This Tech Talk is about tree/shrub site preparation (CPS 490) and tree/shrub planting methods. This session includes a discussion of planning considerations for site preparation and matching the site preparation techniques to the site conditions. Different types of tree stock and planting methods are discussed along with planning considerations for successful tree/shrub establishment. Available web soil survey reports are demonstrated and other resources for practice planning are provided.

Filter strips are an area of herbaceous vegetation that are designed to reduce sediment, suspended solids, nutrients, dissolved contaminants and pathogens from water before the water reaches an environmentally sensitive area such as a stream, lake, drainage ditch or sinkhole. This training will provide a comprehensive overview of the standard and hands on experience with planning and designing a filter strip.

This training session replay on the filter strip standard covers:

In this session Callie Bertsch, NRCS State Forester, and Kelly Voigt, TTCP Training Conservationist, cover Tree/Shrub Establishment practice (CPS 612). This session covers the use of Web Soil Survey to identify Conservation Tree/Shrub Groups and using the CTSG group spreadsheet to select species of trees/shrubs to plant. This session also tree spacing specifications for different planting purposes and other tree/shrub selection factors. In addition, participants will become familiar with the Implementation Requirements worksheet for the 612 practice standard.

This session includes an overview of the Agrichemical Handling Facility (CPS 309) practice. What the resource concerns are, design tools and methodology, standard drawings available, and construction oversight and certification processes are all discussed. NRCS presenters include Mike Krcmarik, Mark Pearson, and Nichole Sternquist.

Join us as we discuss the similarities and differences between regenerative and organic agriculture. This webinar will cover the basic principles and practices of organic and regenerative agriculture, highlighting intersections and differences between the two. Also discussed will be motivations for producers to follow one or both production principles and resource challenges these producers may experience. This webinar is presented in partnership with Oregon Tilth, as part of a series of webinars on organic systems.

This is a recording of the RIM Working Lands easement program webinar training session from 2/24/2022. Training for this new pilot program focused on the beginning steps for preparing and submitting an application for funding.

These are the recordings from the February 2022 Basic CAD training. The intended audience is conservation staff with little CAD experience. The topics covered include: new drawings, general CAD layout, common features, useful commands, tool palettes, creating objects (i.e. linework), utilizing background photos, and an introduction to grading and creating structures using assemblies. We’ll also review other resources including NRCS’s guide sheets.

Woody Van Arkel and Cameron Ogilvie shared results of and experience with on-farm research at Woody’s farm. Research explored different cover crops in combination with manure applications and side-dressed nitrogen. Cover crops included cereal rye, red clover and multi-species blends. Learn how on-farm research like this can help you consider net returns and not solely bushels per acre.

Mark Dittrich and Jeppe Hjaersgaard, both with MDA, discuss drainage and conservation focusing on the human dimension of conservation. What’s happening and what’s worked in southern Minnesota will be a part of this interactive discussion.

This is a replay of the Nutrient Management Training held on February 9, 2022.

Part 1: Soil Test and UM Recommendations

Part 2: Manure and Other Credits

Part 3: Manure Application Considerations and Phosphorus based plans

Part 4: Commercial Fertilizer