensitive prevention, avoidance,
monitoring and suppression strategies to manage weeds, insects, and diseases at
either a basic or advanced level (two payment rates are offered). The basic
practice involves crop scouting, economic threshold evaluations and application
record keeping. The advanced practice involves more intensive use of tools,
including computer programs, to reduce impacts further.
Residue Management, Mulch-Till (FR)
Establish a new tillage system that manages the amount, orientation and
distribution of crop and other plant residues on the soil surface until just
prior to planting in order to reduce sheet and rill erosion to the soil “T”
level. Residues must provide a minimum 30% soil surface coverage until time of
planting.
Residue Management, No-Till /Direct Seed (FR)
Establish a new tillage system that manages the amount, orientation and
distribution of crop and other plant residues on the soil surface year-round,
while growing crops in narrow slots or residue-free strips in soil previously
untilled by full-width inversion implements, in order to reduce or control sheet
and rill erosion to the soil “T” level.
Riparian Herbaceous Cover (45% AC)
Establish grasses and forbs that are tolerant of intermittent flooding or
saturated soils in riparian areas to provide food and shelter for wildlife, to
reduce the amount of sediment and other pollutants, to help stabilize stream
bank and shorelines, or to increase net carbon storage in the biomass and soil.
Riparian Forest Buffer (45% AC)
Establish an area of trees and/or shrubs adjacent to water bodies to lower water
temperatures, improve habitat for aquatic organisms, provide a source of
detritus and large woody debris for aquatic organisms, reduce excess amounts of
sediment, organic material, nutrients, and pesticides in surface runoff and
reduce excess nutrients and other chemicals in shallow ground water flow.
Spoil Spreading (60% AC)
Proper disposal of surplus materials excavated to permit the installation of
approved erosion control practices.
Streambank and Shoreline Protection (45% AC)
Structural or bio-engineered treatments used to stabilize banks of streams or
shorelines, reduce the offsite or downstream effects of sediment or to improve
the stream corridor for fish and wildlife habitat.
Strip Cropping (FR)
Establish new equal width strips of forages or small grains across a field with
an alternating pattern of row crops to reduce sheet and rill erosion and the
transport of sediment and other water-borne contaminants. Cost share is limited
to the acres of narrow seeded crops on fields where soil loss is reduced to the
soil “T” value.
Structure for Water Control (60% AC)
A structure required as part of an erosion control system to control the
direction or rate of water flow or maintain a desired water surface elevation.
Subsurface Drain (45% AC)
Corrugated plastic tubing installed beneath the ground surface to control the
water table in fields where a documented phytophthera problem is preventing
implementation of a nutrient management system.
Terrace (60% AC)
An earth embankment or a combination ridge and channel constructed across the
field slope to reduce soil erosion or retain runoff for moisture conservation.
Underground Outlet (60% AC)
A conduit installed beneath the surface of the ground to collect surface water
from terraces, diversions, surface drains or other approved practices and convey
it to a suitable outlet.
Vegetated Barriers (45% AC)
Permanent strips of stiff, dense vegetation along the general contour of slopes
or across concentrated flow area installed to reduce sheet and rill erosion,
reduce ephemeral gully erosion, manage water flow, stabilize steep slopes, or
trap sediment.
Windbreak or Shelterbelt Establishment (45% AC)
Linear plantings of single or multiple rows of trees or shrubs established to
provide shelter for livestock, living barriers to reduce airborne odors,
particulates and chemical drift, or enhance wildlife habitat.
back to beginning of list of eligible
practices
Land must have been irrigated at least 2 of the past 5 years to be eligible.
In addition, all cost-shared irrigation systems must have an efficiency rating
of at least 80%.
Critical Area Planting (45% AC)
In critical areas disturbed by the installation of tailwater recovery systems,
plant perennial vegetation such as trees, shrubs, grasses, or legumes.
Grade Stabilization Structure (45% AC)
A structure installed to control the grade and head cutting in natural or
artificial channels installed as part of a tailwater recovery system.
Irrigation Water Conveyance (45% AC)
Install permanent underground high-pressure pipeline and appurtenances as part
of an approved irrigation system.
Irrigation System, Microirrigation (45% AC)
An irrigation system for distribution of water directly to the plant root zone
by means of surface or subsurface applicators, installed to uniformly apply
irrigation water and maintain soil moisture for optimum plant growth,
effectively apply agricultural chemicals, or reduce particulate matter
emissions.
Irrigation System, Sprinkler (45% AC)
An irrigation system installed to efficiently apply water by means of nozzles
operated under pressure, uniformly apply irrigation water and maintain adequate
soil water for optimum plant growth, effectively apply agricultural chemicals,
or reduce particulate matter emissions.
Irrigation System, Tailwater Recovery (45% AC)
An irrigation system in which all facilities for the collection, storage, and
transportation of irrigation tailwater have been installed to conserve
irrigation water supplies and improve offsite water quality.
Irrigation Water Management (IWM) (FR)
A management system that controls the volume, frequency and application rate of
irrigation water in a planned, efficient manner to match the crop need at
various growth stages, the soil infiltration rate and soil water holding
capacities. Requires the development of an IWM plan, soil moisture monitoring,
and water application record keeping.
Irrigation Water Management Hardware (45% AC)
Install meters, monitors, and other appurtenances that aid in the process of
implementing an approved irrigation water management plan.
Lined Waterway or Outlet (45% AC)
A waterway or outlet with an erosion resistant lining of concrete, stone,
synthetic turf reinforcement fabrics or other permanent material, installed to
provide for safe conveyance of runoff from tailwater recovery structures or
water concentration areas.
Mulching (45% AC)
Application of plant residues or other suitable materials to the land surface to
provide erosion control, suppress weed growth, or establish vegetative cover,
required as part of a tailwater recovery system installation.
Obstruction Removal (45% AC)
Removal and disposal of unwanted or hazardous buildings, structures, vegetation,
landscape features, and other materials in order to facilitate the installation
of new tailwater recovery practices.
Pond Sealing or Lining (45% AC)
As part of a tailwater recovery basin, a manufactured hydraulic barrier
consisting of a functionally continuous sheet of synthetic or partially
synthetic, flexible material is installed to control seepage.
Precision Land Forming (45% AC)
Re-grade the surface of the land to allow the implementation of other planned
measures under an approved tailwater recovery system.
Pumping Plant (45% AC)
A small pump installed to provide a dependable water source for irrigation. Cost
share is limited to pumps of less than 5 HP permanently installed for
micro-irrigation systems, or pumps required to move water through a tailwater
recovery system.
Roof Runoff Structure (45% AC)
Structures that collect, control, and transport precipitation from roofs,
installed as part of a tailwater recovery system.
Spoil Spreading (45% AC)
Disposing of surplus materials excavated to permit the installation of approved
tailwater recovery practices.
Structure for Water Control (45% AC)
A structure required as part of a tailwater recovery system that controls the
direction or rate of flow or maintains a desired water surface elevation.
Underground Outlet (45% AC)
A conduit installed beneath the surface of the ground to collect surface water
from surface drains, lined waterways or other approved practices and convey it
to a suitable outlet.
back to beginning of list of eligible
practices
Practices normally associated with pasture based livestock operations, such
as management of grass and water resources, protection of surface and ground
water, reduction in soil compaction and erosion, and implementation of
conservation buffers. Cost share is limited to practices designed for the
number of animal units on the operation at the time of program
application. Consideration will be given for variations in animal numbers normal
for the operation. Waivers to this provision can be requested in writing to the
State Program Manager.
Air Resources Management (60% AC)
Use solar energy to pump water to the livestock watering system. Includes solar
pump with panel, controller, and back-up battery.
Animal Trails and Walkways (60% AC)
Establish lanes or travel ways that facilitate animal movement as part of an
approved Prescribed Grazing plan to provide or improve access to forage, water,
and/or shelter, or to improve grazing efficiency and distribution.
Brush Management (60% AC)
The removal of non-herbaceous plants to restore natural plant community balance,
manage noxious woody plants, or improve forage accessibility, quality and
quantity for livestock.
Fence (60% AC)
Used to divide an area of land with suitable, permanent fencing in order to
improve distribution and timing of livestock grazing as part of establishing a
Prescribed Grazing System.
Filter Strip (45% AC)
A strip or area of herbaceous vegetation established between grazing land and
environmentally sensitive areas to reduce sediment, particulate organics and
dissolved contaminant loadings in runoff, serve as Zone 3 of a Riparian Forest
Buffer, or create herbaceous habitat for wildlife and beneficial insects.
Heavy Use Area Protection (45% AC)
The stabilization of areas with vegetative cover or other suitable materials to
reduce soil erosion, improve air and water quality, or improve livestock health.
Cost share is limited to areas surrounding livestock watering facilities treated
with gravel, vegetation, or mulch.
Pasture and Hayland Planting (60% AC)
Plant adapted native or introduced forage species as part of a Prescribed
Grazing system to improve livestock nutrition and/or health or extend the length
of the grazing season. Cost share is limited to one planting per pasture area
during the life of the contract.
Pipeline (60% AC)
Permanent installation of an underground pipeline having an inside diameter of 8
inches or less to convey water from a supply source to points of use for
livestock.
Prescribed Grazing (FR)
A management system that actively controls the harvest of vegetation with
grazing animals in order to improve the health and vigor of forage plants,
maintain a stable and desired plant community, improve animal health and
productivity, improve water quality and quantity, reduce accelerated soil
erosion, and improve soil condition.
Pumping Plant for Water Control (60% AC)
A pump installed to transfer water and provide a dependable livestock water
source.
Riparian Herbaceous Cover (45% AC)
Establish grasses and forbs that are tolerant of intermittent flooding or
saturated soils in riparian areas to provide food and shelter for wildlife, to
reduce the amount of sediment and other pollutants, to help stabilize stream
bank and shorelines, or to increase net carbon storage in the biomass and soil.
Riparian Forest Buffer (45% AC)
Establish an area of trees and/or shrubs adjacent to water bodies to lower water
temperatures, improve habitat for aquatic organisms, provide a source of
detritus and large woody debris for aquatic organisms, reduce excess amounts of
sediment, organic material, nutrients, and pesticides in surface runoff and
reduce excess nutrients and other chemicals in shallow ground water flow.
Spring Development (60% AC)
Utilize available springs and seeps to provide water for livestock under a
prescribed grazing system.
Stream Crossing (60% AC)
Construct a stabilized area across a stream to provide a travel way for
livestock as required under an approved Prescribed Grazing system in order to
reduce sediment, nutrient, and organic loading of the stream.
Streambank and Shoreline Protection (45% AC)
Structural or bio-engineered treatments used to stabilize banks of streams or
shorelines, reduce the offsite or downstream effects of sediment or to improve
the stream corridor for fish and wildlife habitat.
Use Exclusion (60% AC)
As part of establishing a Prescribed Grazing System, control livestock access to
surface water areas through the use of fencing, including gates where necessary.
Watering Facility (60% AC)
A tank, trough, or other watertight container permanently installed to provide
animal access to water and facilitate proper distribution of grazing, or to
protect streams, ponds and water supplies from contamination.
Water Well (60% AC)
Install a new well, less than 6” in diameter, for the purpose of providing a
livestock water source in order to facilitate the implementation of an approved
Prescribed Grazing System.
back to beginning of list of eligible
practices
Practices related to the handling, transfer, and storage of animal waste
products, and practices that separate clean water sources from contaminated
water in areas where livestock congregate. Cost share is limited to practices
designed for the number of animal units on the operation at the time of program
application. Consideration will be given for variations in animal numbers normal
for the operation. Waivers to this provision can be requested in writing to the
State Program Manager.
Note: a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP) is
required for any contract that includes the storage of animal wastes produced on
the farm. The CNMP will be developed by Rutgers with input from the producer,
and approved by NRCS within 12 months of contract signing. All portions of the
operation where waste is generated or applied, whether under the EQIP contract
or not, must be included in the CNMP plan.
Anaerobic Digester (60% AC)
A waste treatment impoundment used to biologically treat waste and produce and
capture biogas for energy, improve air quality, and reduce greenhouse gas
emissions.
Closure of Waste Impoundment (60% AC)
The closure of waste lagoons and waste storage ponds, no longer used for their
intended purpose, in an environmentally safe manner as part of an overall waste
management system.
Composting Facility (60% AC)
A permanent facility to process raw manure into biologically stable organic
material to reduce the pollution potential of organic agricultural wastes to
surface and ground water.
Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP) (FR)
Implement the record keeping and management elements of the approved CNMP.
Payments will commence after all contracted handling and storage practices have
been successfully implemented. The payment can be based on either the number of
animal units that generate the waste, or the number of acres where the waste is
utilized on the farm.
Constructed Wetland (60% AC)
A constructed shallow water ecosystem designed to simulate natural wetlands,
installed to reduce the pollution potential of wastewater from agricultural
lands.
Critical Area Planting (60% AC)
In critical areas disturbed by the installation of animal waste facilities,
plant perennial vegetation such as trees, shrubs, grasses, or legumes.
Diversion (60% AC)
A channel constructed across the slope with a supporting ridge on the lower
side, constructed to divert water away from farmsteads or agricultural waste
systems, reduce runoff damages from upland runoff, or divert water away from
active gullies or critically eroding areas.
Heavy Use Area Protection (45% AC)
The stabilization of areas with vegetative cover or other suitable materials to
reduce soil erosion, improve air and water quality, or improve livestock health.
Cost share is limited to areas intensively used by animals during periods when
pastures are not available. The practice will be sized based on the number of
animal units that the available pasture areas normally support during the
growing season. Pavilion roofs will be cost shared only when other runoff
control options are not feasible due to slope or soil limitations.
Manure Transfer (60% AC)
A conveyance system of structures or conduits to transfer animal manure
(including bedding, spilled feed, wash water, and other residues) through a
hopper or reception pit, conduit, and/or hauling equipment to a manure
storage/treatment facility, loading area, or to agricultural land for final
utilization.
Pumping Plant (60% AC)
A pump installed to transfer wastewater from source to storage areas and/or from
storage areas to disposal sites.
Roof Runoff Structure (60% AC)
Structures that collect, control, and transport precipitation from roofs,
installed to prevent runoff contamination by animal wastes, improve water
quality or reduce soil erosion.
Spoil Spreading (45% AC)
Disposing of surplus materials excavated to permit the installation of approved
animal waste management practices.
Solid/Liquid Separation Facility (60% AC)
A filtration or screening device, settling tank, or settling basin used to
separate a portion of solids from the liquid waste stream in order to better
manage the associated nutrients.
Underground Outlet (60% AC)
A conduit installed underground to collect surface water from surface drains or
other approved practices and convey it to a suitable outlet.
Waste Facility Cover (60% AM)
A fabricated rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible membrane over a waste treatment or
storage facility used for water quality improvement, air quality improvement, or
capture of biogas for energy production.
Waste Storage Facility (60% AC)
A structure, embankment, or pit used to temporarily store wastes such as manure,
wastewater, and contaminated runoff prior to its utilization on land or other
proper disposal.
Wastewater Treatment Strip (60% AC)
A treatment component of an agricultural waste management system consisting of a
strip or area of herbaceous vegetation installed to reduce the loading of
nutrients, organics, pathogens, and other contaminants associated with animal
manure.
back to beginning of list of eligible
practices
Practices associated with meeting the requirements of NJ Stormwater
regulations. Cost share is authorized for treating impervious surfaces that were
in existence on the effective date of the NJ Stormwater Management Rules only.
(February 2, 2004)
Constructed Wetland (45% AC)
A constructed shallow water ecosystem designed to simulate natural wetlands,
installed to reduce the pollution potential of runoff from agricultural lands.
Critical Area Planting (60% AC)
In critical areas disturbed by the installation of runoff management practices,
plant perennial vegetation such as trees, shrubs, grasses, or legumes.
Grade Stabilization Structure (45% AC)
A structure installed to control the grade and head cutting in natural or
artificial channels.
Lined Waterway or Outlet (45% AC)
A waterway or outlet with an erosion resistant lining of concrete, stone,
synthetic turf reinforcement fabrics or other permanent material, installed to
provide for safe conveyance of runoff from stormwater management structures or
water concentration areas.
Mulching (45% AC)
Application of plant residues or other suitable materials to the land surface to
provide erosion control, suppress weed growth, or establish vegetative cover.
Obstruction Removal (45% AC)
Removal and disposal of unwanted or hazardous buildings, structures, vegetation,
landscape features, and other materials in order to facilitate the installation
of new storm water management practices.
Pond Sealing or Lining (45% AC)
Install a manufactured hydraulic barrier consisting of a functionally continuous
sheet of synthetic or partially synthetic, flexible material as part of a water
and sediment control basin to control seepage.
Precision Land Forming (45% AC)
Re-grade the surface of the land to allow the implementation of other planned
measures under an approved stormwater runoff management system.
Roof Runoff Structure (45% AC)
Structures that collect, control, and transport precipitation from roofs,
installed to reduce soil erosion, increase infiltration, or increase water
quantity.
Runoff Management System (45% AM)
Implementation of non-typical components of a runoff management system installed
to meet NJ storm water management regulations.
Spoil Spreading (45% AC)
Disposing of surplus materials excavated to permit the installation of approved
stormwater runoff management practices.
Structure for Water Control (45% AC)
A structure required as part of a tailwater recovery or storm water management
system that conveys water, controls the direction or rate of flow, or maintains
a desired water surface elevation.
Underground Outlet (45% AC)
A conduit installed beneath the surface of the ground to collect surface water
from surface drains, lined waterways, or other approved practices and convey it
to a suitable outlet.
Water and Sediment Control Basin (45% AC)
Used as part of a Storm Water Runoff Management System, when needed, to collect
and store excess runoff water from an agricultural operation.
back to beginning of list of eligible
practices
Contact:
Janice Reid, Assistant State Conservationist for Programs
< Back to Environmental Quality
Incentives Program
Last Modified:
May 27, 2008
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