Nutrient Management Along the Lower Mississippi River

Project Details by Fiscal Year
2011 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$161,616
Fund Source
Clean Water Fund
Recipient
SE SWCD Tech Support JPB
Recipient Type
Local/Regional Government
Status
Completed
Start Date
January 2011
End Date
December 2012
Activity Type
Technical Assistance
Counties Affected
Dodge
Fillmore
Freeborn
Goodhue
Houston
Mower
Olmsted
Rice
Steele
Wabasha
Winona
Dodge
Fillmore
Freeborn
Goodhue
Houston
Mower
Olmsted
Rice
Steele
Wabasha
Winona
Project Overview

This project will assist farmers across Southeast Minnesota by providing guidance on management of nutrient sources including livestock manure, commercial fertilizers, and legumes. This project is important because excess nutrients and bacteria are causing negative impacts to the quality of waters. Two Nutrient Management Specialists will work one-on-one with farmers to develop 70 plans each year. Over time, it is anticipated that the number of new nutrient management plans will decrease as acres with plans increase.
Nutrient management plans follow U of M recommendations reducing the risk of over application and transport of nutrients and bacteria into surface or ground water. This project aligns with regional goals to reduce fecal coliform bacteria levels by 65% and to reduce nitrate levels in ground water and surface water to below 10 mg/l. In addition, at least 10 educational events related to Manure Management will be held. A research grant will continue to evaluate the optimal amount of nitrogen for corn on solid pack manured soils as affected by rate and timing of application.
This project expands a Nutrient Management effort throughout the 11 SE MN Counties that began in early 2007. The SE SWCD Tech Support JPB provided the overall grant coordination that allowed Fillmore and Rice SWCD's to each employ trained Nutrient Management Planners whose workload is directed throughout the 11 county area. So far, over 250 producers have benefited from the technical assistance provided by these two positions, with plans covering 124,786 acres.

Competitive Grant Making Body
Conflict of Interest Disclosed
No
Conflict of Interest Contact

Nicole Clapp

Legal Citation / Subdivision
Laws of Minnesota 2009, Chapter 172, Article 2, Section 6 (b); Laws of Minnesota 2009, Chapter 172, Article 2, Section 6 (i)
Appropriation Language

(i) $1,250,000 the first year and $1,500,000 the second year are for targeted nonpoint restoration technical assistance and engineering. At least 93 percent of this amount must be made available for grants. (2011 - Restoration Technical Assistance)

2011 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$161,616
Other Funds Leveraged
$40,404
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

This project aligns with regional goals to reduce fecal coliform bacteria levels by 65% and to reduce nitrate levels in ground water and surface water to below 10 mg/l. In addition, at least 10 educational events related to Manure Management will be held.

Measurable Outcome(s)

The two nutrient management specialists worked directly with landowners applying manure and commercial fertilizers. A total 288 nutrient management plans covering 77,249 acres of agricultural land have been completed or updated during the period of this grant project.

Project Manager
First Name
Glen
Last Name
Roberson
Phone
(651) 923-5286 x4
Email
groberson@goodhueswcd.org
Administered By
Administered by
Location

520 Lafayette Road North
St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone
651- 296-3767