LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas farmers and landowners could be eligible for help through a federal program that monitors edge of field water quality on agricultural lands in 111 watersheds throughout the state.
Applicants have until July 18 to submit applications to receive financial assistance through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program. Applicants can sign up at their local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service center.
Producers can use data from the water monitoring to measure the effectiveness of conservation practices such as nutrient management, cover crop and irrigation water management.
Scientists say evaluating the effectiveness of the conservation practices will lead to a better understanding of nutrient and sediment loading and assist in implementing conservation measures.