Agricultural Resource Management

 

 

The District can assist you with any resource concern: soil, water, air, plants, or animals.

Our local (Polk SWCD), state (Iowa Department of Agricultural and Land Stewardship-Division of Soil Conservation) and federal (Natural Resources Conservation Service) staff provide free technical assistance in protecting these resources and can also assist with applications for funding assistance.


Best Management Practices (BMPs)

All technical assistance follows the USDA-NRCS Field Office Technical Guide Specifications for practices. It is recommended that your contractor follow these specifications. For more information on a specific practice, you can view the Iowa Conservation Practice Standards.

 

   

Commonly installed BMPs:

Grade Stabilization Structure
Control Basins
Terraces
Conservation Cover
Grassed Waterway
Wetlands
Wildlife Habitat
Prescribed/Managed Grazing
Streambank Stabilization
Filter Strips
Contour Buffer Strips
Farmstead Windbreaks
Nutrient Management
Pest Management
Residue Management

Wildlife Habitat

Overview

 

Planting trees, shrubs and other vegetation that provide cover and food and attract wildlife to an area. The type of habitat provided will determine the kind and numbers of wildlife attracted.

  • Ground cover helps reduce soil erosion, adds organic matter to the soil, filters, runoff and increases infiltration.
  • It can add value to your farmstead.
  • Planned wildlife habitat provides food and cover for wildlife.
 


Project Highlights


Photos