Wetland, Floodplain & Stream Restoration Aids Pennsylvania Farmers
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Get More Value from Your Cover Crops
Pennsylvania Cover Crop & Nutrient Management Support Program
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Stories in Pennsylvania
Get More Value from Your Cover Crops
Helping Pennsylvania farmers maximize cover crop benefits through funding, technical assistance and precision nitrogen tools
Pennsylvania Cover Crop & Nutrient Management Support Program
Are you already planting cover crops or interested in maximizing the benefits they provide on your farm?
A new project is helping Pennsylvania farmers take the next step with hands-on support, nutrient management planning assistance and access to innovative technology that can help improve nitrogen management decisions and reduce input costs.
Ready to get started?
Fill out our interest form, and someone will be in touch soon!
Fill Out the Interest FormWhat’s in It for You?
We Help You Get Ready for Spring Cover Crop Mapping!
Have you wanted to improve nutrient management, participate in conservation programs or better understand the value your cover crops provide, but weren't sure where to start?
For Pennsylvania farmers in the project area, a new partnership among TNC, private sector agronomists, Precision Sustainable Agriculture, and NRCS offers funding and personalized support to help implement cover crops and improve nutrient management. Eligible farmers may receive:
- Free technical assistance with cover crop planning, including guidance on seed mixes, seeding rates and timing based on your goals.
- Cover crop cost-share funding of up to $80 per acre.
- Free nutrient management planning services to help you become eligible for participation in the PM3D cover crop mapping project.
Introducing PlantMap3D
A New Tool Supports Better Nitrogen Decisions
PlantMap3D is an innovative technology available to eligible farmers in the Chesapeake Bay watershed through a Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) funded by USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
The technology helps farmers better understand how a multi-species cover crop influences nitrogen availability for the following corn crop.
After your cover crop is terminated in the spring, a participating agribusiness partner, either Willard Agri-Service or GROWMARK FS, will scan the field using a spray rig equipped with PlantMap3D cameras. The cameras capture detailed imagery of your cover crop stand and create high-resolution maps showing differences in biomass and species composition across the field.
Using these images, project partners generate variable-rate nitrogen recommendations that account for nitrogen credits provided by the cover crop. These maps can then be used to adjust sidedress nitrogen applications more precisely throughout the field.
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Ready to Participate?
Explore the program details and how PlantMap3D works, or take the next step and let us know you're interested in participating.
Download Complete the Interest FormBenefits That Extend Beyond Your Farm
Every acre managed with conservation in mind can help reduce nutrient runoff into local streams and rivers, supporting cleaner water for our communities. By improving nutrient management and maximizing the value of cover crops, farmers play an important role in protecting the waterways that provide drinking water, support local wildlife and make Pennsylvania a great place to live, work and raise a family.
This is more than a technology program; it’s an opportunity to strengthen your operation today while helping ensure healthy land and clean water for future generations.
How It Works:
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Enroll in the Program
Submit an interest form to determine eligibility. Fill out the form
Financial Support Available
Eligible participants may receive:
© David Ike
Cover Crop Mapping at No Cost
The program covers the cost of PlantMap3D mapping, giving farmers access to emerging technology without additional expense.
© David Ike
Cost-Share Assistance
Financial assistance is available for sidedress application activities, whether completed by the farmer or an agribusiness partner.
© Erich Schlegel
Yield Warranty Payment
If participation in the program results in reduced income, farmers may be eligible for reimbursement of up to $50 per acre to help offset the risk.
Frequestly Asked Questions:
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By participating, you will:
1. Help Protect Clean Water for Future Generations
By improving nutrient management and maximizing the benefits of cover crops, you can help reduce nutrient runoff, support cleaner local waterways and leave a lasting positive impact for your family, community and future generations.
2. Improve Nitrogen Efficiency
Receive precise, variable-rate nitrogen recommendations that account for cover crop nitrogen credits.
3. Potentially Reduce Input Costs
Apply nitrogen where it’s needed and avoid unnecessary applications.
4. Maintain Yield While Optimizing Decisions
The technology is designed to support in-season nitrogen management and economic yield performance.
5. Receive Expert Support
Work with TNC and trusted agricultural partners throughout the process.
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To participate, farmers must generally meet the following requirements:
- Farm is located within the project area of the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
- Eligible for USDA NRCS Farm Bill programs such as EQIP or CSP.
- Have an established mixed-species cover crop that includes a legume and will be terminated in spring 2027.
- Have or be willing to develop a current Nutrient Management Plan for enrolled acres.
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Yes. Enrolled acres must have a Nutrient Management Plan. In Pennsylvania, project partners can help eligible farmers develop or update a plan as part of the program.
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PlantMap3D mapping is covered by the program at no cost for the participating farmer.
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The program focuses on multi-species cover crops and the subsequent corn crop where sidedress nitrogen recommendations can be applied.
Take the Next Step
Get More Value from Your Cover Crops
Whether you're already using cover crops or looking for support with nutrient management planning, this program can help you better understand the nitrogen benefits your cover crops provide while accessing funding, technical assistance and innovative precision agriculture tools.
Take the Next Step
Get More Value From Your Cover Crops
© Patrick Flood Photography LLC
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