Agriculture

Nutrient Management (Act 38)

The Nutrient Management Act is a state law that passed in 1993. The regulations became effective in October 1997. The purpose of the Act is to minimize surface and groundwater nutrient loads from agricultural operations. Not only does this protect our groundwater but also increases farm profitability by practicing good nutrient management. For more on this go to our Nutrient Management page.

Benefits of a Conservation Plan

The benefits of having a Conervation Plan include:

Protecting your soil and your farm's productivity.

Improving your soil's fertility and helping manage soil moisture.

Protecting and improving water quality in your area.

Qualifies the producer for eligibility in USDA farm programs.

May help attract desirable wildlife by creating nesting sites and winter cover.

Assists in protecting the productive value of your land for future generations.

Helps the producer comply with environmental regulations.

Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) Program

The Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) Program allows farmers and businesses to earn tax credits in exchange for planning, sponsoring or implementing "Best Management Practices" (BMPs) on agricultural operations that will enhance farm production and protect natural resources. Farmers can also receive tax credits for conversion or upgrading to a No-till cropping system. For more information on REAP, contactPA Department of Agriculture.

Chloraphyll Meter Testing

A chloraphyll meter is a portable, hand held devise that instantaneously measures the chloraphyll content in a plant such as corn. The chlorophyll meter readings of corn leaves can be an indicator of the Nitrogen (N) status of corn plants and the need for additional N for optimum yields. A chlorophyll meter test has many advantages. Taking chlorophyll meter readings of corn plants is easy and rapid. The readings are taken in the field, so no samples need to be collected, processed, and sent to a laboratory for analysis. Results are available immediately in the field. The Conservation District has a chloraphyll meter. Contact the the Conservation District, at 814-849-7463, if you would like to make arrangements to have your corn tested.

Fact Sheets

Ag Safety & Health News

Better Soils with the No-Till System

Chloraphyll Meter Test for Corn

Cover Crops for Conservation Tillage Systems

Cover Crop Questions & Answers

Conservation Catalog

Crop Rotations and Conservation Tillage

Four Steps to Rotational Grazing

Mortality Composting Guidelines

Mortality Disposal in PA

Protecting Water Quality from Ag Runoff

Soil Acidity and Aglime

Soil Testing Fact Sheet

Some Facts about Soil Basics

Successful Transition to No-Till

Pennsylvania’s 58,000 farm families continue to be the stewards of more than 7.7 million acres of farmland. The Jefferson County Conservation District promotes conservation practices in the agricultural community by:

Assisting farmers with improvement of agriculture,

conservation and nutrient management activities.

Administering and publicizing information regarding

Nutrient Management Law (Act 38)

Promoting and assisting in educational events

The District's Agriculture Conservation Technician (ACT) is available to assist farmers with conservation planning and provide technical assistance to farmers interested in doing conservation work on their farms pertaining to agriculture conservation.

Agricultural Environmental Regulations: Am I In Compliance?