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The Application of Agricultural Practice Life Spans in Tracking, Verification and Reporting Systems. Mark Dubin Agricultural Technical Coordinator University of Maryland Extension - College Park. Mark Dubin Agricultural Technical Coordinator
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The Application of Agricultural Practice Life Spans in Tracking, Verification and Reporting Systems Mark Dubin Agricultural Technical Coordinator University of Maryland Extension - College Park
Mark DubinAgricultural Technical Coordinator University of Maryland Extension-College ParkCollege of Agriculture and Natural Resources USDA-NIFA Mid-Atlantic Water Programmdubin06@umd.edu EPA Chesapeake Bay Program Officemdubin@chesapeakebay.net
Agricultural Life Spans • Agricultural practice life spans can be defined into two major categories: • Contractual life spans-The life span of the contractual agreement for the implementation and maintenance of the practice; typically related to financial cost-share assistance. Verification is normally implemented as a requirement. • Engineered life spans-The estimated physical life span of the practice if implemented and maintained properly under average conditions use and environmental conditions. Verification may or may not be implemented as a requirement.
Agricultural Life Spans • Agricultural contractual life spans are variable across types of practices and programs: • Management Practices- • Cover crops : 5-6 months • Crop Residue/Tillage: 1-3 years • Nutrient Management: 3 years • Conservation Plan: 10 years • Structural Practices- • Grass Waterway: 5-10 years • Fencing: 10-20 years • Barnyards: 10 years • Manure Waste Storage: 10-15 years
Agricultural Life Spans • Agricultural engineered life spans are variable across types of practices, operation, maintenance and environmental conditions: • Management Practices- • Similar as contractual life spans. • Structural Practices • Similar as contracted but is likely to be longer given proper operation and maintenance.
Agricultural Life Spans • Where do agricultural practice life spans originate from? • USDA-NRCS contractual and engineered life spans are developed through the National Handbook of Conservation Practice (NHCP) standards and utilized by FSA and NRCS programs. • State NRCS offices can modify the national life spans to meet state or local needs. • States typically incorporate NRCS contractual and engineered life spans into their programs. State program life span exceptions are possible due to administrative requirements.
Agricultural Life Spans • How are practice life spans already being utilized for tracking, verification and reporting? • Contractual Life Spans- • USDA contractual and engineered life spans are incorporated into FSA and NRCS program databases for tracking, verification and reporting. • USGS reporting of FSA/NRCS practice data for the CBP partnership is based on life spans. • State programs typically track and verify practices based on contractual life spans. Reporting is typically not based on life spans. • Virginia has utilized life spans for tracking and reporting of some agricultural BMPs.