Fertilizer Use Innovation for Improved Soil Health

This measure will focus on education around practices that can help improve fertilizer use and soil health in farming. Soil testing is one-way farmers can improve soil health. Testing throughout fields for nitrogen levels can help determine the rate needed on various parts of fields. This can help farmers apply appropriate, or variable nitrogen rates, which can help reduce nitrogen volatilized and improve soil health. Planting cover crops helps reduce bare soil which reduces nitrogen volatilized. Additionally, nitrogen fixing cover crops such as peas can help build soil nitrogen levels, also reducing the amount of synthetic fertilizer necessary in fields. Ultimately, the goal is to use the right rate, the right source, the right time and the right place when applying fertilizer.

When implemented, these practices of regenerative farming aim to create resilient farms and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the state. This measure aims to reduce total pounds of nitrogen used by 35%, eventually reducing total pounds of nitrogen used and lost. With $1 million available for education and/or incentives for farmers to implement these regenerative practices, MDA aims to sign up 100,000 acres per year for 5 years.