The Current
Manitowoc Co. Soil & Water Conservation Spring Edition
50,000 + Trees Planted in Manitowoc County this Spring!!
It was a great year for tree planting in Manitowoc County, with 46,000 seedlings delivered for planting from the DNR nursery, and another 5,100 seedlings sold through the Manitowoc County 4-H Camp Tapawingo tree fundraising sale.
The DNR nursery provides reasonably priced native tree seedlings and shrubs that landowners can use for conservation and reforestation. Planting more trees provides wildlife habitat, prevents soil erosion, creates future forest products, creates aesthetic beauty, and helps create clean air and water, says Department of Natural Resources Forester, Jake Schroeder.
Some landowners may be eligible for cost sharing through state and federal programs for larger tree plantings, and Manitowoc County Soil and Water Conservation Department has tree planting machines available for rent. Anyone interested in learning more can visit the DNR website and search “tree planting” for more information.
https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/TreePlanting
The Camp Tapawingo tree sale is held early-spring each year and supports the mission of the camp, which is to provide educational and recreational programs to instill a strong appreciation of nature and the wise use of natural resources to people of all ages.
For more information on the Camp Tapawingo tree sale, and to inquire about the 2022 tree sale, email 4hcamptapawingo@gmail.com
Manitowoc County Soil & Water Conservation Department Launches New Conservation Programs
But, what exactly are these practices, and how will they help farms and surface water in our county?
Harvestable Buffers:
Harvestable buffers are vegetated strips that are typically located at the edge of farm fields. The cool season grasses growing in them prevent phosphorus and sediment runoff from entering streams, lakes, wetlands and other sensitive areas. “Installing harvestable buffers is a great option for Manitowoc County farmers who are looking to protect surface water while keeping land in production. These buffers help make low lands more productive and provide another source of forage for farmers,” says Behnke. In addition to the filtration and additional forage benefits, the program is a way for local farmers to make a little extra revenue. Landowners have the option to enroll in the harvestable buffer program for 5, 10, or 15 years, and the incentive payments increase the longer each acre is in the program. Landowners are paid $175 per year for 5 years for every acre that is buffered, $200 for a 10 year commitment, and $225 for 15 years—all paid up front.
Interseeding Alfalfa Into Corn Silage:
Interseeding Alflafa into corn silage is another way to stabilize soil, and get a jump start on alfalfa growth the following spring. In this system, corn and alfalfa are planted at about the same time. Once the corn is harvested, the goal is to have a good stand of alfalfa to provide ground cover in the fall and winter, and to quickly bring alfalfa into full production the following spring. Manitowoc County is looking for several farms to try out the practice and see if it’s a viable option for this region. Eligible farms can receive a $100 payment per acre, up to 20 acres.
Tile Blowout Repairs:
Installing drain tiles has helped local farmers increase production, reduce runoff, and dry out their fields for decades. These aging clay and concrete tile systems however, are susceptible to erosion and breakage. When they break, they create “suck-holes” that function like surface inlets, allowing nutrients and sediment to flow directly to surface water. Landowners with cropland in any public-access inland lake watersheds are eligible for 70% cost-sharing for tile repair. These repairs will upgrade tile lines with newer materials, ensuring the drainage systems work correctly.
The Manitowoc County Soil & Water Conservation Department received a $45,450 innovative conservation grant from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection to pilot these programs. Interested farms should contact the Manitowoc County Soil and Water Conservation Department as soon as possible to sign up. Call 920-683-4183 or complete the online form at: https://forms.gle/Rb3DJW6TA52rMxGf9
Soil & Water Booth at Breakfast on the Farm June 13th
It's Time to Turn in Your 2021 Nutrient Management Plan
Pine Creek Watershed Project Update
On May 7th the Manitowoc County Soil and Water Conservation Department met with producers operating within the Pine Creek Watershed to talk about the project and special funding available to install new conservation practices on their land. The evening was made possible through Lakeshore Natural Resources Partnership and the Great Lakes Protection Fund.
Practices such as harvestable buffers, were met with interest from farm owners as a common-sense way to increase forage, keep soil from leaving the field, and protect surface water.
The Pine Creek Watershed is located in northeast Wisconsin, just south of Manitowoc. It's under a 10 year 9-Key Element Plan to reduce phosphorus and sediment loads from point and nonpoint sources in order to meet Wisconsin’s surface water quality standards. Nutrient and Sediment reductions in the project area, and the larger Manitowoc River basin, are crucial to the local economy, lifestyles and recreational opportunities in the region, and will benefit the extensive habitat dependent on water quality and near shore health.
Checking In: Spring Management Of Cover Cropped Fields
Remember the fall-planted cover crop map project? It consisted of over 20 Manitowoc County producers discussing their cover crop fields. https://earth.google.com/earth/d/1cfPlzL29HLxsRMsvi7zqV00y31ZYw9Py?usp=sharing
We're checking back with these farms to see how they're managing their cover cropped fields this spring. Here's a sneak peek of what's to come in the updated map!
Frelich Farms:
50% of their acres
were no-till planted into standing rye and rape.
Soaring Eagle applies liquid manure on a field that had a winter wheat cover crop. They used an Aerway tool bar to improve infiltration without destroying the cover crop.
Nutrient Management Farmer Education Class
It may have looked a little different - with limited enrollment and social distancing measures in place, but that didn't stop Manitowoc County farmers from learning how to write their own nutrient management plans this year. The two-part class took place in February.
Nutrient management refers to the use of manure and other fertilizers to meet crop nutrient needs, while reducing the potential for them to run off fields to lakes, streams and groundwater. It helps assure that crops get the right amount of nutrients -- nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, often referred to as N-P-K -- at the right time and place. This benefits the farmer by improving crop yields and reducing costs, and benefits the environment by keeping nutrients on fields and preventing them from running off to streams, lakes or groundwater.