DESCRIPTION
This is a continuation of PRISM project #00-1179. The Pomeroy Conservation District used this funding to reduce erosion from upland croplands. A large amount of the sediment generated from upland erosion reaches fish-bearing streams within the district. Two of these streams have documented steelhead populations while two others had populations in the past. Sediment in the streams greatly reduces spawning and rearing habitat.
Forty-three producers used the cost share program associated with this grant to reduce sediment run off into fish-bearing streams
Direct seeding took place on 3,090 acres (i.e., cropland underwent a two-pass operation-fertilizer application and then seeding with a heavy drill).
No-till seeding took place on 3,227 acres (i.e., cropland was treated with Roundup herbicide to kill all vegetation before seeding, eliminating the need for cultivation; the ground was then fertilized and seeded in one pass using a no-till drill).
Four level-terrace projects were rebuilt to original NRCS specifications.
One grassed waterway was constructed.
Two sediment basin projects were constructed.
Taking all these best management practices into consideration, the overall sediment from upland soil erosion was reduced by 85% compared to these same acres being prepared and seeded using the conventional cultivation practices.