Cover Crops, Tillage, and Irrigation Water Management Practices Project 2025

A farm located in Saint Martin has been working to implement various conservation practices on their farm. They have incorporated both no-till and strip-till practices. These practices help improve soil health and increase soil organic matter. Additionally, they have integrated cover crops into their system which keeps the soil covered helping to reduce soil erosion.

This landowner has also implemented irrigation water management practices on their farm. This includes soil moisture sensors and flow meters. Soil moisture sensors can help the landowner make informed decisions on when and how much water to apply based on crop type, growth stage, weather, and other factors. These sensors work to give the landowner real time data either in the field or on a smart phone or tablet.

Overall, these practices have helped improve water use efficiency, have increased water holding capacity, and have improved water quality.

Benefits:

• Reduced erosion

• Increased organic matter

• Improved water use

• Improved water quality

• Increased water holding capacity

Partners on this project included the landowner, Stearns CD, USDA NRCS, and the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP).