Project Search
Since its inception in 2004, CIG has funded hundreds of projects, boosting natural resource conservation while helping producers improve the health of their operations for the future. Use this tool to search for CIG projects based on any of the criteria listed below.
CIG projects from 2004-2009 may be missing information in the following categories: Resource Concern (specific), Conservation Practice, Production/Use.
Showing 771 - 780 of 1721 projects
Michigan State University
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MI
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2012
The specific objectives of this project include the measurement and evaluation of the effects to alternative cropping practices on soil microbial respiration and of the soil organic carbon accumulation as an indicator of advances in soil health. The project also aims to answer growers questions about cover crop nutrient cycling by monitoring such performance indicators as biomass yield, nitrogen uptake and release, and subsequent crop yields. It also aims to demonstrate and evaluate strategic selection and use of cover crop mixtures on crop growth and soil quality in row crops and develop and deliver educational materials to guide farmers in a systems approach to protecting and building soil health and natural productivity. The project also aims to increase farmer involvement in the development of practical, efficient and cost effective guidelines for improving soil health. Finally, it aims to develop and incorporate alternative management options for soil health in the NRCS Nutrient Management (590), Cover Crop (340), Waste Utilization (633), Residue Management (329A) and other relevant standards.
Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (IASWCD)
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IN
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2012
The overall goal of this project is to integrate long-term continuous no-till/strip-till, Cover Crops, precision technology, nutrient management and pest management practices into productive, profitable and sustainable systems. The innovative approach to achieving this goal is through the regionally located training/demonstration site hubs, utilizing the inter-professional expertise of farmer-peer mentors, crop advisors, and Indiana Conservation Partnership staff. This innovative approach has the ability to be replicated in the Midwest while allowing for flexibility based on the needs and resources in other states and/or regions. The secondary goal is to measure and quantify the impacts of these conservation systems on soil health at regionally located agricultural production sites.
Michigan State University
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MI
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2012
The purpose of the proposed CIG effort is to demonstrate an effective bioEnergy production system. Our goal is to show that, by maximizing efficiency of the overall production process, we can ultimately achieve cost-competitiveness of biodiesel for on-farm uses. This approach is innovative in the sense that it takes advantage of the synergy between biodiesel and biogas production to maximize the overall production efficiency of biofuels. The project plan is designed to provide the USDA sponsor with a number of project metrics. The plan includes pilot-scale construction and operation, farm based demonstrations and outreach to the user and technical community via written and web-based media.
Moody County Conservation District
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SD
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2012
The purpose of the project is to develop a water-quality trading program for the Central Big Sioux River Watershed (CBSRW) project area that would facilitate implementation of best management practices for sediment and bacteria. The methods developed will then be used to develop water quality trading programs in other parts of the Big Sioux River Basin and other river basins throughout the region.
Clemson University
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SC
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2012
This project proposes to modify planting equipment of 20 Environmental Quality Incentives Program eligible farmers to allow for interseeding and establish six “Prototype Fields” per year to directly train producers of soybean, cotton, peanut and wheat in the use, benefits and effectiveness of interseeding technology. The project will also demonstrate and evaluate the effects of interseeding technology combined with crop rotations on soil chemical, physical, and biological properties, fuel consumption, pest management and farm profits. The project also aims to implement an aggressive training program for crop consultants, technology providers, and county Extension agents to become the primary providers of interseeding technology for growers beyond the geographic and time limitations of this project.
North Carolina State University
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NC
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2012
The overall goal of this project is to develop, evaluate, and demonstrate the use of simple tools to quantify the impacts of DWM on the reduction of N losses from subsurface drained cropland. Specific objectives include:
• Developing two easy to use and reliable DRAINMOD-based tools to quantify the reduction of annual N mass losses due to the implementation of DWM. These tools can be utilized by the Midwest and Southeast states as part of a water quality credit trading system involving DWM.
• Testing the accuracy of the tools by comparing DWM-caused reductions of annual N mass loss estimated by the developed tools to measured and/or DRAINMOD-NII predicted losses for Indiana, Illinois, Minnesota, Iowa, Ohio, and North Carolina. Historic measured data will be used and no additional measurements will be needed for the evaluation of the performance of the tool.
• Developing a website for the tools which includes educational material on DWM, instructional and training materials on how to use the tools, and utilities for preparing the required inputs.
• Developing two easy to use and reliable DRAINMOD-based tools to quantify the reduction of annual N mass losses due to the implementation of DWM. These tools can be utilized by the Midwest and Southeast states as part of a water quality credit trading system involving DWM.
• Testing the accuracy of the tools by comparing DWM-caused reductions of annual N mass loss estimated by the developed tools to measured and/or DRAINMOD-NII predicted losses for Indiana, Illinois, Minnesota, Iowa, Ohio, and North Carolina. Historic measured data will be used and no additional measurements will be needed for the evaluation of the performance of the tool.
• Developing a website for the tools which includes educational material on DWM, instructional and training materials on how to use the tools, and utilities for preparing the required inputs.
Clark Fork Coalition
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MT
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2012
The overall goal of the project is to evaluate, improve and promote a promising fish screen technology for small-scale irrigation diversions that is locally fabricated in Montana. Specific Objectives:
• Procure expert evaluation of the Watson screens hydraulic performance in its current form, and provide recommendations for the fabricator to modify and improve his screen design. Measurable outcome: Professional analysis of hydraulics of existing screen and concrete proposals to improve the design.
• Evaluate the biological performance of several variants of the Watson screen with fry and/or juvenile size Oncorhynchus trout, and incorporate biological criteria into modified designs. Measurable outcome: New designs for Watson flat-plate screens adapted to meet or closely approach NMFS criteria for application on bull trout streams, and a less expensive design for westslope cutthroat streams.
• Develop design guidelines for sizing and installing the modified Watson flat-plate fish screens, and train engineers and engineering techs from NRCS and other entities in selecting appropriate sites for their use; offer guidance on alternative fish screen options where the Watson flat-plate will not work. Measurable outcome: Provide training and tools for designing locallv fabricated flat-plate fish screen installations in Montana that meet criteria for native fish conservation.
• Promote appropriate fish screens with conservation leaders in the agricultural community, educating the public about the issues and opportunities for conserving native fish with improved fish screens, and facilitate their installation and maintenance with irrigators. Measurable outcome: Double the number of effective fish screens installed on irrigation canals in the Upper Clark Fork in two years.
• Procure expert evaluation of the Watson screens hydraulic performance in its current form, and provide recommendations for the fabricator to modify and improve his screen design. Measurable outcome: Professional analysis of hydraulics of existing screen and concrete proposals to improve the design.
• Evaluate the biological performance of several variants of the Watson screen with fry and/or juvenile size Oncorhynchus trout, and incorporate biological criteria into modified designs. Measurable outcome: New designs for Watson flat-plate screens adapted to meet or closely approach NMFS criteria for application on bull trout streams, and a less expensive design for westslope cutthroat streams.
• Develop design guidelines for sizing and installing the modified Watson flat-plate fish screens, and train engineers and engineering techs from NRCS and other entities in selecting appropriate sites for their use; offer guidance on alternative fish screen options where the Watson flat-plate will not work. Measurable outcome: Provide training and tools for designing locallv fabricated flat-plate fish screen installations in Montana that meet criteria for native fish conservation.
• Promote appropriate fish screens with conservation leaders in the agricultural community, educating the public about the issues and opportunities for conserving native fish with improved fish screens, and facilitate their installation and maintenance with irrigators. Measurable outcome: Double the number of effective fish screens installed on irrigation canals in the Upper Clark Fork in two years.
North Dakota State University
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ND
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2012
The project goal is to determine the impact of using controlled drainage to reduce soil sodification, downstream flooding and water quality risks and compare with “free-drainage” systems The project will develop management and soil amendment guidelines that optimize production on saline- and sodium-affected soils in the Northern Great Plains region. It will also develop non-drainage options that reduce salinization and sodification in high risk soils, maintain wildlife Habitat and reduce flooding risks along the Red, Missouri, and Mississippi rivers.
Oklahoma State University
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OK
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2012
This project aims to demonstrate, quantify and communicate the impact of biologically diverse crop rotations on soil chemical, biological and physical properties conducive to soil health. The project will demonstrate and communicate the adaptability and benefits of Cover Crops and “cover crop cocktails” to farmers, ranchers, Extension personnel and NRCS personnel and develop a web-based plant available water estimator that will provide stakeholder utility beyond the life of the project and increase visibility of Extension and NRCS services.
Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory
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CO
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2012
The project goal is to develop a Decision Support Tool. Decision support systems are important tools in the adaptive management process due to the uncertain nature of managing natural resources. The tool will raise awareness for sagebrush obligate birds and determine most cost-effective fence markers.