Winter Cover Project

The Southern Aroostook Soil and Water Conservation District currently has limited grant money available for the 2008 growing season to provide growers with funding for two soil conservation programs. Funding for these programs is through a Watershed Initiative Grant which was awarded by the EPA to the Maliseet Indians and is being administered by the District. Technical assistance for this program is provided by the area University of Maine Cooperative Extension and Natural Resource Conservation staff.

In order to qualify for this program a producers land must fall within the boundaries of the south branch of the Meduxnekeag River Watershed.

Project Coordinators Annual Report - Update 3/10/2008

Winter Cover and Mulch Photo Gallery - Pictures from local farms of various winter cover crop applications and mulching.

The two programs available are as follows:

Winter Cover Program: This program offers growers $18/Acre. Barley or oats should be broadcast onto potato ground 2-5 days before harvest. The seed will then be incorporated into the ground by the potato harvester. Recommended seeding rates are a minimum of 3 Bushels/Acre for barley and 4 Bushels/Acre for oats and that you broadcast the same type of cereal grain crop you plan to grow the following spring.

   Cover Crop Application Pre-Harvest              Cover Incorporation At Harvest

Check out the growth progress of a winter cover crop planted locally.  Pictures >> 

Mulching Program: This program offers growers $60/Acre. Mulch hay should be applied to the ground with a bale processor at a rate of 1.5 - 2 tons/acre (approximately 2 large round bales). Straw can also be used as a mulch material. In order to qualify for payment, growers must achieve 30% ground cover from a minimum of two round bales per acre. The district currently has two Jiffy Bale Processors and a Bale King Processor which are available to growers for use in this program.

Mulch Hay Application - Jiffy Processor       Newly Applied Layer of Mulch Hay

If you have an interest in this program. Call or email us today.

Project Coordinator:
Daniel Lilley - SASWCD
Telephone: 207-694-0318