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The Application of Agricultural Practice Life Spans in Tracking,
Verification and Reporting Systems
Mark DubinAgricultural 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 [email protected]
EPA Chesapeake Bay Program [email protected]
Agricultural Life SpansAgricultural 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 SpansHow 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.
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